Deputy Sheriff – Operations

Job Type: Full-Time; Hourly, Non-Exempt

Hiring Range: Grade: Grade 105, ($35.49 – $39.75 per hour) depending on qualifications/experience. Candidates with active POST certification may be eligible for placement within the full range commensurate with certification level.

Location: San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office; Ilium Headquarters (Telluride, CO)

Position Summary
Performs duties related to the enforcement of Federal, State and County laws and ordinances; protection of life and property, public assistance; and civil or criminal process serving. Performs search and rescue functions of the office of Sheriff at the Sheriff’s direction and as required by law.

The base compensation is between $73,819.20 – $82,680 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. As a full-time position, the Operations Deputy is eligible for all county-sponsored insurance and benefit plans as summarized in the SMC 2026 Benefits Summary and subject to applicable waiting periods. No-cost, offsite housing in nearby Mountain Village is available for deputies who commute.

The position will be primarily based out of the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office; Ilium Headquarters (Telluride, CO)

Supervision Received: Receives direct supervision from Sheriff, Undersheriff and Operations Sergeants.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Job Description
The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. San Miguel County retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and routine calls, both while on active duty and on-call.
• Performs other tasks, duties and assignments as required by the Sheriff’s Office per Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS).
• Patrol areas within the county to deter illegal activities; to enforce Federal, State and County laws and ordinances; and to protect individuals and property; to respond to complaints, disturbances, reports of crimes, and accidents, and other related situations; to assist with search and rescue (SAR) missions.
• Serve as an active search and rescue (SAR) member and performs SAR functions using vehicles and/or equipment as necessary.
• Perform preliminary investigations; obtain evidence; take statements necessary for reporting facts and circumstances of incidents, for charging individuals with offenses and for follow-up investigations. May conduct more extensive investigations.
• Offer testimony in court; meet with attorneys on legal questions; obtain warrants; arrest individuals as required; transport prisoners to and from courts and institutions.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing; prepare and maintain a variety of reports, records and logs necessary to for reports.
• Observe and control vehicular traffic, enforce traffic laws and handle traffic accidents.
• Serve civil processes, including writs, subpoenas, warrants, and other criminal/civil papers.
• Interact with the public in a variety of settings that may include providing general counseling to families and individuals in disturbance situations, offering assistance to the public, conducting talks with individuals and groups on public safety awareness and crime prevention.
• Initiate and maintain first-response treatment of injured and sick individuals during medical calls or accidents until ambulance arrives.
• Remain calm in stressful situations and perform at a high level of sustained physical activity.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with others and apply logical thinking to quickly determine a proper course of action.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience as a peace officer with patrol duties and mountain rescue operations.
• A record demonstrating the ability to remain calm while conducting routine peacekeeping operations.
• Knowledge of law enforcement vehicles, firearms, related law enforcement equipment, and principles and practices of self-defense.
• Knowledge of Incident Command System and the ability to implement, organize, and maintain this system.
• Visual and fine/gross motor skills enabling the use of a firearm, as well as office and field equipment.
• Visual and fine/gross motor skills enabling the safe operation of an emergency vehicle during normal and emergency situations, as well as during hazardous weather situations.
• Ability to overcome and restrain a combative or resistant subject.
• Ability to work with hands above shoulder height with 100+ pounds and with arms extended at shoulder height with up to 30 pounds as required during the discharge of duties.
• Ability to effectively handle and operate office, hand, and technical equipment, along with other relevant tools and materials.
• Ability to distinguish objects in low and bright light using visual capacity, including peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and far and near acuity in order to observe all elements and distinguish color/descriptions of vehicles, suspects, victims, and other relevant information.
• Ability to use a computer daily for extensive periods of time.
• Ability to utilize olfactory sensory capabilities to detect criminal/hazardous situations.
• Ability to understand verbal information and instruction, to exchange information with others, and to develop and present recommendations.
• Ability to read, understand, and compose written and oral information and instructions.
• Ability to use mathematical reasoning to carry out office management responsibilities.
• Ability to utilize analytical skills and apply results.
• Ability to use and apply technology.
• Ability to multi-task, be self-motivated, and manage time effectively.
• Ability to keyboard at least 35 wpm.
• Must be able to pass a background check and possess a driver’s license.
• Ability to speak one or more foreign language is helpful, particularly Spanish.

Desired Education and Experience

• Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certification is preferred; or, if currently certified in another state, be able to become POST certified in the State of Colorado.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Colorado Peace Office Standards and Training (POST) Certification is preferred.
• Must possess and maintain and valid Colorado Driver’s License and Satisfactory driving record.

Special Requirements

• Must be able 21 years old and be able to pass a physical and psychological background test.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment
The work is physically demanding requiring the ability to exert over 100 pounds of force occasionally, more than 50 pounds of force frequently, and more than 20 pounds of continually to move objects. Requires balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, reaching, handling, repetitive motion, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, standing, stooping, walking, mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word, ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound, and have close visual acuity.

Work Environment

• The ideal candidate will be able to:
• Operate in high-risk environments where physical threats may be present and critical, life-or-death decisions are required.
• Display mental acuity, including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word, ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and discriminate sounds, and have close visual acuity.
• Be in excellent physical condition and lift, push, pull, or drag in excess of 200 pounds.
• Work in severe weather conditions, especially during the winter season.

Application Procedure
Please review and read the complete job description for this position (attached on the right). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may close without notice. All applications must be submitted online. Select the Apply Online link (creating an account is recommended) and answer all application questions in steps 1-7. Candidates are required to attach a resume and cover letter (in step one). Please ensure all requested items are submitted and completed for consideration. Upon receiving your completed application you will receive an email from noreply@civicplus confirming your application has been received.

San Miguel County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

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