Deputy sheriff career opportunities

Upon hire, new recruits are scheduled to attend mandatory Sheriff Recruit Training (SRT) at the Sheriff Academy at the Justice Institute of B.C. There's no cost to recruits for training. While attending the 14-week SRT, deputy sheriff recruits receive a salary equivalent to $50,190.86 per year. Individuals already employed by the B.C. Government, and going through recruit training, will fall under salary protection guidelines. Individuals attending from outside the Lower Mainland are eligible to receive a living allowance.

After the completion of the sheriff recruit training and as a condition of employment, recruits are required to sign a return of service agreement. The agreement states that if the individual does not remain in the employment of the BC Public Service for two years after hire, they commit to repay their training costs on a pro-rated basis based on how long they've been employed.

After graduating SRT, deputy sheriffs receive an annual salary of $69,760.70 to $79,322.69. This range includes a 3 Grid Temporary Market Adjustment.

In addition, the annual salary, eligible deputy sheriffs also receive the following:

• A retention incentive payment of $10,000 annually, payable in two semi-annual installments of $5,000 and pro-rated for partial periods of employment, and
• A competitive benefits package worth approximately $19,500 to $27,000 annually

Application Process:

The online application records responses on how applicants meet the listed qualifications. In addition to completing the online application, all applicants are required to submit documented proof of their qualifications. This includes emailing copies of their identification, certificates, and records to the Court Services Branch (CSB), BCSS Recruitment Office.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 19 years of age
• Legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizenship or permanent residency)
• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent (for example: Adult Dogwood Diploma or GED)
• Valid class 4 unrestricted B.C. driver’s licence or equivalent from another province
  • A Class 1, 2, or 4 unrestricted driver’s licence is required for the job. However, you may apply with a Class 3 or 5 driver’s licence if you obtain and submit proof of your Class 4 learner’s licence. Before training begins, you will need to obtain and submit proof of your Class 4 unrestricted driver’s licence.
• Safe driving record (driver’s abstract)
  • No prohibitions/suspensions and a maximum of 9 demerit points

Applicants who successfully send all documents and pass the Security Screening Questionnaire (PDF, 2MB) will be invited to the assessment stage that includes the following elements. Applicants must pass all tests and checks.

• Written evaluation
• Completion of one of the following physical abilities tests with a documented passing time of 4 minutes and 15 seconds within the previous six months before the first day of training. Fees for the SOFAST will be covered by the BC Sheriff Service, but costs for any other tests are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Sheriff Officer Fitness and Agility Strength Test (SOFAST) (PDF, 229KB)*
  • Police Officer Physical Ability Test (POPAT)
  • Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE)
• Competency-based interview: Applicants will be required to provide answers to both behavioral and situational questions and will also be assessed on both verbal and written communication skills.
• Work performance reference check
• Enhanced security screening
• Computer stress voice analysis test
• Comprehensive medical examination

Please read the Deputy Sheriff Recruitment Requirements (PDF, 141KB) for more details.

*Please note that regardless of the physical abilities tests taken during the application process, if you successfully complete the entire hiring process, you will be required to run SOFAST on the first day of SRT, and passing it is mandatory.

New recruits enter the BCSS as deputy sheriffs and are provided with opportunities for continuing education, skill specialization and career advancement.

Deputy sheriffs are able to advance their careers by pursuing opportunities to become:

• Sergeants
• Staff sergeants
• Inspectors
• Senior inspectors
• Superintendents
• Deputy chief
• Chief sheriff

The highest-ranking sheriff is the chief sheriff who reports to the assistant deputy minister. Check out this graphic to understand the ranks and responsibilities in more detail.

Deputy sheriffs can advance their careers through:

• Becoming an instructor for new recruits or in-service members across all disciplines (legal studies, carbine, pistol, force response options, advanced transport)
• Specialized training for advanced transport and carbine
• Specialized training including protective services and provincial intelligence officers for local courthouses through an integrated threat assessment unit (ITAU)
• Team leads on high-security event trials and transport
• Working group opportunities
• Vehicle management
• Acting supervisor
• Ceremonial unit
• Block II field trainer (mentoring for new recruits)
• More opportunities may arise depending upon the court location you work with, such as jury management, recruitment events and opportunities and promotional/instruction videos