*Tryouts and Interviews will be held on May 19, 2025*
 

Patrol K-9 Handler Qualifications:

Applicants must have the following:

• Successfully completed initial probation.
• At least three (3) years of Law Enforcement patrol experience (includes previous experience from other agencies) with satisfactory work performance.
• The ability to work with a K-9 and having suitable living conditions (environment) for the K-9 will be taken into account.
• A willingness to remain with the unit for a minimum of five (5) years or preferably the working lifetime of the K-9.
• A strong desire to work with K-9s and a willingness (together with other family members) to care for, house, and train the K-9 at the deputy’s residence with a secure area for the K-9.
• The ability to pass designated physical fitness and agility tests related to the tasks of K-9 handling.
• The physical abilities test will be designed and administered by the current K-9 Unit trainers under the K-9 supervision of the K-9 Sergeant.

K-9s will be kenneled at the assigned deputy’s residence in a facility inspected and approved by the K-9 Unit Sergeant. Warning signs will be posted at the main entry points (ex. doors, gates, sides of fence) of the property. Failure to keep the K-9 in the facility may be detrimental to the maintenance of proper performance and may result in the transfer of the K-9 to another handler.

Selection

• When openings exist for a special team, Human Resource will post a notice. Deputies wishing to participate must submit a request, via electronic method, as outlined within the posting. All requests must be submitted to Human Resource by the posted deadline
• The K-9 Unit Sergeant will contact the applicant’s current Supervisor to have them complete a supervisor review.
• The K-9 Unit Sergeant will prepare the applicants for the home inspection, physical abilities test, and additional requirements described in the K-9 Selection Forms. The K-9 Unit Sergeant, and/or current K-9 Unit Trainer(s) will perform a home inspection for all applicants. The K-9 Unit Coordinator or the designee will also meet with the applicant’s significant other/roommate(s) and discuss and/or answer questions in regards to possible selection to the K-9 Unit.

Full Service Patrol Positions 

• These positions will be assigned to the Division under Operations. These positions will be assigned to work on a patrol shift under the supervision of the K9 Sergeant.
• These positions will remain in operations unless authorized by the Director of Operations.
• The applicants will be required to complete the standard selection requirements, to include the physical abilities test, and home inspection as outlined in K-9 Selection form SJSO-699.

Primary Purpose

The Law Enforcement Deputy is a sworn position, responsible for maintaining the peace and safety of our community by providing law enforcement services to the citizens of St Johns County. Deputy Sheriffs are constitutional law enforcement officers acting under the authority of the Sheriff. They must demonstrate professionalism and superior customer service for citizens and visitors requesting general information or guidance. In addition, respond to volatile circumstances and remember that their personal actions reflect on the whole of the agency and the Sheriff. They are expected to operate within a work environment driven by both the expressed needs of the community and proactive policing to deter potential crimes from occurring.

Education and Qualification Requirements

• 19 Years or older
• Valid Florida Driver License
• Type 25 WPM accurately
• High School Diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)
• CJSTC Law Enforcement Certificate
• Must not have received a dishonorable discharge from any branch of the Armed Forces
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement

Duties

• Patrol St Johns County to discover and deter the commission of crimes
• Enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws
• Respond to calls and complaints involving emergencies, automobile accidents, domestic and neighborhood disturbances, assaults, robberies, and other misdemeanors and felonies
• Act quickly and calmly in emergencies
• Administer first aid, arbitrate disputes, conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations, secure crime scenes, collect evidence, obtain witness statements, apprehend and interview suspects, make arrests, and transport offenders
• Be engaged with the community and aware of persons and places suspected of illegal activity and/or potential problems within an assigned area
• Complete detailed reports or supplements on actions taken
• Enter or retrieve data from computer terminals
• Testify as a witness in court of involvement with traffic enforcement, arrests, and investigations
• Attend annual training and maintain required qualifications and certifications
• Other duties assigned

Job Controls and Complexities

• Report to Patrol Shift Leader
• Adopt problem solving skills
• Adhere to laws/agency policy/rules/ regulations/SOP/ procedures
• Maintain confidentiality/security of files and information obtained in the course of employment
• Maintain continuity and operational efficiency by accurate and timely dissemination of information to supervisor and co-workers
• Adhere to leave, overtime and attendance policies/procedures (i.e. arrive promptly, regular attendance at work, notification to supervisor regarding absence from work due to illness or untimely incidents, etc.)

Contacts

• SJSO Employees
• General Public
• Other Governmental Agencies

Physical Environment

• Work rotating 12 hour shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends
• Shifts may vary depending on agency needs (i.e. Alpha/Bravo shift due to hurricane deployment)
• Subject to mandatory overtime requirements as needed
• Potential exposure to inclement weather, noisy environment, threat of bodily harm, hazardous conditions, various odors, chemicals, pathogens, unsanitary locations, and unsightly and disturbing crime scenes and images
• Work may require acts of physical endurance and agility
• Work under highly stressful conditions both in field operations and an office environment
• Operate motor vehicle safely in routine (Code 1) and emergency mode (Code 3)
• Make decisions which affect the welfare and safety of the public and other employees, involving elements of personal danger and ability to act independently in various situations while exercising independent discretion in addressing emergency situations
• Must be able to meet the physical standard requirements completed by the Physical Abilities Test
• Must be able to demonstrate safety and proficiency with firearms and pass the agency qualification
• Sit for long periods
• Stand for long periods
• See at normal range or with accommodations
• Hear at normal level or with accommodations
• Speak understandably
• Manual dexterity
• Ambulate independently
• Frequently grasp/push/pull/bend/squat/lift/carry items up to 105 lbs or more
• Occasionally reach above head/kneel/walk/climb/stoop/stand/lift items up to 105 lbs or more

Important Information

Regular attendance is critical to the success of this position and is required of all Agency personnel.

The list of tasks, policies and proficiencies for this position, as well as any statements contained within this page, are considered essential. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, other employees, or the public. This job description in no way states or implies the listed duties are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her supervisor.

See SJSO Policy for additional information on agency expectations and Senior Status requirements

EFFECTIVE: 09/28/2020