SALARY RANGE

WORK ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

- WOMEN AND MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY -

The 2026 starting hourly rate for Deputy Sheriff is $36.60. Wages for 2027 and future years will be established through the next collective bargaining agreement.

Waukesha County is accepting applications for Law Enforcement Academy Sponsorship. This recruitment is for non-certified/non-academy applicants.

Candidates who are hired from this recruitment will be sent to an 18-week Law Enforcement Academy at FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE in Appleton from March 31, 2027 to August 6, 2027. Academy tuition, hotel, meals and travel expenses will be covered by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office. Upon successful completion of the Law Enforcement Academy, candidates must then successfully complete the Department's Field Training program.

Expect to receive communication regarding the status of your application after November 30, 2026.

Visit Becoming a Deputy to learn more about the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department and becoming a Deputy Sheriff.

Curious about the employee benefits you'll enjoy if selected? Check out our Represented Benefit Summary.

NOTE: If you are a current/active law enforcement officer, a current Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy student (or recently accepted to an academy), or a current/active out-of-state law enforcement officer and wish to be considered for a position with Waukesha County, please consider applying under the Deputy Sheriff (Experienced, Certified, or Current Academy Attendees Only) job posting. 

CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION

To view the full classification specification for Deputy Sheriff click here.  

Minimum Training & Experience Requirements

1. High School Diploma or GED.

2. United States citizen.

3. At least 18 years of age.

4. Sixty (60) credits of post high school education (associate degree level or higher) from an accredited university, college or technical school, preferably in criminal justice, police science, business or public administration, or the social sciences. NOTE: In accordance with the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board, a maximum of 60 credits may be waived by the Board for officers who qualify for a waiver. Waiver must be in effect at time of this application. Visit the https://wilenet.widoj.gov website to learn more about obtaining a waiver. From the home page click on the Training and Standards menu and then Officer Training, Employment, and Reciprocity link.

5. Ability to possess a firearm.

6. No felony convictions.

7. Possession of a valid driver's license.

8. Successful completion of a Physical Readiness Test (PRT), which is a prerequisite for entry into the Academy. View the entrance and exit physical fitness standards.

In addition to the above, candidates must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the essential job functions as listed in the Deputy Sheriff ADA Essential Functions Worksheet. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Candidates under consideration may be subject to an extensive background check and a polygraph examination (potential topics may include drug use, illegal activities, theft, job performance/employment, driving habits, life history, integrity, etc.). An offer of employment will be contingent upon successfully completing a psychological evaluation, medical examination, and a drug test.

Supplemental Information

As part of the hiring process, a select number of candidates will be invited to complete a department-administered Physical Ability Test (PAT)* which, in addition to the physical components of the test, may include pushups, sit-ups and a vertical jump. The PAT is separate from the Academy's Physical Readiness Test (PRT).

*Individuals who secure employment as a Waukesha County Deputy Sheriff are required to pass the department-issued PAT annually.

TENTATIVE INTERVIEW & PRT/PAT DATES:

Physical Readiness Test (PRT) (If selected to advance):

December 6, 2026 (held outdoors)

First Interview (if selected to advance):

December 12 - or December 13, 2026

Second Interview (if selected to advance):

December 19 - or December 20, 2026

Department Physical Ability Test (PAT) (if selected to advance): TBD

NOTE: A PRT certificate from an outside agency will not be accepted unless it has been discussed and approved by Captain Leffler.

Waukesha County is a great place to work! We offer generous benefits such as excellent health-dental-vision-life insurance, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, ample vacation time, training courses, career advancement, and an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health.

About Us:
Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Location:
Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.

EEO:

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.

For further information visit: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov

The County does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.