Chief Deputy at Sawyer County; WI – Hayward, Wisconsin
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About This Position
Employment Opportunity
Chief Deputy – Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office
Sawyer County is accepting applications for the position of Chief Deputy Sheriff. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office, including:
- Administrative Duties: Budget preparation, purchasing, scheduling, and general agency administration
- Supervision: Directing and supervising road personnel and staff operations
- Law Enforcement: Applying knowledge of policing methods, providing emergency response, and managing special situations
The Chief Deputy acts on behalf of the Sheriff in their absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and consistent administrative procedures within the agency.
About Sawyer County
Sawyer County (population 18,000) is located in the scenic Northwoods of
northwestern Wisconsin. The county seat, Hayward, is home to renowned
events like the American Birkebeiner and the Lumberjack World
Championships. Sawyer County offers an excellent quality of life surrounded
by pristine forests and lakes.
Qualifications
- Certification: Must be a certified law enforcement officer by the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB)
- Experience: Supervisory experience preferred
- License: Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required
Compensation & Benefits
Sawyer County offers a competitive wage and benefits package, including:
- Health insurance
- Wisconsin Retirement System
- Life insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Beginning wage of $76,252 to $80,558 DOQ
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How to Apply
A complete job description and application form are available at:
www.sawyercountygov.org
Sawyer County Human Resources
10610 Main Street, Suite 23
Hayward, WI 54843
Application Deadline: 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 11,
2025
All applicants must complete the official Sawyer County application form. Applications may be submitted:
- In person or by mail to the address above
- Electronically through the Sawyer County website www.sawyercountygov.org
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sawyer County is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.
Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Title: Chief Deputy Sheriff
Department: Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office
Supervisor: Sheriff
General statement of duties: To perform administrative and supervisory police work and protect life and property through the enforcement of laws and regulations
Distinguishing features of this rank: Administrative responsibility for overseeing the services provided by the Sheriff’s Office, including scheduling, budget preparation, purchasing, directing and supervising the personnel and the general administration of the agency. The Chief Deputy is required to exercise knowledge of police methods and techniques and seasoned judgment in providing police services to meet emergencies and other special situations. The duties are governed by policies outlined in county and state laws, and while instructions are received from the Sheriff, this employee must frequently exercise independent judgment and discretion in making decisions. The Chief Deputy acts for the Sheriff in his/her absence and ensures continuous leadership and consistent administrative procedures within the Sheriff's Office.
The purpose of this position includes, but is not limited to:
Function as Jail Administrator and 911 Coordinator when necessary
Function as a liaison between the sheriff’s office and the public and other agencies
Responsible for direct supervision of Jail Administrator, Patrol Lieutenant, Investigators, Patrol Sergeants, Records Division, and Emergency Management/Communications Center Director
Respond to or back up deputies on emergency calls
Oversee the development and update of agency policies and procedures
Maintain, update and secure all employee personnel records
Acts as chief disciplinary officer of the department, coordinating all disciplinary and grievance actions
Maintain and accurately record all information necessary in management/employee discipline hearings
Meet with and report to the Public Safety Committee
Assist the Sheriff with the yearly budget
Oversee the management of grants associated with Federal campground checks and Tribal Deputy Grant
Oversee the scheduling of shifts for the patrol division and filling vacant shifts
Oversee scheduling of training (recertification, instructor, SRT, Dive, specialized, etc.)
Oversee submission of required training and employment status to the State of Wisconsin/ACADIS
Responsible for requesting mutual aid from other agencies
Responsible for press releases to the press/media and open records requests
Oversee purchases and management of agency facilities, assets, equipment and vehicles to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and safety, i.e. squads, guns, rescue equipment, radios, etc.
Oversee agency inventory and submit copies to the County Clerk for inventory and insurance purposes
Maintain personal proficiency in the use of weapons and vehicles and enforcement tools or techniques, and take proper enforcement action for law violations.
Keeping accurate reports on all vehicle crashes/accidents or departmental insurance claims
Attend all necessary and/or assigned meetings
Makes speeches and presentations and does public relations work for the agency
Answers complaints from the public
Ensure tow companies' liability insurance is current and on file annually
Conduct Sheriff’s sales
Create, review and revise Policy
Performs related duties as assigned
Qualifications: Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of the principles and practice of the criminal justice system and criminal justice administration
Knowledge of the organization and functions of other County departments and City, State, and Federal law enforcement, regulatory and licensing agencies
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county officials, the news media, community groups, and the public
Ability to plan realistically for the allocation and use of budget for assigned operations
Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports
Ability to efficiently utilize computers, software and other office equipment
Skill in the operation of a motor vehicle, as well as a working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of all other agency equipment
Must be knowledgeable of firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous material response, volunteer organizations, and two-way radio communications.
Education and experience:
Graduation from an accredited college with a minimum of sixty college credits in Criminal Justice or a related field or at least ten years of law enforcement work experience
Supervisory level experience preferred.
Certificates, Licenses:
Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver's license with no restrictions
Must be certified as a law enforcement officer by the Wisconsin Department of Justice - Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) in the State of Wisconsin.
Closing Statement:
This description has been prepared to assist in evaluating responsibilities, duties and skills of the position. The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the County and the employee and is subject to change by the County as the needs of the County and the requirements of the position change.
Fair Labor Standards Act Category:
Exempt Non-Union position