Detention Officer

Salary: $46,477.00 - $60,420.00 Annually
Location : Sheriff's Office Detention Center, 1044 Driftwood Drive, Manteo, NC
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00864
Department: Detention Center
Opening Date: 06/02/2026


About the Position


Performs intermediate protective service work processing inmates, maintaining detention center security, transporting inmates to court, medical and related facilities, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Detention Sergeant.

Job Duties

• Ensures the safety and security of inmates within the County jail; controls inmates by performing routine facility checks and conducting head counts.
• Receives and processes inmates into custody of institution; searches prisoners; takes charge of personal property.
• Escorts and transports inmates to court and other required appointments.
• Oversees the handling and distribution of medications and meals.
• Supervises inmate worker details.
• Performs other assigned duties.

Position Qualifications

• General knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedures of the institution.
• General knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint.
• Ability to enforce institutional rules firmly and fairly.
• Ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates.
• Ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems.
• Ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately.
• Ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates.
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, inmates, attorneys, and the general public.

Education, Experience and Supplemental Information

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license

Detention Officer certification within one year of hire.
CPR/First Aid


Equal Opportunity Statement

Dare 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 based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you consideration for employment. Dare County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A competitive benefits package is provided:

• 12 - 30 paid vacation days per year, based on length of service
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 3 paid personal leave days
• Employer-paid medical insurance for employee
• Life Insurance
• Local Government Retirement System
• Automatic 3% contribution into NC Total Retirement 401K Plan
• Longevity Pay Plan
• Employee Assistance Counseling Program
• Transfer of sick leave from another North Carolina state or local government agency will be considered within 2 months of hire
• Elective supplemental insurance including short-term disability, vision, dental, term life

Employees have the option to cover their dependents on the County's group policy at their own expense through payroll deduction.


Note: Part-time positions do not include benefits. If this is a part-time position, it will not include benefits.