Detention Officer

Salary: $52,721.76 Annually
Location : 815 Wheeler Ave, Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00016
Department: Jail
Opening Date: 01/22/2025
Hiring Manager: Amy Manning / Marcus Blackburn
Hiring Manager Contact Information: View email address on click.appcast.io / View email address on click.appcast.io


Position Overview
*Annual salary calculated based on 2184 hours*

Under general supervision, performs routine duties in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures to maintain order and provide for the security, care and direct supervision of inmates/residents in housing units, at meals, during recreation, on work assignments and during all other phases of activity in a correctional facility.


Please note: In this position, you must be able to pass a drug screen, physical examination, and criminal background check. You must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.


Classification will commensurate based on years of experience:

• Detention Officer I - 0 to 4 years of experience
• Detention Officer II - 4 to 8 years of experience
• Detention Officer III - 8+ years of experience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)

• Patrols assigned areas at various intervals for security of inmates, count of inmates and security of buildings and grounds.
• Complete OC (pepper spray) and TASER certification.
• Complete in-house training academy and Field Training program.
• Remains alert for signs of disorder or tension.
• Inspects quarters, facilities, and work locations for unauthorized materials.
• Checks sanitary conditions and fire and safety hazards, such as unsafe tools and equipment.
• Keeps records and makes reports on such matters as inmate movements and progress and offender's violation of rules.
• Escorts individuals or groups of inmates to work assignments.
• Maintains order and discipline during work and during bathing, meals, and recreational activities.
• Ensures inmates meet institutional standards of conduct.
• Keeps perpetual count on assigned inmates.
• Supervises offenders in various work details including general clean-up of institutional grounds and buildings.
• Supervises inmates in court transports and medical transports.
• Supervises and accounts for meal services and all inmate interactions with in-house medical staff.
• Takes custody of personal effects.
• Performs related work as required.

Education and Experience
Education and Experience

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent, and any combination of training and experience which provides the ability to perform job specifications. Classification will commensurate based on years of experience:
  • Detention Officer I - 0 to 5 years of experience
  • Detention Officer II - 5 to 8 years of experience
  • Detention Officer III - 8 to 12 years of experience
  • Detention Officer IV - 12+ years of experience

• Must complete one (1) year of promotional probation beginning on the date of the promotion.

Skills for Success

• Working knowledge of, and familiarization with, appropriate agency rules and regulations;
• Ability to supervise effectively and obtain results from offenders who may not be work motivated;
• Some knowledge of psychology, sociology, alcoholism, drug addiction and criminology;
• Ability to defend oneself physically;
• Ability to operate cell house range and/or dormitory controls;
• Ability to prepare reports of unusual happenings, accidents or violations of rules;
• Alertness and ability to act quickly and effectively in an emergency;
• Ability to keep abreast of progress and study in the field of corrections;
• Willingness to participate in training programs as required.

Other Requirements
Physical Requirements

• Climb multiple flights of steps during rounds ascending to the upper tiers.
• Prolonged walking, prolonged standing greater than one hour, pushing and or pulling wheeled carts in excess of 200 pounds.
• Brief periods of intense physical exertion when physical engagement with non-compliant or disruptive inmates is required.
• Periods of repetitive bending, stooping or crawling to perform cell searches.
• Must pass a Physical Agility Test. This includes 10 pushups, 15 sit-ups, and running a mile in 12 minutes.

Certifications or Licenses Required

• Must be able to successfully complete OC (pepper spray) and TASER certification, provided by Madison County.
• Must be able to successfully complete in-house training academy and Field Training program, provided by Madison County.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the employment application in full.
Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts drug and alcohol testing.
A comprehensive set of benefits is offered for all full-time employees. No benefits are offered to part-time or seasonal employees. Please consult with the Human Resources Department for a full list of benefits.

Madison County periodically reviews and when fiscally able, adjusts salary rates and our benefits package to remain competitive in our area.
Benefits Summary

Healthcare Insurance : Blue Cross of Alabama is administered through the Local Government Health Insurance Plan (LGHIP).


Coverage Type Employee's Premium
Single Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 61.00
Family Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 150.00

Dental Coverage : Dental coverage is included with LGHIP through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. LGHIP manages dental costs and provides enhanced dental benefits using negotiated discounts with in-network dentists. To locate in-network dentists go to Assuming the services are covered you will normally only be responsible for out of pocket.


Life Insurance: Madison County provides $25,000 in life, $25,000 in accidental death and dismemberment and $25,000 line of duty insurance to eligible employees in certified positions.

Employee Retirement Plans : Employees are required to participate in the Employees Retirement System, which is a Defined Benefit Plan administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). Participants contribute 5% to 8.5% of their earnings depending on their hire date and classification. Sworn Certified Personnel have an accelerated contribution schedule

*Employer contribution percentage is set by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and changes annually.


Employee Clinic: Madison County employees and dependents over age 12 may use the Employee Health Clinic for the low co-pay of $15.00 per visit. To be eligible to use the clinic, the employee and dependent must be enrolled in Madison County's health insurance plan as their primary coverage.


Voluntary Plans are also available :

• Additional life Insurance for employee and dependents
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and childcare)
• Vision Insurance

Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave:
*Minimum of 10 holidays per calendar year
*Accrue 8 hours of annual leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month
01


Are you at least 19 years or older?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you prepared to work days and/or nights any day of the week?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you willing to work holidays and/or weekends?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you agree to a background check?

• Yes
• No

05


If you answered 'yes' to the previous question. Please select the authorize option.

• You are hereby authorizing a pre-employment background check and driver's history check to be performed.

Required Question