Deputy sheriff career opportunities

Last updated on August 30, 2024
Are you looking for a dynamic career in the B.C. justice system with paid training and a competitive salary and benefit package? The British Columbia Sheriff Service (BCSS) offers full-time employment that provides favourable work-life balance. We're hiring deputy sheriffs across the province.

For more information about this role, read the Deputy Sheriff Job Profile (PDF, 254KB) and visit About the BC Sheriff Service.

On this page:


What are sheriffs in B.C.?

Now Hiring: Sheriffs across BC

Sheriff Crest

Mission: The British Columbia Sheriff Service (BCSS) continues to be committed to the integrity and protection of the court system in British Columbia through service and operational excellence.

Vision: Continue to be recognized as an international leader in providing protective and enforcement services for the B.C. justice system.

BCSS is a division of the Court Services Branch in the Ministry of Attorney General. BCSS offers exciting careers in a law enforcement environment in 89 court locations throughout the province.

Deputy sheriffs are provincial peace officers who work closely with different partners in the justice system to ensure all levels of courts in the province are operating smoothly and safely. They provide protective services for the judiciary, crown, defense, public and court staff, as well as all participants in the system. Deputy sheriffs work to provide a safe environment while participating in or delivering justice services for the province.

Deputy sheriffs work under the provincially mandated British Columbia Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS) when planning and delivering security for high security and high profile trials.

Responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring the safety of the courts and its users
  • Coordinating court appearances, including high security situations
  • Transporting in-custody via ground and air
  • Managing courthouse detention cellblocks
  • Jury management, selection and sequestering
  • Intelligence gathering and risk assessment
  • Document and Canada wide warrant services
  • Assisting the coroner’s court

What we offer:

  • A benefits package and defined pension plan that supports employees and their families
  • A collaborative and engaging team
  • A diverse workplace
  • A flexible work environment
  • Competitive salaries
  • Professional development
  • An opportunity to build and advance your career in the public service
  • Work-life balance
  • Relocation packages to people who must relocate for a position

 

Compensation

Upon hiring, 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.

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 2 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 to annual salary, eligible deputy sheriffs also receive the following:

  • A recruitment and 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

Application Process:

View and apply for current opportunities through the B.C. government job postings page. 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 license 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.
  • Competency-based interview
  • 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.
 

Training

All selected deputy sheriff recruits undergo mandatory Sheriff Recruit Training (SRT) at the Sheriff Academy at the Justice Institute of B.C. in New Westminster. SRT consists of two blocks of training, as follows:
 
  • Block I is 11-weeks of onsite training at the Justice Institute of B.C. This period focuses on the skills necessary to perform the role of a deputy sheriff.
  • Block II is a three-week field-based training program where recruits enter a work location under the direct guidance of a specifically trained deputy sheriff, or training officer, who supports and evaluates the recruit.
 
Deputy sheriff recruits are employees of the Court Services Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General and receive a training wage while completing their training. Please see the above information on compensation for specific salary details. Individuals attending from outside the Lower Mainland are eligible for travel and accommodation costs.
 
The Sheriff Academy also offers further training as deputy sheriffs choose to advance in their career within BCSS and require more training. For more information about the Sheriff Academy, please visit the Justice Institute of B.C. Sheriff Academy webpage.
 

Career advancement

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 are able to 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

BCSS lateral transfer policy

Deputy sheriffs who have been recruited and hired to a position in an outer region, including Vancouver Island, Interior and North Regions will be required to remain at that location and cost centre for a minimum of 2 years before being eligible to apply to other locations under the BCSS lateral transfer policy.

Deputy sheriffs assigned to the Central Float Board directly from SRT will not be considered to have accepted a permanent posting and will be eligible to apply to all vacant positions within the province under the BCSS lateral transfer policy.

 

New applicant FAQs

Deputy Sheriff Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 347KB)

Contact us

For more information, please contact the B.C. Sheriff Service by calling toll-free 1-877-372-3456 or email BCSheriffs@gov.bc.ca.

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Next application intake

Please check back for more updates about our next deputy sheriff intake.

Contact information

For more information, please contact the B.C. Sheriff Service.

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