Deputy Sheriff - Certification Required

About the Role

This is certified level protection work for sworn officers in both Civil and Criminal enforcement within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Employees in this class are responsible for transporting prisoners from State, County, City, and courthouse institutions to courts, providing protection for courthouse, judicial staff, and public safety for all judicial facilities, and maintaining custody of prisoners during legal proceedings. Positions in this class perform both criminal and civil enforcement, serve legal documents, and enforce laws as outlined in C.S. Title 18, C.S. Title 75, and Title 231. This work involves regular exposure to unpredictable conditions and physical effort is frequently required. Work is performed under the close supervision of a higher-level deputy sheriff.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Diverse and inclusive work environment

Requirements

The following represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.

• Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.
• One of the following valid at any time during the past 3 years:
  • Current Deputy Sheriff Training Act II-114 certification, OR
  • Deputy Sheriff Training Act II-114 certification that was valid at any time during the three-year period immediately prior to the thirtieth (30) day after the last date for filing applications for the examination for this class, OR
  • Completion of the Deputy Sheriff’s Training Act II-114 training under Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

Preferences

• U.S. Veteran's Preference: Ten points will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who are honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered. Required documentation: DD214, member 4, or NGB-22.
• Legacy Preference: Ten points for children and grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers killed or died in the line of duty. Required documentation: proof of relationship and death certificate of the deceased parent or grandparent.
• National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to five points for eligible national volunteers who have completed service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA.
  • Five points for a two-year term of service.
  • Three points for a one-year term of service.
  • One to five points for 450 to 1700 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
• Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Preference: Up to five points for candidates who graduated from a CTE program of the School District of Philadelphia within the three-year period immediately preceding the examination announcement. Required documentation: high school transcript with completion of CTE Program.
• Residency Preference: Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over others with identical test scores.

Schedule

An Eligible List will be established the week of October 26, 2026. Please note that this date may change.

Additional Information

• Type of Exam: Modified Training and Experience Evaluation. Approved applicants will receive a score of 70 and any additional preference points and be ranked on the eligible list.
• Residency Waiver: The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment. Establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one year after appointment.
• Indebtedness Notice: As a condition of employment, candidates must certify they are current on all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other obligations due to the City of Philadelphia or have a payment agreement. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of the appointment.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov.