Sheriff's Specialist

Job Description:

Sheriff's Specialist

Description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: DSA - Deputy Sheriff's Non-Sworn Rank & File Unit

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is recruiting to fill 2 vacancies in the Sheriff’s Specialist classification. The current vacancies are in the Professional Standards and Property & Evidence divisions however, the eligible list may be used to fill vacancies in the Forensic Services Division, Investigation Division, Tech Services, Training/Academy Division, Detention Administration, Internal Affairs, Custody Alternative Facility (CAF), or Field Operations.

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is the largest law enforcement agency in Contra Costa, with over 1,100 sworn and professional employees dedicated to providing the highest level of law enforcement and customer services.

The Office of the Sheriff offers a full range of services to over 1,000,000 residents in the 715-square-mile county. The duties and mission of the Sheriff's Office differ from those of most police agencies. Responsibilities include unincorporated area policing; contract cities (Danville, Lafayette, and Orinda) and special districts; air support (helicopters); marine patrol; dispatch; investigations; coroners; county detention facilities; custody alternative; court security; forensic services; police academy; and Office of Emergency Services.

Sheriff’s Specialists perform a variety of technical support duties in the Office of the Sheriff, including gathering and analyzing data, and the presentation of information; representing the Office of the Sheriff before community groups and individuals; preparing data and reports, and other related duties. Sheriff’s Specialists are assigned to technical support positions that do not require the use of sworn personnel. The specific duties of incumbents in the class vary depending upon their assignment.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is detail-oriented, hardworking, and results-driven, as often multiple assignments and priorities must be balanced in a fast-paced environment
• Maintains focus under pressure and exhibits stable performance under stress or opposition
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing to clearly convey information and ideas
• Can learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
• Can work independently and as part of a team, self-motivated, adaptable, and has a positive attitude

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Handling evidence associated with crimes
• Working with scientific equipment and instrumentation, as well as complex computer systems and databases
• Working cooperatively with sworn and civilian members of law enforcement agencies
• Writing clear and concise reports resulting from your evidence handling duties
• Performing routine support duties, such as participating in inventory counts, ordering unit supplies and materials, maintaining paperwork, and assisting with special projects pertinent to the evidence assigned
• Greeting, escorting, and providing tours of the facility to visitors
• Providing technical assistance and assisting with the training of law enforcement officials and other requesting parties on the correct packaging, preserving, and submission of forensic evidence
• Collecting, analyzing, and redacting records in response to Public Records Act requests and statutory requirements
• Collecting and analyzing records regarding litigation
• Serving as a Custodian of Records while attending court proceedings
• Collecting and handling records and documents to assist sworn personnel with the performance of their duties

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will work with a dedicated team of professionals in an environment that provides learning and training opportunities
• You will have the personal satisfaction that comes from applying your knowledge and skills in a field that directly benefits communities through service to the criminal justice system
• You will gain exposure to the many services offered by the Office of the Sheriff

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work in a stressful environment that includes prioritizing multiple assignments with competing deadlines and encountering disturbing information about crimes
• You may be asked to work overtime to meet the needs of our customers
• You will be asked to handle firearms and biological evidence

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Presentation Skill: Formally delivering information to groups
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks

The eligible list established from this recruitment process will be valid for 6 months and will be used to fill vacancies in the Sheriff’s Specialist classification.

To read the complete job description, please visit the website; www.cccounty.us/hr

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Successful completion of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university which must have included at least one course in each of the following three subject areas: (1) English Composition or Report Writing, (2) Mathematics and (3) Psychology or Sociology

Experience: Two (2) years of full time (or the equivalent of full-time) experience (a) in a position which must have included responsibility for public presentations before groups, or (b) in an administrative or staff support position which must have included responsibilities for preparing written reports and recommendations or (c) as a sworn police officer with at least one (1) year which must have included responsibilities for crime prevention presentations, preparing crime analysis data or conducting background investigations.

Substitution for Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business or public administration, administration of justice, communications or a closely related field may be substituted for the required two (2) years experience.

Substitution for Education: Two (2) additional years of full-time experience as a Sheriff’s Aide with Contra Costa County, or an equivalent class, will substitute for the required 60 semester or 90 quarter units.

Background: Ability to pass a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph, conducted by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

Selection Process

Selection Process:

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.Sheriff's Specialist Multiple Choice Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a Multiple Choice Assessment. The Multiple Choice Assessment will be administered via a web-based platform. The Multiple Choice Assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Sheriff's Specialist classification. These may include, but are not limited to: critical thinking, legal and regulatory navigation, safety focus, attention to detail, professional integrity and ethics, writing and delivering results (Weight 100%).
The Sheriff's Specialist Multiple Choice Assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) on 4/24/26-4/30/26.


The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Christine Bissada at [email protected] . For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 4/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$79,165.25 - $98,631.46 Annually