Detention Guards Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $62,400.00 Annually
Location : 692 NW 30th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-13
Bureau: Detention
Division: Detention Deputy
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
This is a responsible position involving the custody, control and care of inmates within an adult detention
facility, and the movement of inmates within and outside the facility. A Detention Deputy may work in any unit in the jail. Their specific job functions are listed in the respective post order.
Examples of Duties
DUTIES:
A. Abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics."
B. Thoroughly know, understand and comply with Agency procedures, rules and regulations.
C. Thoroughly know, understand and comply with Florida State Statutes pertaining to county detention
facilities, the Florida Model Jail Standards and accreditation standards.
D. Be responsible for the reception, custody, control and release of inmates.
E. Write or type clear, legible, complete and accurate reports, logs and other records pertaining to the
inmates and their movements.
F. Maintain order and discipline within the facility, enforcing all inmate rules and regulations and reporting all
violations promptly, in writing, to a Detention Bureau supervisor.
G. Be constantly alert and security conscious in order to prevent escapes, introduction of contraband or other
violations.
H. Search visitors, if appropriate, and inmates entering the Detention Facility for contraband as required.
I.
Inspect living quarters and inmates for contraband as per the Post Orders or Operations Directives.
J. Stand guard, observe inmates and take required action in emergencies.
K. Take personal charge of assigned inmates and supervise their activities.
L. Escort and guard inmates to and from hearings, trials, meetings, medical facilities, or other institutions or
locations, as required.
M. Supervise work details of prisoners in their quarters or other areas to which they may be assigned.
N. Take periodic counts of inmates, as per the Post Orders or Operations Directive.
O. Monitor all inmate correspondence.
P. Supervise all inmate visitation periods.
Q. Constantly check the facility for security deficiencies and needed maintenance.
R. Respond to emergencies in the jail such as fires, fights, riots, or other emergency, as directed.
S. Assist in control of inmates when needed as backup.
T. Be alert for conditions or situations, which inhibit efficient operation of the Agency or the Detention Bureau
and make recommendations for solutions.
U. Perform any other duties that may be required by the Sheriff or through necessity of situations.
V. Attend training as required.
W. Perform other related duties, as assigned, including modified schedule or temporary re-assignment during
declared emergency or activations, as determined by the Sheriff.
Typical Qualifications
JOB PREREQUISITES: (Detention Deputy I)
• Be at least 18 years of age as required by law.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Successfully completed Basic Detention Recruit School and the state exam in the State of Florida or receive a certificate of comparative compliance from the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License, with a good driving record.
• Be able to effectively communicate information both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine a proper course of action.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency situations.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, with respect to rights of others.
• Ability to develop skill in use and care of firearms, and less-than-lethal weapons.
• Be in good physical and mental condition, and successfully pass physical and psychological examinations, as
required.
• Ability to effectively communicate in the English language, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow instructions and organize own work.
• Ability to work harmoniously with Agency personnel and outside contacts.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive information without compromising confidentiality.
• Possess normal sight and hearing and physical agility required for standing, walking and climbing stairs.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Maintain certification as a sworn officer as required by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training
Commission.
• Successfully complete and maintain proficiency in firearms and training as required by Agency policy.
• Maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.
Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Indoor and outdoor environment. Shift work required. Occasionally subject to work long hours. Subject to
being called out in emergencies. Hazards include all potential dangers of working around a confined inmate population.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office offers a highly competitive benefits package to all full-time employees and new incentives for Florida Certified Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers.
Employee Benefits are detailed in the Marion County Sheriff's Office Operations Directive 3030.50 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - GENERAL
A. The following benefits are provided to all full-time employees. Some of the following are more fully described in the agency's operational directives.
1. Annual Leave: Employees receive two weeks annual leave per the first through the fourth year of employment. Increases are given after 4, 9, 14, and 19 years of service.
2. Holidays: The Agency recognizes nine holidays, which are identified each year by the Board of County Commissioners. Employees, depending on their assignments, receive either a day off or an extra day's pay for each holiday.
3. Overtime Compensation: Employees receive compensation for overtime. They may receive pay, compensatory time, administrative time, or flextime, depending on their position and at the discretion of their supervisor.
4. Medical Insurance: The Agency furnishes insurance through a group policy. The Agency pays a portion of the premium for the employee's medical insurance. The employee has the option, at their expense, to place their dependents on the same policy.
a. If a full-time law enforcement or corrections officer suffers an on-duty catastrophic injury, in accordance with and defined by F.S.112.19 and 440.02(37), and is otherwise qualified, the Agency will pay the entire medical insurance premium of the employee, the employee's spouse and each dependent child until the child reaches the age of majority or until the last day of the calendar year when the child reaches the age of 25 if still a dependent for support, or if the child is a full or part-time student still dependent for support. If the employee dies, the Agency will continue to pay the premium for the dependent children and for the spouse until the spouse remarries.
b. If a full-time law enforcement or corrections officer is killed in the line of duty on or after July 1, 1993, as a result of an act of violence inflicted by another person while the officer is engaged in the performance of law enforcement duties or as a result of an assault against the officer under riot conditions shall pay the entire premium of the political subdivision's health insurance plan for the employee's surviving spouse until remarried, and for each dependent child of the employee until the child reaches the age of majority or until the end of the calendar year in which the child reaches the age of 25. Note: In the line of duty death benefit, the Sheriff may continue to pay the premium of the spouse who has remarried and still has children who continue to qualify for the health insurance benefit.
(1) Benefits payable from another source will reduce these benefits paid by the
Agency. To commit a fraud in obtaining these benefits is a first-degree misdemeanor. A conviction, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, will result in the employee forfeiting the right to receive the benefits and having to pay the Agency back for benefits paid due to the fraud.
c. In order for the officer or spouse and children to be eligible for benefits, the injury must have occurred while in fresh pursuit, responding to what is reasonably believed to be an emergency, or an unlawful act perpetrated by another.
d. An employee qualified for these benefits is not eligible for any other health insurance subsidy from the Agency.
e. F.S.S. 112.0801 provides that retirees and their eligible dependents shall be offered the same health and hospitalization insurance coverage as is offered to active employees. Retirees will receive a credit of $5.00 per month for each year worked, not to exceed $150.00 per month, or the cost of the insurance.
(1) Even though the State of Florida considers all service under the FRS, the Sheriff will only consider the years worked at the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
(2) The Sheriff's subsidy is a credit to the total cost of the insurance. This shall not exceed the total monthly cost, after subtracting the subsidy received from FRS.
a. The subsidy shall be given to the employee until the employee reaches the age of 65, and then the benefit will stop.
5. Worker's Compensation: Employees are covered by Worker's Compensation for on-duty injuries, per Worker's Compensation laws. (See Operations Directive 3035.00)
6. Life Insurance: The Agency pays the premium for one (1) time the employee's annual salary for life insurance, including $12,000 accidental death and dismemberment for all employees. The employee can purchase additional amounts, if they desire. (See Optional Benefits, paragraph 3030.55).
7. Additional Life Insurance: In addition to the regular life insurance in paragraph 6 above, the Sheriff also furnishes a $200,000 policy for on-the-job accidental death, and a $150,000.00 policy for on-the-job intentional death for all employees. In addition, the Federal Government furnishes a death benefit for officers killed in the line of duty.
8. Long Term Disability Insurance: The Agency furnishes long term disability insurance for each employee who is eligible to receive the benefit after a 4 month waiting period. Generally the employee will receive 67% of his/her salary up to $3,000.00/month if he/she becomes disabled. This benefit would be coordinated with all other income received by the employee.
9. Retirement: All full-time employees are covered by the Florida State Retirement System, with a portion of the contributions being paid by the Agency. Retirement contributions and benefits differ for high-hazard/ Special Risk employees (law enforcement and corrections officers).
a. Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) is offered by the Florida State
Retirement System. The employee retires, continues to work, with his/her benefits being invested by FRS up to sixty (60) months. At the conclusion of the program, the employeewill receive all amounts invested plus all earned interest.
10. Uniforms and Equipment: Uniforms are furnished to employees in positions that require the wearing of a uniform, including civilian positions. When appropriate to the position, leather and firearms are also furnished. A uniform cleaning allowance is also given to most uniformed employees.
11. Assigned Vehicles: The Agency furnishes vehicles for certain positions, to be used according to the vehicle use policies. Where vehicles are furnished, the Agency pays all business related operational costs, including fuel and lubricants, maintenance, and insurance.
12. Longevity Pay: Employees receive longevity pay based on a percentage of their base salary each anniversary date. The percentage paid increases at five and ten year continuous service increments. (See Operations Directive 3020.00)
13. Sick Leave: Full-time employees receive sick leave at the daily rate of .26302 hours or approximately eight hours per month. (See Operations Directive 3035.00).
14. Recruit School Tuition Reimbursement: The agency may provide tuition reimbursement to full-time employees who, in order to advance their careers within the Agency, enroll in and complete, in good standing, the law enforcement recruit school or the corrections recruit school. Recruit School Tuition Reimbursement will be contingent on acceptance to MCSO Patrol or Corrections respectively. All training request paperwork must be preapproved in order to be reimbursed by the agency. Expenses eligible for reimbursement are: initial tuition fees, recruit school uniforms, books, range ammunition, and fee to take the state certification examination. No reimbursement will be made until the employee has successfully passed the state certification examination. Should an employee fail to pass the state certification examination and be required to re-enter and ultimately complete the entire basic training program, the employee will be responsible for all costs associated with the reentry training. The decision to reimburse employees who are hired while attending recruit school shall be at the discretion of the agency.
15. The following benefits are given to employees meeting the requirements of each:
a. Incentive Pay for Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers. These officers are eligible for incentive pay up to $130 per month, depending on education and career development courses completed.
b. Educational Achievement Pay: Employees, other than law enforcement or
corrections officers, are eligible for Educational Achievement Pay, up to a maximum of $80 per month, depending on completion of college degree courses.