Sheriff Employment

Lewis County has partnered with Public Safety Testing (PST) to provide application services and testing for citizens interested in applying for a Lewis County Sheriff's Office entry-level Deputy Sheriff and/or Corrections Deputy position.

To complete an application and schedule testing with PST, click on the corresponding link below:

Deputy Sheriff: https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/departments/lewis-county-sheriffs-office/LCSO-Deputy

Corrections Deputy: https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/departments/lewis-county-sheriffs-office/LCSO-CO-Deputy

Lateral applicants for Deputy Sheriff and Corrections Deputy are encouraged to apply by contacting the Background Investigator at 360-740-1350.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Background Investigator at Kevin.Dickey@lewiscountywa.gov.

DEPUTY SHERIFF:

Lewis County Deputies perform work under general supervision that involves the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the maintenance of order, and the investigation of crime. This position is generally under the direction of an Operations Patrol Sergeant, but may at times work independently. The hours of work are variable. Salary range for 2024 is $6,120 - $7,709, plus incentives for longevity, specialty assignments, and education, and is set by agreement with the agency and the Lewis County Deputies Guild.

The current benefit package includes medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as holiday pay, vacation, sick leave, and overtime compensation. Deputies participate in the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Retirement System, and may elect to participate in deferred compensation programs.

Click below for job description and a full list of benefits for the position of Deputy Sheriff:

https://jobs.lewiscountywa.gov#584

CORRECTIONS DEPUTY:

Corrections Deputies are responsible for all aspects of inmate care, including feeding, clothing, answering requests, and providing the secure movement of inmates inside and outside the facility. The overall responsibility of a Corrections Deputy is to provide safety and security to those incarcerated, as well as the public. Corrections Deputies work as part of a team or “squad," working varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Corrections Deputies are expected to be available for overtime work. Salary and benefits are dictated by collective bargaining agreements between the agency and the Lewis County Corrections Guild. The salary range for 2024 is $5,189 - $5,724.

The current benefit package includes medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as holiday pay, vacation, sick leave, and overtime compensation. Corrections Deputies participate in the Washington State Public Employee’s Retirement System, and may elect to participate in deferred compensation programs.

Click below for job description and a full list of benefits for the position of Corrections Deputy:

https://jobs.lewiscountywa.gov#497

• 21 Years of Age
• No Felony Convictions
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License (at time of appointment)
• United States Citizen
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate
• Good Physical Health and Condition

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office conducts a thorough investigation on all candidates. The investigation includes the following: Prior employment references, credit ratings, criminal and driving records, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and a medical evaluation.

Some of the reasons why past applicants have not been accepted for employment or why individuals have had their names removed from the eligibility list after a lengthy and time-consuming testing process include the following:

• Deception at any stage of the employment process.
• Poor credit rating, i.e. a habit of not paying bills on time.
• Work history reflecting incompetence, instability, dereliction of duty, or inability to get along with supervisors/co-workers, etc.
• Failure to provide documentation as required for citizenship, education, etc., for the application.
• Close affiliation with known criminals.
• Patterns of misdemeanor criminal activity.
• Felony criminal activity.
• The use of hallucinogenic drugs.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• The illegal use of any controlled substance within the last three years; usage prior to three years will be considered case by case and may be grounds for removal from the process.
• Vision, hearing or medical problems that potentially may endanger fellow employees, applicant, and/or citizens in the commission of duties.
• Excessive traffic citations or accidents.
• Traffic citations involving drugs or alcohol.
• DUI citations or accidents.
• Driving with an invalid driver’s license or inability to obtain a valid driver’s license.

The above information is provided to determine whether the applicant will proceed with the examination process.

Felony & Criminal Activity Disqualifiers:

Automatic

• Any un-vacated felony conviction as an adult (over 18 years of age).

Potential

• Unlawful sexual misconduct.
• Convicted of any misdemeanor involving theft, sex offense, moral turpitude, or violence. Any act of domestic violence.
• Incarceration for any reason.
• Criminal conduct as an adult.
• The applicant’s association with persons having notoriety for involvement in criminal activity.
• The commission of any act evidencing unfairness, untruthfulness, cheating, dishonesty, or disrespect for the rights of others.
• The commission of acts evidencing recklessness or irresponsibility.
• Use of a prostitute.
• Adult misdemeanor convictions.
• Juvenile felony convictions.
• Knowingly involved in the illegal trafficking (sale, transportation for sale or manufacture) of marijuana or any other narcotic or controlled substance.
• Ever participated with individuals or groups that were involved in criminal activities.
• Conviction of any crime under a domestic violence statute.

Driving Disqualifiers:

Potential

• Multiple traffic infractions (i.e. no liability insurance, no driver’s license, or speeding).
• Knowingly driving without a valid driver’s license or without vehicle insurance.
• Reckless or negligent driving.
• DUI conviction.
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation.

Drug Use Disqualifiers:

Potential

• Use of hallucinogenic drugs such as mushrooms, PCP and LSD within three (3) years of application.
• Being under the influence of and/or unlawful possession of a controlled substance while working in any safety or security sensitive position.
• Knowingly or willingly used any illegal narcotic drug.
• Deriving income through the possession, sale or importation of illegal narcotic drug.

Employment Disqualifiers:

Potential

• Resigning in lieu of termination.
• Fired from any law enforcement agency.
• Significant non-judicial punishment in the military (i.e. Article 15 or Captains Mast).
• Significant history of disciplinary or corrective action, including being late to work and abuse of unscheduled leave.
• Unexplained frequent job turnover.
• Negative personal or professional references.
• Dishonorably discharged from the US Armed Forces.
• Intentional misrepresentation on an employment application.

Financial Disqualifiers:

Potential

• Failure to pay income tax or child support.
• Unresolved credit accounts or items sent to collection agencies.
• Financial or fiscal irresponsibility.

Additional Disqualifiers:

Automatic

• Prejudice or bigotry towards a class of people.
• Falsifying official documents or knowingly giving false information.
• Intentional deception in the selection process for any law enforcement agency.

Potential

• History of behavior demonstrating anger control problems.
• Pattern of fighting (verbal or physical).
• Discriminatory action, including sexual harassment.
• Untreated alcohol or substance abuse.

Click below to be directed to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission website for physical ability test (PAT) requirements:

Physical Ability Test Requirements