Detention Officer (Onslow County Sheriffs Office)
Salary
$22.00 - $30.03 Hourly
Location
Jacksonville, NC
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
Detention Officer 2026
Department
Sheriffs Office
Opening Date
05/19/2026
Job Description
Performs responsible protective service, ensuring inmates care, custody, and security at the Detention Center. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Detention Sergeant.
Our core values-Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty-are the foundation of our work and the standard by which we operate. As a member of our team, you are expected to demonstrate these values in every aspect of your role. This means delivering high-quality work, taking responsibility for your actions, providing exceptional service, and maintaining integrity in all interactions. Your commitment to these principles is essential to fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring the success of our organization and the community we serve.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include maintaining facility security, supervising inmate activities, ensuring the safety and order of the detention environment, and maintaining accurate records and reports through approved technologies.
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
Qualifications
General knowledge of the security, rules, regulations and procedures of the institution; general knowledge of the practices of current correctional practices 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; communication and de-escalation skills; ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems; ability to carry out oral and written directions accurately; ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; 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.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school is required for this position. A copy of your transcript must be attached to this application.
Must be at least 20 years of age to be certified by the NC Sheriff Standards
Must have completed and maintain certification through the North Carolina Detention Officers Certification course.
Must meet and maintain all Sheriff's Office and North Carolina training and certification requirements.
May be required to obtain and maintain specialized certification depending on assignment.
US citizenship is required per 12NCAC 10B .0301 (Lawful permanent resident status does not meet the requirement for certification)
Possession of an appropriate North Carolina driver's license.
Applicants who are selected to continue with the hiring process will be required to take the CASAS Test at Coastal Carolina Community College. After completion of the CASAS Test, applicants will be required to pass an agility test. This test must be completed in 20 minutes or less and consists of:
Those selected to move forward will be invited for a Command Board interview.
Applicants who successfully pass the interviews will be scheduled for psychological testing, medical testing and a drug screening which will be administered at an agency located outside of Onslow County.
In order to be considered for this position, your final transcript showing the date that your degree was awarded and/or any required certificates or licenses must be uploaded with your application even if you are a current employee or we have received it with a previous application.
Upon successful completion of the NC Detention Officer Certification course, within 12 months of hire, candidates will move to Certified Detention Officer status with a 5% pay increase.
Compensation will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.
Detention Officers without DOCC start at $22.00 per hour based on an 86-hour (2-week) pay period. Detention Officers with DOCC, start at $23.10 per hour based on an 86-hour (2-week) pay period.
Regular Onslow County employees have the ability to participate in a wide array of employee benefits including:
Health Insurance
Health Insurance is provided by Cigna and covers a wide variety of healthcare services.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental to full-time employees and covers a percentage of basic to major dental procedures, including orthodontia for children and adults.
Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is provided by MetLife to full-time employees and covers a variety of materials (contacts and glasses frames/lenses) and an annual eye exam.
North Carolina Local Governmental Employees Retirement System
Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the retirement system and must contribute 6% of their gross salary each pay period. Once eligibility requirements are met, employees will be able to receive monthly payments for life based on their salary, age, and years of service credit.
NC401k
The County contributes 1% of employees gross salary into the 401(k) account regardless of the employees deferral amount. In addition, the County matches employee deferrals up to an additional 4%.
Vacation Leave
Regular full-time employees earn 13.5 days of vacation leave per year. With each 5-year increment of employment, vacation accrual increases.
Sick Leave
Regular full-time employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year.
Paid Holidays
County employees receive paid holidays annually. The Board of County Commissioners approves and may adjust the schedule as deemed necessary.
ComPsych Mental Health Services
The County provides Mental Health and Life Services through ComPsych to help employees and their families with personal, family and job-related problems such as counseling, crisis support, work-life resources, legal and financial consultations, and organizational support tools.
Supplemental Benefits
County employees are also offered a variety of supplemental benefits such as Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, 457b Deferred Compensation Plan, and MetLife Supplemental Plans.
For more information, please visit http://www.onslowcountync.gov//HR and click on the Benefits tab.
01
What is your highest level of education?
02
Do you have prior experience working in a Department of Corrections position?
03
Do you possess a valid drivers license?
04
Are you at least 20 years of age? Note: You must be at least 20 years of age to be certified by the NC Sheriff Standards.
05
Based on your review of the position requirements, are you able to perform the position duties with or without reasonable accommodation?
Required Question
Employer Onslow County
Address 234 Northwest Corridor Boulevard
Jacksonville, North Carolina, 28540
Phone 910-347-7600
Website http://www.onslowcountync.gov