SERGEANT - SHERIFF'S OFFICE (DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONAL ONLY)

Under general supervision, schedules, coordinates and supervises personnel assigned to a shift or unit; conducts training; performs the more difficult work in a specialized area; and performs related work as assigned.

This is a Department Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill future full-time vacancies in the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). Only those applicants currently working in the WCSO in the classified service for at least six months are eligible to apply. Unclassified Deputy Sheriff Appointees are not eligible for this promotional exam.

Note: The current list for Sergeant will remain in effect until a new list is established from this recruitment.  The appointing authority has the right to select any eligible candidate from the qualifying list based on the Merit principles and processes and the operational needs of the agency.

For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Careers/jobspecs.php

Four years of full-time paid public law enforcement experience, including three years as a Deputy Sheriff with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).

License Or Certificate

• A valid driver's license is required at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.  
• Possession of a Nevada Intermediate POST Certificate is required at the time of application. 
• Required to maintain Basic POST Certificate as Category I Police Officer per NRS/NAC 289 for continued employment in this classification. 
• Required to complete POST continuing education requirements in accordance with NRS/NAC 289 for continued employment in this classification.  
• Successful completion of the Detention Training Program is required at the time of application. 
• Required to be Patrol Certified as defined in WCSO Policies and Procedures at the time of application for assignments in Operations.  

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead by example rather than simply supervise; coach, mentor, and train staff.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and decisiveness, with the ability to assess situations, recognize the bigger picture, and make timely, informed decisions consistent with Sheriff's Office policies and procedures.
• Be accountable and adaptable.
• Have effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have experience in Washoe County Sheriff's Office Operations.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Supervisory Deputies Association (WCSSDA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Sergeant position.

Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.

Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.

1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications. Written appeals should be submitted via email to the assigned Human Resources Business Partner using the contact information listed on this job announcement.

2. If you have met the minimum requirements, you will receive an additional email inviting you to the Sergeant exam.  If you do not receive an invitation for your exam within (5) days of the scheduled exam date, please contact [email protected]. 

Part I
The Sergeant exam will tentatively be held on January 14, 2027; the exact time of day will be sent with your invitation. There will be NO make-up exams.
This exam will be administered and proctored in Reno, NV, and is multiple choice.

Candidates must pass the written exam to participate in the Assessment Center. 

Part II 
The Sergeant Assessment Center is tentatively scheduled for the week of January 25, 2027. The Assessment Center will consist of a variety of assessment exercises designed to allow candidates the opportunity to demonstrate, under standardized conditions, the entry level knowledge, skills and abilities most essential for success as a Sergeant with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.

3. After the exam is completed, you will receive an additional email notifying you of your score and rank. Scores will be weighed at 40% written exam, 60% Assessment Center.

4. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:

• “Applications” to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
• “Inbox” to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
• “Account” to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact [email protected].

EXAMINATION STUDY MATERIALS
The recommended study material for the 2027 Sergeant testing process is available in the N drive and labeled “2027 Sgt Test Study Material”. Candidates are responsible for knowledge of forms, information and current trends pertinent to the job of a Sergeant at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.

The recommended study material includes:

2027 WCSO Sergeant Testing Study Material
Labor Contracts
WCEA Non-Supervisory Civilian Contract 2024-2028
WCSDA Deputy Contract 2024-2028

NRS:
Chapter 200 – Crimes Against Person
Chapter 201 – Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals
Chapter 202 – Crimes Against Public Health and Safety
Chapter 205 – Crimes Against Property
Chapter 289 – Peace Officers

Detention SOP’s:
701 Intake
701.2 Inmate Clothing-Property Control
701.3 Initial Housing Assignment
701.4 Inmate Orientation
701.5 Civil Protective Custody Detainees
701.6 Biological Specimen Collection
701.7 Fingerprints
701.8 Inmate Clothing and Linen Issue

WCSO Core Policies:
200 Organizational Structure and Responsibility
201 Directives and Special Orders
202 Emergency Management Plan
300 Use of Force
301 Handcuffing and Restraints
303 Taser Energy Weapon
306 Search and Seizure
403 Crime and Disaster Scene Integrity
404 Hostage Negotiations and SWAT
426 Peace Officer involved Shooting Fatal Incident
427 Vehicle Pursuits
429 Domestic Violence
901 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
1009 Personnel Complaints
1029 Discipline Policy 

Training Briefs – Bulletins:
4^th Amend Reference Guide
4^th Amend Search & Seizure Law 
301.3 First Amendment Demonstration Revised Oct 2019
Application For and Declaration in Support Of A High-Risk Protection Order Law Enforcement Only MU
Basic Gun Law Refresher Power Point
Carter v State Presentation Power Point
Cellebrite_Guardian_Evidence_Submission_Guide
Constitutional Violations & Duty To Intercede PowerPoint 
Cryptocurrency Field Guide Brochure
DC Vs RW PowerPoint
Demonstrations and Civil Unrest Jan 13, 2026 PowerPoint 
Drone Awareness PowerPoint
Emotional Intelligence for Law Enforcement PowerPoint
Evidence_Lot_Training_Brief PowerPoint
Ex Parte Order for Protection Against High Risk Behaviors PowerPoint
Healthy Family Life for First Responders PowerPoint
Hospital Guard Duty Briefing Training PowerPoint
Importance of Sleep for MH (month 4) PowerPoint
Juvenile Law Training Brief PowerPoint
K9 Free Air Sniff PowerPoint
Key Tracer Training Presentation PowerPoint
LE TPO PowerPoint
Monthly Training Secondary Trauma PowerPoint
NCIC Requirements for Requestors PowerPoint
NCIC_Firearm_Training PowerPoint 
New Understanding Stress and Burnout 2026 PowerPoint
NIBN Training Bulletin
Nutrition in Law Enforcement PowerPoint
Officer Emotional Intelligence Score Sheet
Patrol SO Presentation PowerPoint 
Sleep Study in Law Enforcement
Swatting Awareness for Law Enforcement 3-25-25 Weekly Training Brief 
Taser 10 Quick Start Guide
Taser10_Battery_Sync_Procedure_Updated
TBI in Law Enforcement PowerPoint
TCCC Combat Triage Brief PowerPoint
Training_Brief_Axon_Draft_One PowerPoint
Welfare Checks and Legal Authority PowerPoint
Why Laughter is Important in LE PowerPoint 

Other documents:
Washoe County Policy Against Discrimination Harassment and Retaliation 
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Mission and Vision Statement

If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process you can find additional information at the following link: https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/faq/online/index.php

Questions: Indu Moore
[email protected]
775-328-2095