SHERIFF'S CORRECTIONS OFFICER

County of S anta Cruz
INVITES YOU TO APPLY FOR:

SHERIFF’S CORRECTIONS

OFFICER
Bilingual (English/Spanish) Candidates

Encouraged to Apply
Supplemental Questionnaire Required

Open and Promotional
Job # 26-RC6-CC

Salary: $6,805 – 9,102 / Month

Hiring Incentive: $10,000 Bonus

upon completion of probationary period which is 20801

Closing Date: Friday, March 27, 2026

County Equity Statement
Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embraces individuals of every

status, providing unwavering support, dignity, and compassion.
Through this commitment, the County ensures intentional opportunities and access, fostering an

environment where everyone can thrive and belong.

Candidates who meet minimum qualifications and provide proof of one of the following will move to the
next step of the selection process*:

A valid POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) T-Score of 42 or higher (issued

within one year) -OR-

Completion of the National Testing Network (NTN) Corrections REACT Written Examination within one

year with a passing score (Video: 65% or higher; Reading: 75% or higher; and Count: 70% or higher)

*Candidates without a T-Score or NTN Scores will be invited to an in-person written examination.

To submit proof, you may: email a copy to: HumanResources@santacruzcountyca.gov; fax it to (831)
454-2240; or mail or deliver in person to County of Santa Cruz - Human Resources Department 701 Ocean
Street, Suite 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

WE ACCEPT T-SCORES FROM OTHER AGENCIES INCLUDING THE POST WORK SAMPLE TEST BATTERY (WSTB)

Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Suite 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Apply online at: www.santacruzcountyjobs.com

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Sheriff's Corrections Officers are assigned to a shift in a maximum, medium or minimum correctional
facility to admit, release, guard and supervise inmates in County Corrections Facilities. Incumbents are
assigned duties involving continuous and direct contact with inmates, are subject to an element of
personal danger in controlling violent inmates and are expected to deal with emergencies. Corrections
Officers are rotated among correctional facilities. Incumbents work twelve-hour shifts, alternating four days
and three days per two-week period.

THE REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from a high school by an association recognized by the US Department of
Education, a satisfactory score on a GED test or a California High School Proficiency Examination certificate.
A two or four-year college degree accredited by an association recognized by the US Department of
Education may be substituted for the high school requirements.

Special Requirements: License Requirement: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at time
of appointment. Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation.

Other Special Requirements: Must be eighteen years of age by the time of appointment; available to work
a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, holidays and on an as needed basis.

Special Working Requirements: Exposure to: heights, such as 40-foot perimeter walls; microwaves; bees;
pollen; loud noises; chemical irritants, such as strong offensive odors; infections which may cause chronic
disease or death and hostile and aggressive persons

KNOWLEDGE: Some knowledge techniques of directing the activities of others, human behavior and
common reactions to stress.

ABILITY TO: Control, direct and instruct inmates individually and in large groups in the performance of work
projects and recreational activities; read, understand, interpret and apply departmental policies, rules and
regulations pertaining to correctional operations and care of inmates; evaluate impartially the
performance and attitudes of inmates; prepare clear and concise reports; follow written and oral orders;
deal effectively with hostile and aggressive persons; interact effectively with the public; work effectively
with individuals from a variety of backgrounds; learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; adopt
quick, effective and reasonable courses of action under adverse and/or emergency conditions;
communicate effectively orally and in writing; lift 55 pounds from floor level, such as lifting an injured or ill
inmate with the assistance of other Corrections Officers; bend and squat continuously for long periods of
time, such as for intake searches; run quickly, such as in response to inmates fighting; walk for long periods;
wear a self-contained breathing apparatus; learn defense and restraint tactics; distinguish colors, such as
warning lights; restrain combative inmates; see at near and far distances, such as reading booking sheets
and observing inmates 40-50 feet away and hear and distinguish a variety of sounds such as alarms and
calls for assistance in a noisy environment.

THE EXAMINATION
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and either provide proof of one of the required
examinations or pass the in-person written examination will be invited to participate in a Physical Agility
Test*.

Physical Agility Test*:

Part 1: Run 220 yards in 1 minute or less
Part 2: Drag a 165- pound dummy 60 feet in 1 minute or less.

Candidates will be allowed two one-minute attempts to pass each part of the physical agility test.
Candidates MUST PASS ALL components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list.

Physical Agility Examination Waiver

Candidates who have completed the POST Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) with a minimum passing
score of 320 within 12 months of applying may waive the physical agility portion of the exam. An official
verification letter must be submitted at the time of application.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: An extensive background investigation including a polygraph examination,
drug screen, and Personal History Statement which includes work, legal, driving, financial and drug
possession histories will be conducted.

Failure of the background investigation will include but is not limited to one of the following:

1. Unlawful use or possession of any unlawful drug within three years of application for employment.
2. Unlawful sales, distribution, manufacture, transportation of an unlawful drug.
3. Use of any unlawful drug during work hours while employed in a job related to public safety or security.
4. Termination from employment or discharge from the military because of a drug test.
5. Conviction or commission of a felony.
6. Conviction or commission of a misdemeanor within the last three years involving conduct that would

adversely impact the candidate’s ability to perform as a law enforcement officer.
7. The conviction or specified misdemeanor within the last ten years per California Penal Code 29805(c).
8. Classification as a negligent operator under the Department of Motor Vehicles:

a. Four or more points in twelve (12) months.
b. Six points in twenty-four (24) months.
c. Eight points in thirty-six (36) months.

9. A peace officer applicant who is the subject of a protective order or a temporary restraining order related to
domestic violence or stalking (California Penal Code section 12021(g)(1) and US Code, Title 18, part 1, Chapter
44, Section 922).

10. Conviction of a misdemeanor containing the elements of domestic violence (US Code, Title 18, Part 1,
Chapter 44, Section 922(d)(9)).

11. Discharge from the armed services of the United States of America under dishonorable conditions (US Code,
Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, Section 911(d)(6)).

12. Termination from a sworn position at a law enforcement agency.
13. Termination from any employment in the past three years for reasons that would adversely impact the

candidate’s ability to perform as a law enforcement officer.
14. Any incorrect representation, verbal misrepresentation or deletion of a material fact on an application,

interview or background investigation.

Any exceptions to the above may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
VACATION - Employees on 5/8 schedule accrue at 14 days per year, rising to 29 days per year after 15 years
of service. Employees on 7/12 schedule accrue at 10 days per year rising to 25 days per year after 15 years
of service. Employees on 4/10 schedule accrue at 12 days and rising to 27 days per year after 15 years of
service. Vacation is available after 1 year of service.
HOLIDAYS - 13 days for employees on 5/8 schedule. Employees on 7/12 schedule receive 7.07% of their base
pay as a holiday differential in lieu of and for holidays. Employees on a 4/10 schedule shall receive one 10-
hour day off per month in lieu of the prescribed holidays.
SICK LEAVE - 96 hours per year
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state
MEDICAL PLAN - The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans. For most plans, County
contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage.
VISION PLAN - County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase eligible dependent coverage.
RETIREMENT - 1959 Survivor’s Benefit plus pension formula 2% at age 50 or 2.7% at age 57 as determined
based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit
determined by final average compensation of three years. County pays a portion of retirement
contribution.
LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $50,000 term policy. Employee may purchase additional life insurance.
DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay for qualifying child or dependent care expenses may elect
this pre-tax program.
H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program.
HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) - Employees may elect this pre-tax program to
cover qualifying health care expenses.
LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN - Employee paid. Provides up to 70% of the first $14,286 of pre-disability
earnings up to $10,000 per month maximum.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.

1Hiring Incentive of $10,000 upon completion of probationary period which is 2080 County service hours.
Employees who separate prior to the completion of three years (6,240 hours) must reimburse the total
amount of the incentive pay received.