Deputy Sheriff Cadet

Job Description:

Deputy Sheriff Cadet

Description

What You'll Be Doing

Do you have the heart to serve and the courage to lead? If you answered 'YES', take your first step toward a rewarding career in public safety as a Deputy Sheriff Cadet. At the Wake County Sheriff's Office, we’re looking for motivated, service-minded individuals ready to grow into tomorrow’s leaders in law enforcement. As a Cadet, you’ll receive the training, mentorship and support needed to become a fully sworn Deputy Sheriff. This is not just a job-it’s your gateway to a purpose-driven life of service, community and honor.

This position is for non-certified candidates. If hired, you will attend the Wake County Sheriff's Office Basic Law Enforcement Training Academies in either the fall of 2025 and/or the spring of 2026.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the general law enforcement services required by the Office of the Sheriff
• Serve the public, keep the peace as well as protect the lives, rights and property of all those within the County of Wake
• Provide security for the courts, transport inmates, answer calls from the public, investigate complaints and criminal activity, perform traffic enforcement, develop suspects, arrest perpetrators, serve civil and criminal process as well as other papers as required by the courts, and any other special assignments upon request
• A Deputy Sheriff is expected to be of good moral character, possess sound judgment, make decisions in both normal and emergency situations, and use discretion while carrying out the details of each task
• The applicant must be willing to work various schedules including a 12-hour rotating shift with holidays and weekends

Deputy Sheriff Salary:

Hourly rate for Deputy Sheriff - Cadet is $25.96 per hour ($54,000 annually). After completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy and state certification is obtained, the Deputy Sheriff may receive additional pay incentives, with pay up to $69,594 annually.

NOTES:

Deputy applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of physical ability and fitness by completing the Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) "lite". The test consists of running 40 meters, climbing up and down stairs, completing pushups, and simulating rolling/moving an adult-sized object. The purpose of this physical test is to simulate and measure an officer’s physical ability to respond to a critical incident and apprehend or potentially control a prisoner/suspect. Following submission of this application, you will receive an email to schedule a reading and physical fitness assessment. If you have any questions please contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Recruiting Division at (919) 856-6983.

About Our Team

With a wide array of services, Wake County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow, and play. Wake County Government employs approximately 4400 employees and approximately 1000 of those are employed by the Sheriff’s Office which provides Law Enforcement services throughout the community. With over 850 square miles of area and 1 million residents, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for those in the unincorporated areas of the County. For more information about Wake County Government, visit www.wake.gov and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at www.wake.gov/sheriff.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a valid driver's license and safe driving record
• Must not have been charged or convicted of a felony
• Must not have been charged with a serious misdemeanor (Class B) within the past 5 years AND not have 4 or more total misdemeanor charges
• Candidates must undergo an extensive background investigation including, but not limited to, physical fitness assessment, reading test, medical exam, drug screen and psychological exam
• Must meet all the applicable standards with the North Carolina Sheriff’s Training and Standards Commission as well as the policies of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office
• Must be willing to relocate within 30 miles from the Wake County line

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Physical ability to meet and cope with all demands of law enforcement
• Ability to learn and maintain a working knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures
• Ability to obtain a working knowledge of federal, state and local laws
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, officials and the general public
• Ability to qualify and re-qualify with all mandated weapons in accordance with state laws as well as the policies and procedures of the Office of the Sheriff
• Ability to follow directions, learn policies and procedures as well as act independently, using sound judgment in both normal and emergency situations
• Ability to obtain and maintain full law enforcement certification

About This Position

Location: Public Safety Center Raleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Days, nights, weekends and holidays

Hiring Range: 25.96 - 30.98

Market Range: 24.78 - 42.13

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 9/16/2025

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Salary:

25.96 - 30.98