Detention Officer - Cadet (Multiple)

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham 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. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

DEPARTMENT:

[[Office of the Sheriff]]

DATE POSTED:

January 5, 2026

CLOSING DATE:

December 31, 2026

SALARY MIN:

$49.052.00

SALARY MAX:

$83,583.00

POSITION NUMBER:

40000567, 40000577, 40000507, 40000574, 40000599, 40000602, 40000627, 40003402,

JOB TYPE:

[[FULL-TIME]]

• VACANCIES WILL BE FILLED AS THEY OCCUR*

The Durham County Sheriff's Office is seeking qualified candidates who embody the values and diversity of the Durham County community.

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Detention Officer, submit your application for a Detention Officer Cadet position. Selected candidates will attend the Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC). Upon successful completion of all training requirements, the cadet will be certified as a North Carolina Basic Detention Officer.

IN A CONTROLLED ENVIROMENT BE ABLE TO EXECUTE THE FOLLOWING:

• Processes inmates into custody of institution, searches prisoners, takes charge of personal property; provides opportunity to call attorney or relative, advises on institutional rules and regulations.
• Patrols assigned area periodically to ensure security and maintain order.
• Supervises inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation and personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations and procedures.
• Attends to special needs of prisoners and attempts to resolve individual problems if possible.
• Escorts and transports inmates as required.
• Secures cell doors to prevent conflicts between inmates.
• Prepares routine records on inmates; performs general clerical duties, prepares court lists.
• Ensures the care and maintenance of quarters, work and recreational equipment used by inmates.
• Arranges visits, inspects items brought into the jail, checks incoming and outgoing mail.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws governing the operation of the DCFD.
• 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 inmates.
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with inmates and visitors.
• Ability to use sound judgment in both routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training & Standards require a high school equivalency diploma be at least partial classroom.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a North Carolina driver's license.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
• Must pass a reading comprehension exam and a physical ability/readiness test.
• Must live within 50 miles of downtown Durham (or willing to relocate upon being hired).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must successfully complete the Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) within one (1) year of employment.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer