I applied in-person. The process took 2+ months. I interviewed at Lampasas County (Texas) (Lampasas, TX)
Interview
Downloaded initial application from county website, hand carried it to the sheriff's department. Received an email with the detailed application packet, filled that out and had to schedule an appointment to drop that off with a deputy. Background investigation began soon after and took about 4 weeks. As soon as it was complete, received a phone call with an interview date and time which was about 2 weeks out. Board interview, took about 30 minutes. Received the job offer 2 days after.