Correctional Officer Trainee - Davidson County Sheriff's Office

Position Description

A Correctional Officer assists with securing and overseeing the care and well-being of inmates housed in a correctional facility, and performs related duties as required.

$57,633.00 upon completion of the training academy.

$64,209.00 upon completion of a 6‑month probationary period.

• If you applied for Correctional Officer Trainee (COT) and successfully passed the Civil Service Exam within the past 12 months, you are not required to reapply.

Applicants who have not taken the COT Civil Service Exam or did not receive a passing score will need to submit a new application.

• Assisting with securing and overseeing the care and well‑being of inmates
• Monitoring inmate movement within the facility
• Conducting searches of cells, inmates, and visitors
• Preparing reports
• Submitting incident and disciplinary write‑ups
• Supervising inmate work assignments and overseeing inmate feeding
• Providing inmate security at hospitals, courts, and other assigned destinations
• Assisting with inmate processing as needed
• Transporting inmates to various locations as required

Work involves high risk, exposure to potentially dangerous situations, and unusual environmental stress that requires safety precautions. The environment demands physical stamina and tolerance for hazardous and stressful situations. Employees may need to work varying shifts, weekends, and must be able to defend themselves or others against physical attack.

• High School Diploma or state‑issued GED; twenty‑one (21) years of age; U.S. citizen.
• Valid driver’s license may be required for some positions.
• Participation in a Written Examination and Physical Standard Test; both must be passed to be placed on the eligibility register.
• Military service holders must provide a DD214 long‑form; only honorable discharges qualify directly; other statuses may allow waiver application.
• Conviction of a felony or related offenses disqualifies applicants; misdemeanor convictions may qualify for a waiver.
• Foreign accreditation is encouraged.
• All employees must become residents of Tennessee within six months of employment, per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078.

Physical standards test: a practical skills course completed in one minute twenty seconds; a stair climb of 90 steps completed in 36 seconds.

• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Physically restrain violent or unruly individuals.
• Deal courteously with the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Operate in a stressful, physically demanding environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Metro Nashville Government respects religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will accommodate such observances when reasonable and without undue hardship.