Sheriff's Sergeant (Departmental Promotional Only)

Salary : $143,208.00 - $179,004.80 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: H044S
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 03/17/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 65

Description
Attention all County of San Mateo Deputy Sheriffs - this is your opportunity to promote to Sheriff's Sergeant!
Sheriff's Sergeants, under direct supervision and in accordance of a rotating assignment plan, are responsible for the effective supervision, direction, and active participation in the activities of personnel within a designated unit of the Sheriff's Office. To excel in this role, candidates must showcase their proficiency in collaborative problem-solving techniques and their ability to exemplify positive community engagement skills.

The ideal candidate for the position should champion integrity and ethics and be committed to promoting transparency through active community engagement at all levels of the organization. They should be approachable, politically astute, and passionate about public service. Additionally, they should be a conscientious team builder who leads with humility, kindness, consideration, and understanding. They should possess strong leadership skills and be able to provide clear and consistent instructions to promote effective communication among Sheriff's Office personnel and the public. The ideal candidate should also be a passionate and experienced leader who can build strong partnerships and develop innovative approaches to increase public safety and enhance the quality of life for the residents of San Mateo County

The ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:

• The equivalent of three years' full-time continuous experience as a Deputy Sheriff in San Mateo County OR the equivalent of five years' full-time California law enforcement experience, including a minimum of two years as a Deputy Sheriff in the County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office, and possession of an Advanced Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Completion of at least two years of education at a college or university. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Broad experience that encompasses a diverse range of assignments within the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is preferred.
• A clear and compelling vision for the future of the Sheriff's Office and the ability to effectively communicate it to their team.
• Ability to anticipate trends, identify opportunities, and develop innovative strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.
• Receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback from others. Actively seeks input from diverse sources and encourages a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Ability to challenge their own assumptions and adapt their strategies based on new information.
• Possess a high degree of self-awareness, understanding their own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Ability to lead with empathy and understand and relate to the emotions of their team members, fostering a supportive and positive work environment.
• Has a strong commitment to personal and professional growth and staff development.
• Ability to bounce back from setbacks and overcome challenges. Views obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning, inspiring their team to persevere in the face of adversity. Skilled in finding creative solutions to complex problems.
• Has a thirst for knowledge and continuously looks for opportunities to expand their own skills and expertise.
• Track record of building strong, trust-based relationships with their team members and stakeholders.
• Skilled communicator and listener who fosters open and honest dialogue. Promotes collaboration, delegates effectively, and empowers their team members to take ownership and contribute their best.

Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, train, assign and supervise the work of sworn and civilian personnel assigned to any division in the Sheriff's Office.
• Visit the scenes of crimes, emergencies or accidents to assist and supervise deputies.
• Instruct subordinates in law enforcement work.
• Perform technical work in the analysis, and evaluation, of information contained in official reports.
• Perform the more difficult field assignments.
• Make or supervise levies of attachment and execution on real and personal property, bank accounts, and salaries.
• Investigate complaints of crimes and disturbances.
• Interview suspects, witnesses, and other interested persons in connection with reported crimes.
• Assign duties and schedule shifts of Deputy Sheriffs.
• Understand the issues of diverse communities and develop hiring programs and practices that support building a multicultural and multiracial workforce.
• Develop and train personnel in departmental policy, procedures, techniques and routines that demonstrate transparency and impartiality at all levels within the organization.
• Supervise staff engaged in the reception, detention, and proper release of incarcerated persons, including education counseling, work therapy and other measures related to the rehabilitation of adult offenders while in custody.
• Coordinate and conduct in-service training programs.
• Meet with department staff and allied agencies to ascertain training needs and develop appropriate programs.
• Assist in routine personnel processes and provide information on personnel policies and procedures to employees.
• Write and maintain complete and accurate reports and correspondence records.
• Appear in court to present evidence collected.
• Conduct Sheriff's sales of personal property.
• Take fingerprints, photographs, and other forms of evidence.
• Prepare reports and submit recommendations for disposition of cases.
• Counsel juveniles and discuss with parents the ways and means to correct anti-social behavior.
• Conduct group counseling programs for both staff and incarcerated persons.
• Act as superior officer in taking charge of assigned special activities.
• Identify crimes and criminals by application of modus operandi techniques.
• Work with public and private organizations and agencies in programs and activities to prevent and control criminal conduct.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

County Status:
Only current County of San Mateo employees in the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply.
Experience and Education:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

• A typical way to qualify is three years' experience as a sworn peace officer in a public law enforcement agency.

Knowledge of:
Law enforcement principles and practices used in investigative activities; rules of evidence; criminal law with respect to apprehension and arrest of persons; methods and terminology of the modus operandi system; criminal laboratory techniques and means of developing and preserving latent fingerprints; civil functions of the Sheriff's Office; juvenile courts and parental responsibilities; principles and practices applicable to the operation of modern correctional facilities at the County level, including education, counseling, and other measures related to the rehabilitation of adult offenders.

Skill/Ability to:
Instruct and direct the activities of Deputy Sheriffs in law enforcement and crime detection; establish and maintain an efficient classifying and indexing system; gather, analyze, correlate, and evaluate observed facts and evidence; prepare clear and accurate reports; deal effectively with juveniles, parents and interested groups; supervise others and to secure the cooperation of subordinates; adequate records of work schedules, assignments, etc.; make quick, effective and reasonable decisions and to take appropriate action in emergencies; deal courteously, tactfully and effectively with the public; exercise good judgment, demonstrate maturity and command respect; meet State of California medical and physical standards for law enforcement personnel.

License:
Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.
Application/Examination

Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply.

Responses to supplemental questions are required and must be submitted in addition to the standard San Mateo County employment application. A resume or reference to a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions.

A comprehensive resume and cover letter must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application. Applicants must ensure that their cover letter clearly articulates the most significant contribution they will bring to the position of Sheriff's Sergeant. The resume and cover letter must be attached to your online application. Do not mail, email, fax or deliver these documents to the Sheriff's Office or Human Resources. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application, resume, cover letter and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to an assessment center (weight: 100%). Details of the assessment center will be provided on the day of the assessment and may include all or a combination of the following exercises:

• Structured oral interview
• Role play exercise
• Tactical exercise
• Oral presentation (Topic of the presentation and detailed instructions for this assessment will be provided in advance to qualified candidates with confirmation of assessment center invitation.)

Candidates must complete all components of the assessment center for consideration of placement on the eligible list which will be used to fill current and possible future vacancies. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button.If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Monday, March 31, 2025 by 11:59PM PST
Application Screening: April 7, 2025
Assessment Center: Week of April 28, 2025

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.

At the County of San Mateo, we welcome and celebrate the diversity of our employees, and strive to create a workplace where they feel valued every day.
Analyst: Ximena Burns (03172025) (Sheriff's Sergeant - H044)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.

Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
NOTE: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 may be subject to new Pension Reform retirement laws.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants for the position of Sheriff's Sergeant must submit a standard online County employment application form that includes their most current work history AND they are also required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process.
Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process.
A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses. Please indicate that you have read and understand these instructions.

• I have read and understand that I must submit a complete standard online County employment application and are also required to submit responses to the supplemental questions. Applications submitted that do not include the most current work history will not be accepted.

02

Applicants for the position of Sheriff's Sergeant must also attach to their online application an updated comprehensive resume and cover letter that clearly articulates the most significant contribution they will bring to the position of Sheriff's Sergeant.

• I have read and understand this important information and have attached my resume and cover letter accordingly.

03

This is a Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the Sheriff's Office with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply. Do you meet this requirement? (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)

• Yes
• No

04

In addition to the experience listed on your application and resume, describe how your leadership and communication skills will contribute to advancing the vision and direction of the Sheriff's Office.
05

Reflecting on your professional growth, please describe how you have developed as a leader in the past year and elaborate on the avenues you pursued to seek knowledge and growth opportunities in your leadership development.
06

Provide an example of a time when you connected with someone in the community-whether inside thejail or in the broader public-in a way that led to a better outcome? How did you demonstrateunderstanding, sensitivity, or responsiveness to their situation, and what was the impact of yourapproach?
Additionally, what is the proudest accomplishment you have made that has positively impacted the communities we serve in the last two years?
Required Question