UNDERSHERIFF
WHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Undersheriff
DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office
REPORTS TO: Sheriff
RANGE:
FLSA:
EEO:
670
E
1
SUMMARY
Acts as second in command of the Sheriffs Office, overseeing overall operations of the Sheriffs
Office, keeping Sheriff informed of all administrative matters, supervising higher-level management
of the Sheriff s Office, and representing the Sheriff s Office and the County by maintaining a
professional approach and demeanor in all activities. Ensures compliance with Sheriffs Office and
County policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements and legal requirements. Manages
programs and staff in a manner that ensures expenditures remain within approved budget. Develops
relationships with staff, other departments and individuals outside County government that
encourage participation, teamwork, effective relationships and use of resources. Exercises
independent judgment and discretion.
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties,
which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Develops recommendations and implements strategic short- and long-range plans, programs, goals
and objectives for all areas of the Sheriffs Office. Leads, facilitates and coordinates cooperative
planning efforts among all bureaus of the Sheriff s Office in conjunction with the County
Administration and other departments and entities. Reviews and updates strategic planning
recommendations. Directs activities with available personnel and in compliance with guidelines,
procedures and regulations. Promotes teamwork within the Sheriff s Office, the County and the
community at large. Identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements
recommendations for problem resolution with staff and higher level management. Keeps Sheriff
informed of all administrative matters.
Oversees, prepares and justifies all budgets for the Sheriffs Office. Monitors and maintains
expenditures within approved budget. Implements cost-effective measures and uses resources and
technology effectively to increase productivity. Negotiates contracts for services between the
Sheriff s Office and outside entities or consultants, as assigned. Secures, monitors and assures
compliance with grants and contracts.
Oversees the selection of new employees, ensuring that all policies, laws and rules are adhered to.
Oversees the determination of need for employee training to meet changing system or program
demands. Oversees the assignment, supervision and evaluation of work consistent with assigned job
descriptions. Conducts and/or reviews performance evaluations to guide the development of
employees, provide a record of performance and ensure consistent evaluations and regular feedback
throughout the Sheriff s Office.
Interprets and applies collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service Rules, policies and applicable
rules and regulations. Makes recommendations regarding employment actions. Initiates, documents
and implements and/or oversees internal investigations and disciplinary actions as approved.
Responds to or provides input on disciplinary actions and grievances, as assigned. Participates in
strategic preparation and labor negotiations.
Reviews, interprets and prepares data to analyze and makes recommendations about which programs
and/or major project proposals should be initiated, modified or dropped. Interprets policy and makes
recommendations for program, policy or procedure changes and assures that appropriate policies,
procedures and tasks are created and updated. Directs staff in monitoring enforcement of ordinances,
state and federal rules and regulations, policies and procedures. Assesses and assures compliance,
and interprets and applies regulations equitably. Makes administrative decisions, as assigned.
Identifies and addresses customer needs. Responds to or supervises the resolution of the most
complex inquiries, complaints, emergencies or requests for information from other departments and
the public in a courteous manner.
Analyzes the most complex law enforcement problems and recommends improvements. Interprets
equitably and directs staff in monitoring enforcement of ordinances; state and federal statutes, rules
and regulations; and Sheriffs Office and County policies and procedures. Takes or directs others to
take appropriate action to correct non-conforming practices. Makes administrative decisions, as
assigned.
Serves as Duty Staff Officer (DSO) as scheduled or directed by the Sheriff. As DSO, serves as
Senior Administrative Officer with full authority to direct essential Sheriff s Office operations and
all subordinate personnel on behalf of the Sheriff.
Assumes command of a crime scene, emergency incident, or Sheriff s Office operations as necessary
for effective command control in furtherance of the Sheriffs Office public safety and law
enforcement mission, as assigned.
Exemplifies public accountability and a positive public service approach in all situations. Represents
the Sheriff s Office and County as spokesperson at public meetings, seminars, conferences and
training sessions. Testifies in court and in legislative forums, as needed.
Provides key liaison and facilitation with other divisions, agencies, and entities, to coordinate
activities, ensuring continuity of services and avoiding duplication of efforts.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Performs work on special projects that may be outside normal area of assignment and backs up other
Sheriff s Office management staff, as directed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
This position is appointed by the Sheriffunder State statute. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice
or a closely related field, and extensive law enforcement experience, including law enforcement
management, budgeting, labor negotiations and supervision, is required.
Requires knowledge of'
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description.
Modem police administration, methods, techniques and legal terminology; local state and
national issues related to police work; federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, policies
and procedures concerning law enforcement; principles of crime and accident prevention;
techniques of interrogation; identification and preservation of physical evidence.
Principles and techniques to effectively gain consensus of diverse groups and agencies within
assigned areas.
Organizational dynamics and principles and practices of management and supervision,
including planning, staffing, selection, training, coaching, directing, coordinating and
evaluating.
Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to
the areas of assignment.
Fiscal management including budget preparation, grant administration, servIce and
intergovernmental contract negotiation and administration, expenditure control and
recordkeeping.
Computer operation and a variety of software including word processing, spreadsheet,
database and other applications specific to the area of assignment
Safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies and procedures pertinent to the
area of assignment. First aid principles and skills and their application.
Requires the ability to:
Strategically plan, prioritize, coordinate, organize, and evaluate staffing and services. Train,
direct, and coach staff. Administer and change plans, policies and work programs.
Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the cooperation of
others and establish and maintain effective teams and working relationships and rapport with
public officials, representatives of other entities, department heads, co-workers, employees
and diverse members of the public.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively. Calmly determine appropriate course of action to
be taken in urgent and emergency situations. Apply sound judgment and problem-solving
techniques to make reasoned, timely and consistent decisions and to facilitate the effective
resolution of problems, grievances and complaints.
Assure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is
handled appropriately.
Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals
and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed,
including preparing and making public presentations which can be understood by non-
technical listeners and preparing and/or directing preparation of comprehensive written
reports, materials and correspondence.
Provide leadership and maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity and
honesty. Promote the commitment of the Sheriffs Office and the County to provide
outstanding public, intra- and inter-departmental customer service.
Work effectively in a multi-task environment, take appropriate initiative and effectively
delegate responsibility and authority. Work independently and cooperatively as a member of
a team.
Read, understand, interpret, analyze and provide direction to assure appropriate application
of policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations.
Promote staff and team development and high performance by assuring regular, effective and
consistent feedback and evaluation.
Estimate and analyze costs and effectiveness of programs. Monitor and interpret fiscal and
statistical information.
Develop ways to identify, improve and promote efficient systems and processes.
Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping
personal and team technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
Use and care for firearms proficiently.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have successfully completed the ,Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
(WSCJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy at the time of appointment, or successfully complete
the Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy within twelve months of appointment.
Must possess or obtain within one year of appointment a (WSCJTC) Middle Management
Certification as specified in RCW 43.1 01.350 and WAC 139-25-110, or equivalent as specified by
WSCJTC.
Maintain throughout employment required qualifications or certifications, such as first aid, CPR,
defensive tactics, firearm, and bloodborne/airborne pathogen.
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of
hire and throughout employment.
Must pass job-related tests.
Must be eligible to cross between the United States and Canada.
Background check must meet County criteria for law enforcement positions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works in an office or meeting room setting and at field locations. Sits or stands for long periods of
time. May occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. Attends meetings or
performs duties outside of normal office hours. Participates in Duty Staff Officer rotation requiring
24/7 availability when assigned. Moves throughout the County facilities. Frequently drives motor
vehicle to perform duties in the field, at multiple sites or travel out of the County. May travel by
boat, airplane or helicopter and may stand for long periods of time outside in all types of weather.
Must be able to use radio communication systems. Applies restraining devices to control suspects'
behavior or movement, such as handcuffs, restraint chair, leg irons, and waist chains. Wears
personal protective equipment as required, including but not limited to gas mask, ballistic vest and
helmet. During emergency situation, may be required to use a handgun or other weapons and to
physically subdue, apprehend and restrain offenders in a variety of volatile, possibly dangerous
situations. May work near noisy machinery with the possibility of exposure to a variety of
bloodborne pathogens and environmental and chemical allergens standard to the area of assignment.
Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language and physical harm from the public. Uses
appropriate safety equipment and follows established safety policies, practices and procedures.
The statements contained herein reflect, as of the date signed, general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of
knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or
otherwise to balance the workload. At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and
training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Whatcom County's policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions and privileges of ernployment for all qualified applicants and employees
without regard to race color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Employee Status: This is an FLSA-exempt position and, as such, is paid on a salaried basis
and is not entitled to overtime. The position falls under the "unclassified" designation as
permitted in RCW 41.14.070 and as such, is subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.
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Date
ADMINISTRATIVE USE ONLY
JOE JOB TITLE: 0200
UNDERSHERIFFJOBBA.022212