Jobs Deputy Sheriff

Summary

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office is excited to provide notice that the Civil Service Commission of Pottawattamie County will conduct written and physical examinations for the position of DEPUTY SHERIFF on October 14, 2023. 

Those interested must apply online first to be eligible for the written and physical exam.  Once an online application has been submitted, additional information will come through email and/or text correspondence. We strongly encourage applicants to sign-up to receive text messages during the application process. 

Click Here for the Civil Service Examination Notice and maps for testing location on Oct. 14, 2023. 
 
A Deputy Sheriff is responsible for the performance of law enforcement duties in an effort to protect life and property, enforce local, state and federal laws and to prevent, detect and/or investigate criminal activity.

Starting a career with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office, you'll become part of a dynamic, forward-thinking law enforcement family who is passionate about the work it does; rather it's patrolling on the road in our rural communities or working in our Civil or Court Security Divisions, you'll find working with us is a real way to make a difference every day through building partnerships with the communities we serve. 


At Pottawattamie County we value our employees and work-life balance. Read below about what you can expect when you embark on a career journey with Pottawattamie County: 

View Pottawattamie County's extensive Benefits Package HERE!

Generous paid time off including 11 paid holidays, sick leave (144 hours per year for year 1) and vacation time (80 hours per year for year 1), and the opportunity to earn up to 100 hours of comp time per union contract.

Other Benefits specific to the position of Deputy Sheriff:

• Higher pay/steps offered at Sheriff's discretion based on experience. 
• take home patrol car.
• Perfect balance of rural and urban patrol areas.
• Schedule: 12-hour shifts; 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off.
  • 84 hours worked every 14 day pay period -- each employee required to take 4 hours earned time off per pay period.
• Uniform allowance of $1,000 per contract year for purposes of furnishing standard equipment.
• Specialty pay available to Deputies assigned to specialty assignments including K9, Crisis Negotiation, Bomb Squad, Emergency Response Team, Traffic Investigation and Investigators.
  • Career advancement opportunities available! 
• Shift differential incentive pay of $.90/hr. for 6pm-6am shift (2023-2024 contract year), increasing to $1.00/hr. incentive pay for 6pm-6am shift (2024-2026 contract year).
• Recently renovated Sheriff's Office with brand new fitness equipment/room. 

Essential Functions

Patrol an assigned area to prevent and/or detect violations of local, state and federal laws.

 

Apprehend individuals responsible for criminal activity according to established policies and procedures to prevent further harm, damage or danger to property or the public.

 

Conduct investigations of criminal activity according to established procedures.

 

Complete detailed and accurate reports and other official records that document a Deputy’s

activity or involvement in all incidents.

 

Serve and enforce legal documents, warrants or related official criminal or civil papers including, but not limited to, warrants, subpoenas, court orders, writs, garnishments and summons.

 

May be assigned to work in a specialized area of law enforcement including, but not limited to, D.A.R.E., criminal investigation, accident investigation, firearms instruction or the K-9 unit.

 

Prepare accurate initial reports or documents for the County Attorney, Judiciary or Clerk of the Court regarding the filing of charges against suspects in criminal activity.

 

Perform appropriate activity according to established departmental procedure that protects those in immediate danger of injury or death at the hands of another person or persons.

 

Respond to incidents of injury or accident and summon or administer medical or other aid.

 

Provide testimony in court proceedings as necessary.

 

Transport prisoners to and from detention facilities according to established procedures.

Restore and maintain order in areas of individual, family or public crisis.

 

Perform community relations functions through performance of duties or as assigned.

 

Operate and maintain assigned departmental vehicles and equipment according to established procedures.

Perform other duties as directed or as the situation dictates.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

General knowledge of and ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.

 

Good knowledge of and ability to utilize correct grammar, spelling and punctuation in preparing required reports.

 

Ability to understand and apply the basic principles and techniques of law enforcement.

 

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

 

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to complete standardized report forms and compose brief descriptive narratives.

 

Ability to utilize sound independent judgment in stressful and emergency situations.

 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, law enforcement agencies, prisoners, government officials, supervisors and fellow employees.

 

Ability to maintain the confidentiality of all departmental communications, documents and correspondence.

 

Ability to type accurately using a typewriter, word processor and/or personal computer.

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses

Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the high school GED test.

Must obtain certification as required by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy within twelve months of the date of hire.

Sheriff's Office applicants are encouraged to visit the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office page to read about minimum qualifications for employment, before submitting an application.   Applicants must successfully pass the written exam and physical agility test to be placed on the eligibility list.   

If you are a veteran and qualify for veteran's preference points, you will be required to bring a copy of your DD-214 or your active duty military identification card with you to the written examination.