Normally, a deputy sheriff of supervisory rank, whose primary duties are to maintain the Sheriff’s Office's performance standards through supervision of deputies while having the ability to perform work involving the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the maintenance of order, the investigation of crimes, and reduction of crimes. The work is performed in accordance with accepted, contemporary policing practices, and Sheriff’s Office regulations.

This position requires consistent attention and commitment to the Sheriff’s Office Vision and Mission. All assigned duties and tasks are expected to be performed in an effective, efficient, and safe manner. The patrol sergeant is responsible to accept and promote the Sheriff's Mission and to comply with its directives. Personal conduct and behavior must be such that it does not bring disrepute to the Sheriff’s Office or unnecessarily endanger the public's trust or confidence in the Sheriff’s Office or its members. The position requires a high level of problem-solving ability, self-initiative, and the ability and willingness to work most of the time without supervision. Successful performers are those who are capable and willing to make decisions that are consistent with the Sheriff’s Offices Vision, Mission, goals, and objectives.

• Salary upon hire is Step 1 ($65.375/hr.) (Base).
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 3 total steps (Top Step $70.710/hr.) (Base). Depending on Tier level and Premiums, Step 3 can currently go up to $78.135/hr.

Major duties at the supervisory level involve general planning, organizing, and directing the operational activities of personnel assigned to a shift. The position involves controlling operational practices through inspection and evaluation. In addition to regular supervisory responsibilities, this position is expected to carry out all duties of a deputy sheriff as needed.

The Patrol Sergeant works under the direct supervision of a command level officer as outlined in the Sheriff’s Office organizational chart. This position receives written annual performance appraisals based on written performance standards.

Supervise assigned staff.

Authority as immediate supervisor for operational activities, consistent with the rules and procedures of the Sheriff’s Office. Reports on operating conditions to appropriate command level officer, including but not limited to supplies, staffing, anticipated events, and problem areas which come to Sergeant's attention. Patrol Sergeants will assume a command role in the absence of a higher-ranking officer when necessary.

Evaluate the performance of subordinate personnel, inspects equipment under his/her control and assures good working order.

Provides support guidance and instructional assistance to subordinate personnel and, by examination for correction or referral, attempts to amend substandard performance, assuring the Sheriff’s Office general efficiency and effectiveness.

Participates in organizational development through planning, research, and evaluation processes.

Reports to the scene of serious crimes and coordinates Sheriff’s Office activities.

Provides supervision and assistance to a squad of patrol deputies in the field. Review reports made by subordinates for accuracy and completeness. Screen arrests, the rights of citizens, and the reasonableness of arrest.

Will act in the absence of a higher-ranking officer.

Serves as link to formal intra-Sheriff’s Office communication, providing accurate and documented communication and maintains an open and effective line of communication with other supervisors for the purpose of coordinating one squad's efforts with all other work groups.

Acts in accordance with unit authority and performs additional duties as required by assignment.

Investigate and report on unit conditions and authority.

Control the activities of assigned staff:

1. instruction and training
2. duty assignments
3. evaluate effectiveness and efficiency
4. enforce Sheriff’s Office rules and regulations

Attend conferences, seminars, and related meetings to keep abreast of modern law enforcement methods. May be called on to attend and/or speak at public meetings as a Sheriff’s Office representative.

Maintain continuous awareness of need for improvements in Sheriff’s Office procedures, methods and techniques, and devises and implements such improvements as appropriate and authorized, in formulation with Sheriff’s Office policies and regulations.

Supervisory:

Direct supervision of deputy sheriffs and other Sheriff’s Office personnel of less than supervisory rank that may be assigned.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

• Minimum 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Ability to obtain officially approved standard first-aid certification.
• 2 years' experience as a Skagit County patrol deputy and a minimum of 4 years as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Must be able to read and write the English Language.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete course work and training such as Basic Law Enforcement School established under the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission, and other in-service training in methods, procedures and techniques of law enforcement work presented by command officers in the Sheriff’s Office or by attendance at special schools.

Requires knowledge of:

• State law and county ordinances, investigative techniques and procedures, rules of evidence, rights of suspects and defendants, and routine police procedures.
• Modern police practices and methods; court decisions concerning admissibility of testimony and confessions; principles of crime and accident prevention; techniques of interrogation; identification and preservation of physical evidence; and the laws relating to search, seizure and arrest and the rules of evidence.
• People of all ethnic and economic groups as they may relate to police agencies.
• First aid principles and skills in their application.
• Skagit County Personnel Manual, Sheriff’s Official Manual, Sheriff’s Official directives, current labor agreement, and the Fair Labor Standard Act.

Requires the ability to:

• Skill in the use and care of firearms and other necessary police tools.
• Plan, supervise, schedule, and evaluate the work of subordinates.
• Use good judgement and make decisions in stressful situations; to analyze and adapt to new situations quickly; to interpret laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations to determine application of the law to any incident encountered; and to advise and assist assigned deputies in interpretation and application of the law.
• Complete clear, accurate, and logical reports; oversee the report preparation of subordinates, and to express verbally oneself clearly and directly.
• Establish and maintain good working and supervisory relations with assigned deputies, and to communicate effectively with the public.
• Good driving ability.
• Objectively and productively manage the work of employees.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid State of Washington Driver's License

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to physically handle persons resisting arrest and/or detention which may involve running, tackling, fist fights and wrestling.

Eyesight must be such that the person can qualify with his firearm twice a year.

Working conditions vary by shift and assignment. Some tasks are performed outdoors while working from a patrol vehicle. If assigned primarily to investigate follow-ups, the work will involve outdoor as well as indoor tasks. This position includes rotating shift schedules and may require work on holidays. Exposure to human bodily fluids and other potentially infectious and hazardous materials is possible. Some tasks require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy loads. Physical flexibility is important because of the need to enter and exit vehicles frequently, search buildings, climb over and around obstacles, and suddenly move out of the way of danger. Mental alertness is important because of the need to make fine distinctions and decisions concerning subtle clues of impending danger and to discover inconsistencies in witnesses or suspect's statements. Physical and mental demands may change dramatically within seconds, and task the maximum of human endurance. Therefore, deputy sheriffs, including supervisor, must maintain a physical and mental state of fitness and readiness that will enable them to handle recurrent contacts and involvements with dangerous people, animals, and equipment. Exposure to violent human behavior is possible. Frequent use of motor vehicles and firearms is to be expected.

Hazards:

Normal hazards in an office environment. Exposure to people who may be angry, defensive, or volatile.

Selection Process:

This is a Civil Service Classified position. Applicants must pass the Civil Service testing process to be eligible for the position. Applicants completing and passing the testing process will be placed on a ranked eligible list for the position. The eligible list will be valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 2 years form the date of certification by the Civil Service Secretary.

Screening Examination: (If more than 8 applications are submitted). All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications may be invited to compete in individual written examinations. The top eight finalist passing the screening examination will be invited to advance to an assessment center examination.

The screening examinations and assessment center examinations will be scheduled at a later date.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination with regard to race, color religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status and/or physical or mental disability in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test, or interview process, please call: (360) 336-9433.