FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 13, 2013) -- The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in Tampa, Fla., is looking to hire dedicated workers to become deputies and corrections officers. There are currently around 300 vacancies at the agency.
Although they are looking to fill many vacancies, rigorous fitness test and multiple filters in the application process helps ensure quality employees, said Cpl. William Alexander, an Air Force veteran and recruiter with the sheriff's office.
"If you want us to give you a badge and a gun it has to be for the right reasons," he said.
To apply, visit www.joinhcso.com and fill out a prescreen questionnaire, Alexander said. If you meet the minimum requirements, you will receive an application link. A background check will be performed and if that checks out, you will need to pass a fitness test, which includes being able to complete 20 pushups in one minute, 25 sit-ups in one minute, a 14-inch vertical jump minimum, a 300-meter sprint in 69 seconds or less and complete a mile and a half run in 15 minutes or less.
Applicants who pass the fitness test will take a polygraph test and be interviewed for possible selection, he said.
"This job is not for everybody," Alexander said. "We want to make sure that (we get) people who have a sincere desire to do this job."
Those selected will undergo intense training for up to a year, which is all paid for, he said. The training includes Sheriff Orientation Training, which is led by instructors who are prior military.
By the time you are done with training, everything will be second nature, he said.
"You get some pretty good hands-on training," Alexander said. "We want to make sure you're ready to be cut loose before you go out into the real world."
Alexander, who has 28 years of experience, said he enjoys going to work everyday because of the challenges and variety his job gives him. And no matter your MOS, the values the Army teaches Soldiers -- such as honor, discipline and integrity -- are valuable to the agency.
Many of those in the field are prior military like him, he said.
If you are currently transitioning or thinking about transitioning and want to apply for a position with the agency -- you should start soon, Alexander said.
"If you are a year out from your ETS date, we encourage you to start the process now," he said, adding that some processes such as background checks may take a while.
If you start early, he said, it will be an easier transition when you are out of the military.
The agency is also looking to hire dispatchers and child protection personnel. For more information, contact Alexander by emailing him at walexand@hcso.tampa.fl.us or by calling 813-247-0871. You can also visit www.joinhcso.com.
Social Sharing