The Team
Deputy Sheriffs are highly trained peace officers providing protective and enforcement services to the Provincial, Supreme and Appeal Courts of British Columbia (90 court locations). They work closely with members of the judiciary, courthouse staff, legal counsel, accused persons, witnesses, jurors, and the public, alongside other law enforcement and correctional officers. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and smooth operation of all court proceedings, providing protective services and maintaining order. The impact of their work is significant, as they contribute greatly to the safety and accessibility of court services for all British Columbians.
The Role
The main responsibilities of the role are:
- Ensuring the safety of the courts and its users
- Transporting in-custody via ground, water and air
- Managing courthouse detention cellblocks
- Jury management, selection and sequestering
- Intelligence gathering and risk assessment
- Document and Canada wide warrant services
- Assisting the coroner’s court.
This dynamic career path provides paid training, full-time employment with work-life balance, a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a defined pension plan. Deputy Sheriffs play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of individuals within the justice system, making this an immensely rewarding career path for those passionate about public service and community safety.
For more information about the role, please visit the Deputy Sheriff Career Opportunities website.
In order to progress to the rank of Deputy Sheriff, recruits must successfully complete the Sheriff Recruit Training program (SRT). The Deputy Sheriff position has a peace officer and court officer designation, so is held to a high standard of conduct, both on and off duty, by the employer, the public and the courts.
Applicants interested in the Deputy Sheriff position go through an intense assessment process (approximately 6-9 months) requiring a commitment to gathering documentation and submitting copies within specific timeframes. For a detailed list of the assessment stages, documents required, and deadlines, please review the attachment at the bottom of this posting titled “Deputy Sheriff Recruitment Process”. You may want to prepare in advance, by registering early for tests, courses, and/or licences/permits to avoid disappointment and missing deadlines. We regret we cannot accommodate extensions to our deadlines. Please note that as part of the screening process, all applicants will be required to undergo and pass fitness testing, extensive background screening, and medical exams.
Qualifications:
- 19 years or older
- Legally entitled to work in Canada (BC Sheriff Service requires that you be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada at the time you apply for this position)
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent*, as defined:
- High school diploma (e.g. Dogwood Diploma BC); or
- Adult graduation diploma (e.g. Adult Dogwood BC); or
- GED certificate obtained between 1973 and 2014; or
- Graduation with a university degree or two-year post-secondary diploma from an accredited institution (one-year diplomas will not be accepted)
- Valid Class 4 unrestricted BC Driver’s License* or equivalent from another province (with no prohibitions/suspensions, and a maximum of 9 penalty points on a 5-year driver’s abstract).
- Note: It is highly recommended that you book a Class 4 driving test as soon as possible as testing dates are limited with ICBC.
Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
- Education in law enforcement, military service, or other first responder roles
- Volunteer experience in law enforcement, military service, or other first responder roles
- Paid work experience in law enforcement, military service, or other first responder roles
- Experience as a Youth or Adult (Provincial or Federal) Correctional Officer
- A minimum of five (5) years of driving experience within Canada
- Over three years of job-related driving experience (e.g., commercial, patrol, or service vehicles)
- Experience working with or supporting individuals experiencing mental health conditions (or substance use)
For additional information about these preferences, please see the “Preference Qualifications” document attached at the bottom of this posting.
For questions regarding this position, please contact [email protected].
About this Position:
This position is also posted in the North, Bilingual, Island and Interior regions under REQs 124213, 124212, 124214 and 124223.
This posting will be used to fill FULL-TIME positions as they arise in court locations listed above.
The exact location of available full-time positions is normally determined 6-8 weeks before a class begins.
This posting is to establish an eligibility list for future permanent vacancies.
Please refer to MyHR for more information on Market Adjustments.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
Security and Medical Screening:
- Enhanced Security Screening will be required.
- Medical exam will be required.
Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.
With over 200 different occupations available in 280 communities across the province, we offer exciting opportunities for your career. Come be a part of the BC Public Service, a Top 100 Employer that embraces diversity, health and career growth. For more information, please see What We Offer.
How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the post.
Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
Resume: YES - A resume is required as part of your application; however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.
Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS AND TIMELINES (TENTATIVE DATES):
Below are the anticipated timeframes for the selection process. Please note these dates are to be used as a guideline to prepare for the various stages of the application process but are subject to change.
Stage 1
NEW: English Language Proficiency test: August 10- August 14
Stage One Documents: begins August 20
Security Screening Questionnaire: begins August 25
Stage 2
Class 4 learner’s licence deadline: due September 4
Fitness testing (SOFAST): begins September 8
All physical fitness test submissions (internal and external SOFAST, PARE, POPAT): due September 27
Interviews: October 13 to November 3
Stage 3
Conditional Offer of Employment: begin November 4
Past work performance (reference) checks: begin November 12
Medical exams: November 30 to December 11
Enhanced security checks: December 6 to December 18
Trainee Offer of Employment: begin February 1
Sheriff Recruit Training: begins March 1
NOTE: Applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be contacted to submit the required screening stage documentation as outlined in the attachment "Deputy Sheriff Recruitment Process". Applicants who meet the minimum criteria and provide the required documentation may be contacted to begin the assessment process prior to the competition closing date.
Correspondence about this competition will be sent to you from @gov.bc.ca email addresses. Please add @gov.bc.ca to your safe senders list to avoid missing out on these emails.
Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation, taking place on July 29th at 12:30-1:30pm. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.
