Thank you for your interest in Clark County. We welcome the opportunity to consider your application. There are two ways to apply for positions at Clark County, the online application process and with a paper application packet.
- What are the Advantages of Submitting an Online Application?
- What and When to Submit my Paper Application?
- What is the Process?
- When will I be Notified?
- What is the Civil Service Process?
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Reasonable Accommodation
What are the Advantages of Submitting an Online Application?
- Quicker review by HR staff and hiring managers
- No need to complete a paper application
- Check your application status online
- Changes to your application update in real time
- Easiest way to apply for multiple positions
What and When to Submit my Paper Application?
Clark County's employment application forms are required for all positions, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, specific supplemental information may be required and must be submitted with the employment application. You will find this information on the job posting under the section entitled "SELECTION PROCESS." Resumes and other materials may be attached, but will not be accepted in lieu of the application. Applications must be signed and completed in accordance with the instructions on the announcement to be considered eligible.
Application materials must be received by 5:00 p.m. (PT) on the published closing date. Postmarks are not accepted. Materials received after this date will not receive consideration.
What is the Process?
All applications for a recruitment are reviewed based on the qualifications indicated on the job announcement. Those candidates possessing qualifications that most closely match the position requirements will be invited to participate in one or more components of the selection process. These components may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Written and/or Practical Examination
Examinations may be administered individually or in a group and may be prior to an interview or in conjunction with the interview process.
Oral Interviews
Initial interviews may be conducted before a panel. Additional interviews may also be required.
When will I be Notified?
When submitting an Online Application, you will receive an on-screen confirmation message at the time of submission. If submitting a Paper Application, you will receive a postcard confirmation by U.S. Mail after the initial closing date of the posting.
The recruitment process customarily takes between six to eight weeks. If selected for further consideration in the recruitment process, candidates will be contacted by phone or e-mail.
What is the Civil Service Process?
The Sheriff's Office differs from other County departments in that it is governed by the Revised Code of Washington, 41.14, Civil Service for Sheriff's Office. Civil Service requires additional components of the recruitment process to include:
Civil Service Eligibility List
Candidates who successfully pass the written/practical exams and the oral board interview will be ranked according to final scores, placed on an eligibility list, and the list will be certified by the Clark County Civil Service Commission.
Veteran's Preference
Veteran's Preference will be granted to qualified candidates who will receive either 5% or 10% added to their final score (prior to list ranking) in accordance with RCW 41.04 and 73.16, for all Sheriff's Office positions. To claim Veteran's Preference, candidates must have been discharged within the last eight years and received an honorable discharge; or received a discharge for physical reasons with an honorable record from active duty; or served between World War I and World War II, or during any period of war. A "period of War" includes: World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, and "any future declaration of war by Congress," or, served (physically present) during various conflicts to include Desert Shield / Desert Storm. To claim Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 military discharge form to their application.
Background Interview / Investigation and Truth Verification
A comprehensive investigation based on information provided by candidates' Personal History Statements, from high school years forward is conducted by a sworn deputy of the Clark County Sheriff's Office.
NOTE: The polygraph examination has been replaced with a truth verification device which is conducted as a part of the interview process with the background investigator.
Final Interview
The top three candidates, who have successfully passed all phases of the recruitment process, are then considered for employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Clark County is an equal employment opportunity employer and all employment decisions are made without regard to race, cred, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion, political affiliation, marital status, physical, mental or sensory disability, disabled veteran, or veteran status. The county actively seeks applications from qualified women, minority, and/or disabled candidates as well as from candidates of other protected groups.
Reasonable Accommodation
Please advise a member of the Human Resources staff if you will need any special accommodations due to disability or impairment, that will allow you to participate in the recruitment process or to perform the work once hired. Requests should be done by letter, or other appropriate format, and should be submitted to the Human Resources Department as soon as possible.
