Minimum qualifications: 

• At least 21 years of age at date of Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy graduation and at least 20 years of age at date of application

• High school diploma or successful completion of a U.S. Department of Education recognized GED testing program

• U.S. citizen

Special requirements:

• Must never have been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor or crime of moral turpitude
• Must be able to obtain a Class "A" medical rating in the assigned medical group before appointment
• Must be a non-smoker at time of appointment and willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement to refrain from smoking both on and off duty
• Must possess a valid motor vehicle driver's license without a negative point balance at the time of appointment

All Deputy Sheriff recruits attend the six-month Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, which includes classroom and practical training as well as training with firearms and emergency vehicles. Prior to the Academy, Deputy Sheriff recruits receive an additional four weeks of training to earn certification in jail operations, court security and civil process. Recruits are Sheriff's Office employees; therefore, all training, uniforms and equipment are paid for by the Sheriff's Office. At the completion of Academy training, successful recruits will graduate and take an oath to become sworn law enforcement officers. New Sheriff's deputies must successfully complete a 10-week field training program under the mentorship of a tenured deputy.

The starting salary is $53,189 (Grade C17, Step 1). If you meet additional criteria beyond the minimum requirements, you may qualify to start at a higher step. Each next step is 5% higher than the previous step. 

• Step 1: Criteria A
• Step 2: Criteria A and Criteria B
• Step 3: Criteria A and one additional criteria C, D or E
• Step 4: Criteria A and a combination of any two criteria C, D or E
• Step 5: Criteria A and Criteria C, D and E
• Step 6: Criteria A and Criteria F

Criteria A: Meets minimum requirements

Criteria B: Associate degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university.

Criteria C: Minimum of two years of full-time experience as a certified law enforcement officer, certified corrections officer or jailor with favorable references from current or previous corrections or law enforcement employer(s)

Criteria D: At least a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited four-year college or university

Criteria E: Minimum of three years of active military service, an honorable discharge and a DD Form 214

Criteria F: Minimum of two years of full-time experience as a certified law enforcement officer in the state of Virginia and a current DCJS certification with favorable reference(s) from current or previous law enforcement employer(s)

FY 2022 Deputy Sheriff Compensation Plan - includes Grade C17 and steps

No. If you are certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, the only training you will have to take as a recruit is the four-week deputy school to become certified in jail operations, court security and civil process. You will then be sworn in as a Fairfax County Deputy Sheriff and start your 10-week field training program.

1. Visit Fairfax County's Career Pages: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfaxcounty and search Deputy Sheriff. Click on the job title to read the full job description. Then click Apply in the top right corner.
2. If you do not already have an account, you will be prompted to create an account so you can apply for the job. We do not accept resumes.
3. Candidates invited to continue in the process will be required to complete a comprehensive background check, medical exam, polygraph exam and psychological exam.

The hiring process takes four to six months. You will be hired no more than two weeks before training is scheduled to begin.

Deputies begin their careers in the Adult Detention Center, which has 12.5 hour shifts. The day shift is 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The night shift is 6:30 p.m.-7 a.m. The schedule is 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off, and repeat. (You will have alternating 3-day weekends off.)

Deputies who retired from other law enforcement agencies may be offered assignments in the courts rather than the ADC, depending on availability. That schedule is typically 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Deputy Sheriffs participate in Fairfax County's Uniformed Retirement System with normal service retirement after 25 years of service or age 55 with six or more years of service.

No. 

Yes. Deputies may choose to work a variety of overtime assignments. Most are available on a first come, first served basis.

Sure! Email the applicant recruiting office or leave a message with your contact information at 703-246-4105.