The Clark County Sheriff's Office differs from other county departments in that it is governed by the Revised Code of Washington, 41.14, Civil Service for Sheriff's Office. Civil Service requires additional components in the recruiting process.

Testing/Oral Board Interviews

Candidates (depending on position) will be required to participate in a testing process. Those who pass the tests will be invited to an oral board interview that will consist of a three to four-member interview panel who will ask the same position-related, pre-established written questions of all candidates.  Panelist evaluations are averaged to determine candidate interview scores.

Eligibility list

All candidates who successfully pass the oral board interview will be placed onto the Clark County Civil Service eligibility list for the Sheriff’s Office Specialist II position.  The Civil Service Commission will review and certify the list to be in effect for one year from the date of list certification.

Background interview / investigation

The Sheriff's Office conducts a comprehensive investigation based on information provided in a candidate's Personal History Statement covering the high school years to the present. 

NOTE: A polygraph examination is conducted as a part of the interview process with the background investigator.

Final interview

The top five candidates who pass all phases of the recruitment process are considered for employment.

Post-offer process

The top five candidates who pass all phases of the recruitment process are considered for employment offers contingent upon passing the post offer process.

Veteran's preference

Veteran's preference will be granted to qualified candidates, per RCW 41.04.005. Each will have either 5 percent or 10 percent added to their final score prior to list ranking for all Sheriff's Office positions, in accordance with RCW 41.04.010 and 73.16.010. To claim veteran's preference, candidates must attach a DD214 military discharge form to their application.

Clark County Sheriff's Office employment qualifications

You cannot be a Clark County Deputy Sheriff or support staff employee if:

• You cannot obtain a valid Washington state driver’s license.
• You do not have a high school diploma or GED.
• You will not be 21 years old at time of hire. (CJTC requirement) (18 years old for Support Staff)
• You are not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. (RCW requirement)
• You have been convicted of DUI within the past five years or have two or more DUI convictions. A diversion or similar action is a conviction.
• You have been convicted of Reckless Driving or Attempting to Elude within the past five years.
• You have been convicted of any act of domestic violence assault.
• You have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. military. (Civil Service Rules 7.07h)
• You have been convicted of a felony. (RCW Chapter 9.96.a)

You may not be hired as a Clark County Deputy Sheriff or support staff employee if:

• Your traffic record shows a continuing and recent pattern of poor decision-making and dishonesty.
• You have been convicted of driving while suspended or revoked within the past three years.
• You have been convicted of any crime involving controlled substances.
• You have been convicted of a misdemeanor within the past three years.
• You have used any illegal substances other than marijuana within the past three years.
• Your personal life shows a history of poor judgment and refusal to confront problems (Examples: Non-payment of child support, ignoring overdue bills, etc).
• You have recently or are currently misrepresenting yourself or ignoring any laws. (Examples: Not paying taxes, using a false address for school tuition purposes, etc).
• You have provided controlled substances to others or been involved in long-term criminal activity.
• Your work history shows a pattern of unexcused absences, discipline or discharge. (Civil Service Rules 7.07d)
• People who know you have doubts about your honesty, integrity or character.
• You are not available and willing to work any shift