What You'll Be Doing

This position is for Detention Officers who have completed detention certification by the state of North Carolina. Detention certification is not the same as Correction certification and each require a different certification. If you are not detention certified in NC, you should fill out a Detention Officer Cadet application.

Detention Officer - Already Certified Salary and Incentives:

Hourly rate for DOCC certified officers begins at $24.30 per hour ($53,067 annually) up to $30.37 per hour ($63,175 annually) based upon experience, education, military service and fluency in a foreign language.

Primary Duties:

• The Detention Officer is responsible for custodial duties associated with the transportation, security and supervision of prisoners in the Wake County Detention Center (WCDC) and the Wake County Public Safety Center (PSC)
• Detention Officers perform a variety of duties ranging from direct supervision, control desk, inmate escorts, K-9, and transportation of inmates
• Work is performed in accordance with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the Training and Standards Council of the Department of Justice of North Carolina
• Work is performed under the direct supervision of that employee’s squad or area supervisor
• The applicant must be willing to work 12-hour rotating shifts which include holidays and weekends

About Our Team

With a wide array of services, Wake County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow, and play. Wake County Government employs approximately 4400 employees and approximately 1000 of those are employed by the Sheriff’s Office which provides Law Enforcement services throughout the community. With over 850 square miles of area and over 1 million residents, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for those in the unincorporated areas of the County. For more information about Wake County Government, visit www.wake.gov and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at www.wake.gov/sheriff.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Must possess North Carolina detention officer certification (not corrections certification)
• Must be at least 20 years old
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must possess or be able to possess a North Carolina driver’s license
• Must not have been charged or convicted of a felony or more than 3 misdemeanors (call or email to discuss)
• Must be willing to relocate within an hour response time to the Wake County Detention Center

Candidates must undergo an extensive background investigation including, but not limited to, physical fitness assessment, reading test, medical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam. The candidate m ust meet all the applicable standards with the North Carolina Sheriff’s Training and Standards Commission as well as the policies of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

Detention Officer candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of physical ability and fitness by completing the Wake County Sheriff’s Office's Physical Agility Test (SOPAT). The test consists of running 40 meters, climbing up and down stairs, completing 10 pushups, and simulating rolling/moving an adult-sized object. The purpose of this physical test is to simulate and measure an officer’s physical ability to respond to a critical incident and apprehend or potentially control a prisoner/suspect.

Following submission of this application, you will receive an email to schedule a physical fitness assessment.

If you have any questions please contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Recruiting Division at (919) 856-6983.

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws governing the operation of the Wake County Detention Center and the Wake County Public Safety Center
• Knowledge of forms, records and reports used in the detention facility
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Ability to maintain discipline and order among arrestees
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with arrestees and visitors
• Ability to use sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees

About This Position

Location: Wake County Detention Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Days, Nights and Weekends

Hiring Range: 25.51 - 30.37

Market Range: 24.78 - 37.18

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

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• Wake County Government

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