Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
Sheriff
Sheriffs ensure the safety and security of people, highways, and provincial buildings.
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Avg. Salary $35,929.00
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Avg. Wage $20.35
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Minimum Education 1 year post-secondary
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Outlook below avg
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Employed 11,000
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In Demand Lower
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Police Officers (Except Commissioned) (6261); Sheriffs and Bailiffs (6461); Security Guards and Related Occupations (6651)
- 2006 NOC-S: Police Officers (Except Commissioned) (G611); Sheriffs and Bailiffs (G621); Security Guards and Related Occupations (G631)
- 2011 NOC: Police officers (except commissioned) (4311); Sheriffs and bailiffs (4421); Security guards and related security service occupations (6541)
- 2016 NOC: Police officers (except commissioned) (4311); Sheriffs and bailiffs (4421); Security guards and related security service occupations (6541)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
35%
35%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $47.45 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $51.58 |
| Top | $54.38 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift over 20 kg
Interest Codes
The Sheriff is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Police Officers (Except Commissioned)
- METHODICAL
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Interest in analyzing information to investigate crimes and accidents
- DIRECTIVE
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Interest in driving when patrolling assigned areas to maintain public safety and order; and in enforcing laws and regulations and arresting criminal suspects; may supervise and co-ordinate the work of other police officers
- SOCIAL
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Interest in speaking to the public when participating in crime prevention, public information and safety programs
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Sheriffs and Bailiffs
- METHODICAL
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Interest in copying to serve statements of claims, summonses, warrants, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony and other court orders; in serving writs of execution by seizing and selling properties and distributing the proceeds according to court decisions; and in issuing warrants for imprisonment, arrest or apprehension
- directive
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Interest in handling to locate properties and make seizures and removals under various acts of Parliament; and in providing courthouse security for judges, security support for sequestered juries and perimeter security for the court house
- social
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Interest in speaking while escorting prisoners to and from courts and correctional institutions, and also while attending court, escorting witnesses and assisting in maintaining order
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Security Guards and Related Occupations
- METHODICAL
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Interest in copying to perform security checks of passengers and luggage at airports; to operate security control room equipment to monitor establishment activities; to ensure that establishment safety and emergency procedures are followed; and to enforce regulations of establishments to maintain order
- social
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Interest in speaking with visitors to control access to organizations, issue passes and direct them to appropriate areas
- directive
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Interest in driving and guarding armoured trucks when delivering cash and valuables to banks, automated teller machines and retail establishments; and in responding to fire alarms, bomb threats and other emergencies
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Sheriffs ensure the safety and security of people, highways, and property such as courthouses, government buildings, and museums. Duties can vary widely. They work in close co-operation with other law enforcement agencies. They are recruited and trained by the Government of Alberta for service in 1 of 4 streams.
Court security and prisoner transport sheriffs:
- Maintain safety and security in Alberta’s 71 provincial courthouses
- Provide security for everyone attending court
- Transport offenders to and from court facilities
- Assist with prisoner transfers between correctional facilities, federal institutions, and police and RCMP lockups
- Transport prisoners from other provinces to attend court in Alberta
- Help move children in the care of the courts due to programs such as Protection of Children Abusing Drugs (PChAD) and Children Services Secure Treatment Orders
- Transport individuals who are wanted in Alberta back to the province
Protection services sheriffs:
- Provide 24-hour security at the Legislature and Government Centre grounds
- Respond to alarms at key government buildings, such as the Edmonton Law Courts and the Lieutenant-Governor’s residence, and take action as needed
- Provide specialized personal security to the Lieutenant-Governor, members of cabinet, and other high-ranking officials as required
- Manage security information and intelligence and develop threat assessments
Traffic sheriffs:
- Enforce traffic safety
- Assist RCMP to conduct impaired-driving investigations at checkstop locations
- Investigate property damage collisions
- Deliver awareness and educational presentations
Investigative service sheriffs work under the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) to provide specialized assistance with ongoing investigations. Sheriffs in this stream:
- Investigate properties suspected of being used for illegal activity
- Provide surveillance assistance to law enforcement agencies in Alberta that are carrying out ongoing provincially focused investigations
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Sheriffs generally work a standard 38.75-hour workweek. Some specialized units work longer shifts. Weekend, holiday, and night shifts often are required because security and other services must be provided around the clock. In general, court security and prisoner transport sheriffs do not work weekends or holidays, except in rare instances.
Sheriffs work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. They may need to stand or walk for hours at a time, or ride in a vehicle for a full shift. At times, they must use force and may be required to lift heavy items.
Sheriffs work in stressful, emotional, and sometimes dangerous situations, such as arresting law breakers or executing arrest warrants.
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Strength Required Lift over 20 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Sheriffs need:
- Honesty, maturity, patience, and good judgment
- Observational and interpersonal skills
- Self-motivation
- Integrity
- Problem-solving abilities
They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for analyzing information and conducting investigations. They should be at ease taking charge of situations and dealing with people.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Education requirements vary depending on the sheriff’s primary role:
- Court security and prisoner transport sheriffs require a 2-year diploma in a related field or 2 years of progressively responsible related experience.
- Specialized sheriffs require a 2-year diploma in a related field plus 2 years of progressively responsible related experience.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Grant MacEwan University
Lethbridge College
Medicine Hat College
Mount Royal University
NorQuest College
Red Deer College
Simon Fraser University
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2019
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2019
In Alberta, sheriffs work for the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General department. Applicants must:
- Have a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence (Class 4 for law court sheriffs)
- Submit a current driver’s abstract
- Have valid standard first aid and CPR (adult, child, and infant) certification
- Submit a current and clear criminal records check
- Provide proof of successful completion of the PARE (Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation) test or a sanctioned equivalent physical test within the previous 3 months, with a completion time of 4 minutes, 45 seconds or better
- Be eligible to qualify for firearms certification
- Be eligible for appointment as a peace officer
- Be available for and pass recruit training
The Sheriff Introduction training program runs for 14 weeks at the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Training Academy in Edmonton.
Promotion to sergeant generally requires several years of experience.
In Alberta, sheriffs are part of two larger 2011 National Occupational Classifications, 4311: Police officers (except commissioned) and 4421: Sheriffs and bailiffs.
98% of people employed in the Police officers (except commission) group work in the Public Administration (pdf) industry
97% of people employed in the Sheriffs and bailiffs group work in the Public Administration (pdf) industry
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- Location in Alberta
- Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
- Size of the occupation
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the G611: Police Officers (Except Commissioned) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of -0.2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, -19 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In Alberta, the G631: Security Guards and Related Occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.9% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 234 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $31.56 | $59.23 | $47.45 | $52.92 |
| Overall | $44.33 | $59.36 | $51.58 | $52.96 |
| Top | $50.01 | $61.01 | $54.38 | $54.51 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $107,052 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $106,896 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
35%
35%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
69%
69%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
20%
20%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.97 | $31.15 | $28.93 | $28.62 |
| Overall | $30.22 | $38.69 | $35.16 | $35.13 |
| Top | $31.85 | $38.69 | $35.81 | $35.44 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $70,820 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $70,820 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
N/A
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
N/A
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $27.57 | $17.78 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $32.29 | $20.35 | $19.59 |
| Top | $15.00 | $37.38 | $26.19 | $22.78 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $71,577 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $66,898 |
| Educational Services | $48,920 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $47,384 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $35,929 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $32,757 |
| Retail Trade | $30,149 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $29,887 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $18,621 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
71%
71%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
30%
30%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2019
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.solgps.alberta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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