Detention Officer - Certified

Overview

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Office of the Sheriff

Date Posted:
January 5, 2026

Closing Date:
December 31, 2026

Salary: $50,004.00 – $85,207.00

Position Number: 4000533

Job Type: Vacancies will be filled as they occur.

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is seeking certified Detention Officers who embody the values and diversity of the Durham County community. If you are interested in joining the team, submit your application for a Detention Officer position.

• Process inmates into custody, search prisoners, attend to personal property, provide opportunity to call attorney or relative, advise on institutional rules and regulations.
• Patrol defined areas to ensure security and maintain order.
• Supervise inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation, and related activities for conformance to institutional rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Respond to special needs of prisoners and attempts to resolve individual problems.
• Escort and transport inmates as required.
• Secure cell doors to prevent conflicts between inmates.
• Prepare routine records on inmates; performs general clerical duties, prepares court lists.
• Ensure care and maintenance of quarters, and recreational equipment used by inmates.
• Arrange visits, inspect items brought into the jail, check incoming and outgoing mail.
• Perform related work as assigned.

• 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.

Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing, and raising objects and 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.

• Must have a current NC Detention Officer Certification and be in good standing with the NC Sheriff Training and Standards Commission.
• Must have a valid 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).

If you have any questions please contact the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Training and Recruitment Division .

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer