Careers

Join the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

Build a Career in Public Service

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office offers a rewarding and meaningful career for individuals who are committed to public service, professional excellence, and making a positive impact in their community. Employees have access to a wide range of career paths and opportunities for lateral movement across specialized assignments — including patrol, corrections, investigations, court services, transportation, training, emergency services, and administrative support functions.

The Sheriff’s Office is committed to investing in its workforce through ongoing professional development, advanced training, leadership development programs, and promotional opportunities that support career growth and advancement. As a member of our team, you’ll play a vital role in providing law enforcement, correctional, court security, emergency response, and community-oriented services that enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for the residents of Imperial County.

Whether you’re beginning your career or bringing prior experience, the Sheriff’s Office provides a supportive environment where dedication, initiative, and professionalism are recognized and rewarded.

How to Apply

Start Your Application

ICSO career opportunities open routinely throughout the year. See what’s available and start your application process through Imperial County Human Resources.

View Open Positions — Imperial County HR →

Questions? Want to speak with a recruiter? Email Join@icso.org.

Corrections Career Opportunities

Entry-Level Positions

• Correctional Officer Recruit (Pre-Academy)
• Correctional Officer
• Sheriff Correctional Clerk
• Correctional Service Assistant
• Laundry Officer
• Food Service Lead
• Commissary Clerk

Specialized Units & Positions in Corrections

• Administrative Separation
• Transportation Division
• Disciplinary Officers
• Corrections Special Operations Response Team (C-SORT)
• Training
• Classification
• Sheriff’s Community Services
• K-9 Handler
• Administrative Investigations Unit
• Programs & Education
• Recreation Officers
• Medical Security
• Jail Training Officer (J.T.O.)
• Jail Intel Team (J.I.T.)
• Honor Guard
• Underwater Recovery Team
• Task Force Officer

Promotional Opportunities — Corrections Career Ladder

• Correctional Officer — Entry-level sworn position
• Correctional Corporal — First-line lead position
• Correctional Sergeant — Supervisor of officers
• Correctional Lieutenant — Mid-level command
• Correctional Captain — Senior command, facility leadership

Operations Career Opportunities

Content for Operations (Patrol, Investigations, Coroner, OHVEST/BEST, SIU, and related sworn deputy positions) is currently being prepared by the team and will be added soon. Check back, or email Join@icso.org to learn more in the meantime.

Requirements

All applicants for sworn ICSO positions must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Valid California Driver’s License
• U.S. Citizenship (or application in progress)
• Pass Physical Agility Exam
• Pass Written Exam
• Attend Oral Board Interview
• Pass Background Investigation
• Pass a Polygraph Test
• Health Screening
• Psychological Examination

Corrections Physical Agility Testing

The physical agility exam tests several physical performance skills identified as necessary in the field of corrections. Successful completion of every skill is mandatory.

• Body Drag — Drag a 165-pound lifelike dummy 20 feet. Maximum passing time: 10 seconds.
• 200-Yard Run — No stopping or walking. Maximum passing time: 1 minute.
• Push-Ups — Minimum of 20 push-ups within 60 seconds.
• 1.5-Mile Run — Complete within 15 minutes (equivalent to 6 laps of a standard running track).

Preparing for the Agility Exam

We recommend candidates begin preparing well in advance. Build aerobic fitness, upper-body strength, and core stability into your training routine over several weeks before the test date.

Have Questions?

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment team is here to help. Reach out to us with any questions about positions, requirements, hiring timelines, or what to expect during the application process.

Email: Join@icso.org
Phone: (442) 265-2008 (Administration)