Sheriff's Captain

Job Description:

Sheriff's Captain

Description

Introduction

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a job-related resume with your application. You may upload an electronic copy during the application process on the tab labeled "Resume" or the tab labeled "Other."

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this classification will be invited to attend the oral examination on Wednesday, November 18 , 2026 (a second examination day will be added on Thursday, November 19, 2026 , if necessary, based upon the size of the applicant pool).

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Management - Safety benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To plan, organize, direct, and manage the activities of a major division within the Sheriff's Office; to coordinate operational and policy activities with other divisions and departments; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Undersheriff and Sheriff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Captain level recognizes positions that provide full line and functional management responsibility for a division or program area within a department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the Undersheriff.

Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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

• Develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; report to the Sheriff and Undersheriff on matters related to the activities of the assigned division.
  
• Plan, organize, and direct activities within a major division, including functional assignment and responsibility for Corrections, Field Operations, Support Services, or the Lake Tahoe Substation within the Sheriff's Office; coordinate work with other divisions and departments.
  
• When assigned to Corrections, manage the operation and maintenance of the correctional facilities within legal boundaries; confer and coordinate daily with other county agencies, courts, and others on matters pertaining to the incarceration, prosecution, transport, care, and custody of inmates; review and take action as necessary on daily disciplinary/incident report and inmate grievances; physically inspect custody portion of main jail and minimum security barracks on a daily basis; implement and oversee programs and expenditures related to the inmate welfare fund and its income sources.
  
• When assigned to Field Operations, organize and assign personnel among shifts; review shift activities through reports prepared by subordinate officers and through conferences with command personnel; instruct personnel in operating procedures; organize and assign personnel as needed for special events or disasters; review activity on particular beats to monitor statistical trends and change operational policies as necessary; ensure proper training of all patrol staff; maintain liaisons with other patrol focused law enforcement agencies as necessary; manage all criminal investigations including narcotics, crimes, against persons, and burglary; give technical advice and assistance to staff; obtain information by interrogation in investigations and surveillance; review and participate in the most complex and difficult cases; prepare and supervise preparation of cases for court; assist in court prosecution and monitor extradition proceedings, including the return of prisoners.
  
• When assigned to Support Services, plan, organize, and assign personnel with regards to communications, operations, personnel, training, records, coroner, civil, evidence, vehicle maintenance, Professional Standards Unit, and other support services; act as liaison with other divisions and county departments; develop and recommend policies and procedures for improved workflow and efficiency.
  
• When assigned to the Lake Tahoe Substation, manage the planning, organizing, and directing of all activities of the substation on a daily basis; plan long term activities for the substation; maintain dialogue with community leaders in the north basin; manage all internal affairs and disciplinary actions; maintain contact and communication with Auburn office.
  
• Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the work plan of an assigned division; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
  
• Prepare the division's budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
  
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
  
• Assess and evaluate a division's efficiency through employee and public input, personal field inspections, and analysis of criminal activity studies and other special reports.
  
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  
• Represent the division to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
  
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
  
• Appear in court to give testimony when required.
  
• Respond to emergencies when off duty; monitor and respond to electronic communications outside of business hours; provide adequate staffing and shift coverage as needed.
  
• Perform Peace Officer duties as required.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions and outdoors in all weather conditions. Duties are performed in close proximity to moving vehicles, individuals who may be dangerous and/or uncooperative, firearms and other weapons, and other environmental conditions related to law enforcement field work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the require knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• 
  

Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in law enforcement work, including at least two years in the classification of Lieutenant with the Placer County Sheriff's Office.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice, behavioral science, public or business administration, or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:

• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• Possession of a valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Advanced Certificate; must be eligible to obtain the Management Certificate within one (1) year of date of appointment.

Special Qualifications:

Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and procedures of police science and administration; modern methods and practices of criminal investigation, control and custody of prisoners, field operations, and correctional facility operations.
  
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
  
• Pertinent local, State, and Federal rules, regulations, and law; pertinent case law; Sheriff's Office rules and regulations.
  
• Geography and road network of the County.
  
• Proper Coroner procedures.
  
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
  
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
  
• Principles and practices of policy development.
  
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
  
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
  

Ability to:

• Organize and direct the activities of a major division within the Sheriff's Office; plan, assign, instruct, and supervise the work of subordinate officers engaged in law enforcement and corrections.
  
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations, and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department- related issues; remember various personnel rules; focus on a single task for long periods of time; work with frequent interruptions; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks; explain and interpret policy.
  
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine hand manipulation; see with sufficient visual acuity to perform essential job functions; hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; use telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate through written means; lift light weight.
  
• On an intermittent basis, walk and stand for long periods of time; bend, twist, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl to access office and field work equipment and to perform field activities; climb stairs and/or ladders; twist while making arrests; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; intermittently wear utility belt and other law enforcement equipment of approximately 30 pounds; intermittently lift very heavy weight.
  
• Perform the most complex work of the department.
  
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  
• Enforce the law firmly, tactfully, and impartially; interact courteously with the general public, subordinates, employee organizations, other County departments, and other agencies.
  
• Skillfully and properly use and care for firearms.
  
• Maintain good physical, emotional, and mental condition to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position; meet and maintain required peace officer employment standards to safely and effectively perform assigned duties.
  
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; resolve conflicts in an effective manner; obtain information through interview and interrogation.
  
• Interpret and make decisions in accordance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
  
• Prepare and administer a budget.
  
• Supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
  
• Implement a participatory management program throughout the department and motivate staff by inclusion.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  
• Work effectively in stressful situations; act quickly and calmly in emergencies.
  
• Analyze situations accurately, adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action, giving due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances of each situation; exercise good judgment and make sound decisions under a variety of conditions; employ de-escalation techniques when safe and reasonable.
  
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  
• Work irregular or prolonged hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, shift work, and/or after hours.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Oral Examination (100%)

The oral examination will be conducted by a panel of raters who will assess and rate the degree to which each applicant demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required for this classification. Applicants’ responses to a series of job related questions, as well as their education and experience, will be rated in relation to the requirements for this classification.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this classification will be invited to attend the oral examination on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 (a second examination day will be added on Thursday, November 19, 2026, if necessary, based upon the size of the applicant pool).
NOTE: There will not be alternative, or make-up exam date(s) scheduled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Conclusion

Recruitment Contact

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

• Andrea Hamilton, Administrative Technician
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (530) 886-4664

Closing Date/Time: 10/21/2026 5:00:00 PM

Salary:

$86.71 - $108.29/hour; $15,029.73 - $18,770.27/month; $180,356.80 - $225,243.20/year