Spokane County is the most eastern county in Washington State, sitting along the border of Idaho, and is located 92 miles south of the Canadian border. The county offers a unique, vibrant, urban setting, but retains the rural feel for those who desire it. The area serves as a business, medical, transportation, and cultural hub of the Inland Northwest. 

Spokane has been inhabited for thousands of years and was named for the Spokane Indians, whose name in Salish means “children of the sun” or “sun people”.

The region provides an ideal balance for work, education, and recreation. Residents enjoy all four seasons, especially the long, warm, dry summer months that are ideal for camping, water sports, and outdoor activities. There are 78 lakes, 4 major rivers, 5 ski/snowboard areas and over 100 parks within a 50-mile radius. With over 12 affordable public and private golf courses and several new aquatic facilities, there is something for everyone.

Spokane County is proud to have Fairchild Air Force Base, home of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, located in Airway Heights, as the largest employer in the county. Other large employment fields include: medical and health science centers, educational institutions, transportation companies, and businesses.

Higher education institutions, both public and private, surround Spokane County. The following colleges are located within a 100-mile radius: Community Colleges of Spokane, Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, North Idaho College, University of Idaho, and Lewis & Clark State College. Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine accepted it’s inaugural class of medical students in 2017.

SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MISSION STATEMENT

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office will be a positive influence in our community by continuing to improve, promote, preserve and deliver quality services that result in a feeling of safety and security.

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office will accomplish this by working in partnership with the community to enhance our law enforcement effectiveness.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office embraces six ethical characteristics: trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring, and citizenship and is looking for applicants who share and believe in these characteristics while carrying out their assigned duties.

The Sheriff’s Office employs over 250 commissioned deputies, including 3 undersheriffs, 1 inspector, 8 lieutenants, 27 sergeants, and 42 detectives. In addition to patrol duties, opportunities for specialized assignments include: Explosives Disposal Unit (Bomb Squad), Field Training Officer (FTO), Firearms/Armorer Instructor, Investigative Division, Investigative SIIR (Spokane Independent Investigative Response) Team Member, K-9 Handler, Marine Enforcement/Dive Team, SWAT/Hostage Negotiator, Tactical Flight Officer/Air Unit (helicopter), Regional Intelligence Group (RIG9), School Resource Deputy, Traffic Unit, and much more.

Specific questions regarding the Sheriff's Office should be emailed to: recruiting@spokanesheriff.org. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Spokane County Civil Service at: 509-477-4711, Option 2.

All positions within the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office are governed by State Civil Service rules which require specific testing and recruiting procedures.

Deputy positions are represented by the Spokane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

There is no residency requirement to work for the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Employees are not required to live within the county limits. There is no vaccine mandate for COVID-19 for the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.

Spokane County Sheriff's Office - Deputy Sheriff has 22 vacancies.

The eligibility list is a continuous listing and maintained as scores are received from PST. PST scores will be processed by Civil Service regularly and will be merged with the current eligibility list. Vacancies are filled according to the Civil Service "rule of five", in accordance with Spokane County Civil Service Rule XII Certification, Section 1.

Lateral applicants are encouraged to apply directly with the Sheriff's Office. You can find more information online by visiting: SpokaneSheriff.info.

OFFICER CANDIDATE

(WHILE ATTENDING THE ACADEMY)

SALARY
Annual Range: $51,886.35 – $57,323.45

DEPUTY SHERIFF

SALARY
2024 Annual Range: $62,362.80 – $95.643.36

LATERAL POSITIONS WILL BE PLACED ON THE BELOW PAY SCALE BASED ON HIS/HER YEARS OF SERVICE IN PREVIOUS AGENCY

2024 SALARY SCALE FOR DEPUTY SHERIFF:
Step 1 $62,362.80 – beginning
Step 2 $68,902.77 – after 1 year
Step 3 $76,152.28 – after 2 years
Step 4 $84,137.57 – after 3 years
Step 5 $88,348.32 – after 4 years
Step 6 $90,129.24 – after 10 years
Step 7 $91,928.08 – after 15 years
Step 8 $93,758.40 – after 20 years
Step 9 $95,643.36 – after 25 years

SPECIALTY PAY INCENTIVES

Based on % of Step 5 Deputy Pay Rate

• K9 –7.5%
• Marine Enforcement –3%
• Investigative Deputy –3%
• SWAT –3%
• FTO –5%
• Bomb Tech –6%
• Armorer & Firearms Instructor –3%
• Air Support Unit –6%
• Hostage Negotiator – 3%

EDUCATIONAL & LONGEVITY INCENTIVES

Based on your Current Rate of Pay

You are paid either Educational or Longevity Pay (whichever is higher)

• Associate degree –3.5%
• Bachelor’s degree –7%
• Master’s Degree –9%
• 4 years @ SCSO –2%
• 8 yrs @ SCSO –3.5%
• 12 yrs @ SCSO – 5.5%
• 16 yrs @ SCSO –7%
• 20 yrs @ SCSO –9%
• 24 yrs @ SCSO –11%

SHIFT PAY INCENTIVES

Based on % of Top Step Deputy Pay Rate

• Swing Shift –1%
• Graveyard Shift –2%

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE

$2,200.00/year (received after 1 year of service)

Complete information is available from Human Resources Department

This information is subject to change

TAKE-HOME VEHICLE PROGRAM
Deputies that have completed the Field Training program and have been evaluated and cleared for solo patrol will generally have a vehicle assigned to them. They must live within proximity to Spokane County. Deputies may live in adjoining counties and Idaho.

PAID TIME OFF

Spokane County Observed Holidays for Deputy Sheriffs
Up to 6 paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.

Personal Holidays
Up to 7 Personal Holidays (Floating Holidays) are allowed each calendar year.

Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month up to 2.25 days per month for over 25 years of continuous service.

• Members with 1-4 years of service = 12 hours, max 320
• Members with 5-9 years of service = 14 hours, max 320
• Members with 10-14 years of service = 18 hours, max 320
• Members with 15 or more years of service = 20 hours, max 320

Leave Sell-Back
Employees can sell back up to a combined total of 80 hours of vacation and/or personal holidays per year. They can also sell up to 40 hours of accrued Comp time, twice per year (for a total of 80 hours).

Bereavement Days
Up to 5 paid days; 3 days for bereavement leave of qualified family member with up to 2 additional travel days if going more than 125 miles outside of Spokane County.

Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.

Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.

Exercising on Duty
Subject to certain agreements and requirements regarding availability, it is generally allowed for all commissioned staff to exercise during their paid lunch time. This includes Patrol deputies.

Bargaining and Labor Relations
Deputy Sheriffs belong to the Spokane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and also have an Officer’s Bill of Rights in their contract.

Matching Deferred Compensation
1%

INSURANCE BENEFITS

MEDICAL INSURANCE
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Please note that we have two pay periods per month.

2024 RATES:

Premera
Employee Only: $39.18 per month
Employee & Spouse: $154.00 per month
Employee & Family: $215.90 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $140.26 per month

Kaiser
Employee: $38.10 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.12 per month
Employee & Family: $208.00 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.42 per month

DENTAL INSURANCE
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.

Delta Dental
Employee Only: $5.92 per month
Family: $11.84 per month

Willamette Dental
Employee: $6.90 per month
Family: $13.80 per month

Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.

Long Term Disability Coverage
Deputy Sheriff positions are provided a disability plan which pays 66-2/3% of income. For all other employees, disability coverage is paid for by Spokane County and covers 60% of income up to maximum of $5,000 a month..

RETIREMENT

Retirement Plan
Spokane County Commissioned employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System called LEOFF Plan 2 (Law Enforcement and Firefighters). Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.

LEOFF PLAN 2 BENEFITS HANDBOOK Click Here

Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS

AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.

Coverage for pet insurance through Trupanion is available and offered at competitive rates. Contact Human Resources for more information.

Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $100,000 for self and $30,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed. Additional insurance above these limits can be purchased at low group rates with medical history form completed and approved by the carrier.

WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.

Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with Spokane Transit Authority which provides a free bus pass.

Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.

Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.