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Part of Corrections and law enforcement careers

Sheriffs

Join a team that helps ensure our communities are safe and secure places where Albertans can live, work and raise families.

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Corrections and law enforcement careers

Join the Alberta Sheriffs and help keep our province safe

Future recruitment opportunities

Alberta Sheriffs offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities across the province. Recruitment competitions are posted throughout the year as needs arise. While there are no active recruitments at this time, interested individuals are encouraged to check back regularly for future postings.

Types of sheriffs

The Alberta Sheriffs are committed to fostering safe, resilient communities. Working closely with law enforcement and policing partners across the province, they deliver a broad range of services that protect and support Albertans every day.

Key areas of service

Sheriffs serve in 5 key areas: 

  • Courts and security

    Provide security at Alberta’s courthouses and support safe judicial proceedings.

    Core responsibilities: 

    • screen for weapons and contraband at facility entrances
    • provide courtroom security
    • facilitate prisoner escorts and releases at Alberta courthouses
    • collect DNA samples 

  • Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers

    Responsible for wildlife and fisheries enforcement work in the province. Learn more about how to become a Fish and Wildlife Officer. 

  • Operational support

    Deliver training, technology and logistics support behind the scenes.

    Core responsibilities: 

    • manage vehicle fleet and procure equipment
    • develop and deliver staff training programs
    • test and implement technology upgrades and infrastructure
    • develop policies and recruit talent

  • Protection, communication and investigation

    Provide security for government sites and officials, coordinate communications and conduct investigations to support public safety.

    Core responsibilities:

    • provide security at Alberta legislature grounds, including demonstrations, rallies and vigils
    • provide personal protection for the Premier, Lieutenant Governor, visiting dignitaries and other government officials
    • manage and transport prisoners between various facilities
    • investigate and shut down problem properties used for illegal activities
    • gather evidence and intelligence to support criminal investigations
    • locate and apprehend fugitives with outstanding arrest warrants

  • Sheriff Highway Patrol

    Enforce traffic laws, conduct commercial vehicle inspections, enhance border security and promote road safety throughout Alberta.

    Core responsibilities: 

    • detect and investigate impaired drivers and other traffic offences
    • inspect commercial vehicles
    • detect and apprehend individuals suspected of drug smuggling, human trafficking and other illegal activities
    • respond to 911 calls 

Benefits of a career with the Alberta Sheriffs

Working with the Alberta Sheriffs allows you to make a real difference in your community while building a stable, rewarding career. 

As a sheriff, you get:

Icon of stacked dollar bills.

Benefits and pension

Comprehensive benefits and pension plan.

Icon of a person and a dollar sign at the right.

Paid training and professional development

Paid training and ongoing development.

Icon of a shield and a check mark in the centre.

Job stability

Job stability with opportunities across Alberta. 

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Work-life balance

Work-life balance and predictable schedules.

Job requirements

Roles with the Alberta Sheriffs have varying educational qualifications and experience requirements. Examples include:

  • Communications Officers

    • 1-year certificate in a related field 

    AND/OR

    • 1-year of directly related education or experience

  • Courts and Security Sheriffs

    • 2-year diploma or 4-year degree

    AND/OR

    • 2 years of related education or experience

  • Sheriff Highway Patrol

    • 2 years related experience as a community peace officer or Canadian police officer 

    AND

    • 2 additional years of related experience 

    OR 

    • 2 years education 

  • Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Unit

    • A university degree in a related field 

    AND

    • A minimum of 4 years of experience conducting investigations in a law enforcement or regulatory environment  

Recruitment process 

There is a 5-step process to becoming an Alberta Sheriff:

  • Step 1. Submit your resume

    When we are hiring, apply for a sheriff position at the Government of Alberta jobs website.

    Along with a resume, you will need to submit copies of the follow documents when applying:

    • original valid Alberta Class 4 driver’s licence (Class 5 for communications officer positions) or out-of-province equivalent
    • current driver's abstract
    • current standard first aid certificate

    After submitting your resume and the requisite documents, if you meet the sheriff job requirements and are selected for an interview, you will be contacted.

  • Step 2. Interview

    Selected candidates will be scheduled for an hour-long, in-person interview in Edmonton. In addition to the documents in Step 1, you will also need to bring:

    • 3 supervisor references – current or previous employers
    • personal disclosure questionnaire
    • medical consent form to conduct the PARE test 

    You must be willing to work in one of several locations across Alberta. Be ready to discuss which locations you prefer.

    Before your in-person interview, we will conduct a virtual information session with you.

    The in-person interview process is comprised of 4 main parts:

    1. Written exam
    2. Interview
    3. Personal Disclosure interview
    4. PARE 

    The PARE test is designed to evaluate your level of physical fitness to ensure you are able to perform the duties of a sheriff

  • Step 3. References and academic verification

    After your interview, we may:

    • check all your references
    • verify your academic credentials
    • conduct any other required checks or verifications

  • Step 4. Psychological and medical test

    Following verification of your references and academic credentials, you are required to take a pre-employment psychological assessment, arranged by and paid for by the government.

    You must also undergo a medical assessment (reimbursed up to a maximum of $300). You must meet certain medical standards:

    • major body systems – cardiovascular, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, respiratory
    • vision – distance, near, horizontal, colour
    • audiological (hearing)
    • others – alcohol and drug or medications, immunization, psychological or psychiatric

    Learn more: Medical Standards for Alberta Sheriffs Officer Recruits

  • Step 5. Offer of employment

    Upon acceptance of a verbal offer, you will receive a written offer letter that includes:

    • salary
    • job classification
    • work location
    • training class start date
    • benefit plan overview

Training

The Sheriff Induction Training is a 15-week paid program for new recruits delivered at the Alberta Government Training Academy in Edmonton. Over this period, experienced instructors will guide your professional development in classroom, gym and field-based settings.

During this training program, recruits are required to successfully complete the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) test twice.

After you successfully complete the Sheriff Induction Training Program, you are placed in the Sheriff Field Training Program for 9 months, which provides vital operational experience.

Submit your application

  • Close-up of law enforcement officers wearing tactical vests labeled ‘Sheriff SCAN.’

    Thank you for your interest in a career with the Alberta Sheriffs. Applications are not being accepted at this time.

    Prepare for our next competition by making sure you meet – or will soon meet – the job requirements.

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Sheriffs branch:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]

Note to media: The contact information above is for recruiting inquiries. Journalists with news organizations should direct their queries to the appropriate media spokespeople by email at [email protected].

Address:
Alberta Sheriffs
Mezzanine Floor, Bowker Building
9833 109 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2E8

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