Employment Opportunities

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office offers career opportunities in law enforcement, animal control, and administrative support. Current and prospective applicants can review position requirements and submit applications for available or future openings.

Available Positions

Deputy Sheriff
Animal Control Officer
Full- and Part-Time Bailiffs/Trip Guards

Deputy Applicant Information

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is a civil service department. The Deputy Sheriff’s Civil Service Commission conducts competitive written examinations and physical agility testing for entry-level Deputy Sheriff positions. These examinations establish an eligibility list used to fill vacancies within the law enforcement division.

Testing dates and locations will be announced on this website.

Employment Application

How to Apply

  • Individuals interested in employment with the Sheriff’s Office may submit a completed application to the Sheriff’s Office. Applications may be obtained online or in person.
  • Applicants with an application on file will be notified by mail when the next testing date is scheduled.
  • Candidates seeking Veteran Preference Points must provide a copy of their DD Form 214 with their application.
  • Certified law enforcement officers must present proper identification on the date of testing to be excused from the physical agility test.

Physical Agility Test

Applicants must meet the following physical agility standards:

  • 28 sit-ups in one minute
  • 18 push-ups in one minute
  • 1.5-mile run in 14 minutes and 36 seconds

These standards are established under West Virginia Legislative Rule 149-2-8.6a. See the applicable testing information for additional requirements and details.

Deputy Sheriff Qualifications

Applicants must:

  • Pass the civil service written examination and physical agility test
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Meet applicable vision and hearing requirements
  • Be between 18 and 45 years of age
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Be a United States citizen

Candidates selected for employment must successfully complete a polygraph examination, background investigation, and psychological evaluation.

Continued employment is contingent upon qualifying with a department-issued firearm, passing a pre-academy medical screening that includes a drug test, and successfully completing the West Virginia State Police Academy Basic Officer Course.

Deputy Sheriff Benefits

Benefits and opportunities include:

  • 20-year retirement plan through the West Virginia Consolidated Retirement Board
  • Paid holidays
  • Accumulated sick and vacation leave
  • Countywide jurisdiction
  • Department-provided uniforms and equipment
  • Opportunities to gain experience in various areas of law enforcement and civil process

Salary: Current starting salaries and any applicable certification or sign-on incentives should be confirmed with the Sheriff’s Office.

All interested applicants are encouraged to submit an application for future openings.

Animal Control Office

Animal Control Officers (ACOs) respond to complaints of animal cruelty, take possession of abandoned or lost animals, provide care for animals housed at the Animal Control Facility, and perform other duties related to animal control and animal welfare.

ACOs also perform administrative duties, including greeting visitors, answering phones, and responding to inquiries. The position works closely with law enforcement officers and requires individuals to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Employees selected as Animal Control Officers will be approved as Humane Officers.

Employment Application

Animal Control Officer Qualifications

At a minimum, applicants must:

  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Have strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrate excellent customer service skills
  • Be able to work a variable schedule
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check
  • Be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook

Previous experience in animal care and control, law enforcement, or professional investigations is preferred.

Administrative Positions

Administrative positions within the Sheriff’s Office may involve customer service, data entry, records, financial transactions, and other office responsibilities.

Applicants should be prepared to work in a fast-paced environment, handle sensitive and confidential information, interact with the public, and manage multiple tasks efficiently. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook may be required depending on the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact the County Sheriff

Non-Emergency Calls for Service

304-725-8484

Phone

304-728-3205
Fax: 304-728-3299

Address

102 Industrial Blvd,
Kearneysville WV 25430

Hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
By Appointment Only