Detention Officer - DOCC Certified - Tiered

What You’ll Be Doing

Are you ready to step up and serve your community in a meaningful way? As a Detention Officer, you’ll be shaping lives, maintaining safety, and helping uphold the justice system that protects us all. This is more than just a job – it’s a career built on discipline, integrity, and respect.

• Transport, secure, and supervise prisoners in the Wake County Detention Center (WCDC) and the Wake County Public Safety Center (PSC)
• Direct supervision, control desk duties, inmate escorts, K‑9 operations, and transportation of inmates
• Follow Wake County Sheriff’s Office policies, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the Training and Standards Council of the Department of Justice of North Carolina
• Work under the direct supervision of the squad or area supervisor
• Perform work on 12‑hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends

Hourly rate for DOCC‑certified officers begins at $27.26 per hour (≈ $56,696 annually) up to $31.66 per hour (≈ $65,857 annually) based on experience, education, military service, and fluency in a foreign language.

• North Carolina detention officer certification (not corrections certification)
• At least 20 years old
• Citizen of the United States
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license
• No felony convictions and no more than three misdemeanors
• Willingness to relocate within an hour response time to the Wake County Detention Center
• Completion of a background investigation, physical fitness assessment, reading test, medical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam
• Pass the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Physical Agility Test (SOPAT) – 40‑meter run, stair climbing, 10 push‑ups, and movement of an adult‑sized object

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing the operation of WCDC and PSC
• Knowledge of forms, records, and reports used in the detention facility
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods
• Maintain discipline and order among arrestees
• Work effectively in a confined area
• Deal firmly and courteously with arrestees and visitors
• Use sound judgment in routine and emergency situations
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees

• Location:
  
  Wake County Detention, Raleigh, NC 27610
• Employment Type:
  
  Regular
• Work Schedule:
  
  Days, nights, and weekends
• Hiring Range: $27.26–$31.66 per hour
• Market Range: $25.33–$37.99 per hour
• Posting Closing Date:
  Open until filled, may close at any time

Wake 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.

Position may require a background check that may include criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employees may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours, and/or location, and may also need to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.