Entry Level Safety Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $57,375.60 - $63,879.00 Annually
Location : Pamunkey Regional Jail, Hanover, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 202600161
Department: Pamunkey Regional Jail
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Working Title: Jail Officer Entry Level (CD)
Description
Pamunkey Regional Jail is looking for entry level and experienced candidates to provide safety and security of the incarcerated inmates for Hanover County, Caroline County, and the Town of Ashland. This is a sworn position with full-time benefits to include holiday pay, paid time off, medical, retirement investment, tuition reimbursement, and much more.
The Jail Officer position is a part of the Career Development program at Pamunkey Regional Jail that helps develop our employees advance within our organization.
Essential Functions: (Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.)
• Transport inmates to authorized locations following Pamunkey Regional Jail Standard Operating Procedures;
• Control and monitor housing areas in order to control access to housing areas and cells, monitor inmate behavior and activity, maintain accurate records of inmates and monitor movement occurring inside the facility;
• Search inmate cells in order to locate and seize contraband or weapons found in the inmate population and ensure attempts to escape are stopped or prevented;
• Ensure inmates receive appropriate nutrition and hygiene;
• Respond to emergency situations or codes in order to establish control and safety of co-workers and inmates;
• Ensure inmate behavior is within the facility policy and procedures;
• Processes new arrestees into and out of the facility;
• Review and verify inmates have fulfilled their court ordered sentence prior to being released;
• Ensures inmate visitation is conducted as according to policy;
• Ensures inmate programs are available to the inmates;
• Ensures inmate records and sentences are calculated and entered correctly;
• Ensures inmates are properly classified and housed throughout the facility;
• Oversees authorized inmates to work out in the community and on the facility grounds;
• Ensures all of the incoming mail is processed and delivered to the inmates on a daily basis;
• Ensures inmates are transported to their scheduled court date, medical appointments, etc.;
• Coordinates the maintenance of the facility's vehicles;
• Coordinate necessary in-service and recertification training for all personnel;
• Coordinates the operation of a Jail Basic Training Academy for new employees;
• Performs related work as assigned.
Working Conditions: Hazards
• Interaction with people and inmates during stressful and dangerous situations
• Exposure to OC spray and electrical discharge from stunning/incapacitation devices
Environment
• Inside
• Outside
Physical Effort
• Minimal
• Must be able to crawl, kneel, lift, run and climb to include stairs
• Must be able to lift up to 30#
Non-exempt
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: General knowledge of correctional methods, practices and procedures, required. Ability to exercise tact and judgment in handling visitors and in maintaining the behavior of prisoners. Ability to prioritize and follow oral and written instruction. Ability to develop skill in the use of firearms and other emergency equipment, including breathing apparatus and fire extinguishers. Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action. Ability to monitor inmate activities and properly restrain individuals.
Education, Experience and Training: Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age; High school graduate or equivalent required, preferably supplemented by college level course work in criminal justice or related field or jail related experience. Ability to successfully complete the appropriate training as prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for this position, including first aid. Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities may be acceptable.
Special Conditions:
• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License
• Twelve month probationary period
• Shift work, including weekend, holidays and nights
• Work beyond normal work schedule
• Essential staff designation
• Pre-employment physical examination, audiometric testing, drug testing, alcohol screening and repeated according to policy thereafter
• Must wear uniform, including safety equipment
• Must maintain phone for emergency contact
Step Pay Plan: The Pamunkey Regional Jail (PRJ) maintains a step play plan for sworn positions which provides internal parity by establishing a common set of salary ranges for each rank. Entry level rates, maximum rates and the systematic method for employees to move within the salary range are uniform and applied consistently for all employees governed by the plan. There are ten pay grades each with a defined entry rate and maximum rate, and each pay grade has twenty-five steps. Usually new sworn employees start at Step one, although accommodations can be made for currently certified sworn officers wishing to transition to PRJ. Typical advancement occurs annually in July based on established HR policies.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Salary based on job experience, military history, related education and/or jail officer certification through DCJS.
If selected to proceed in the hiring process, please be prepared to present the following items at the time of interview:
- High School Transcripts (sealed in envelope)
- Driver's License- DD214 (copy 4), if applicable
All employees must maintain active phone for emergency contact
SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Hanover County is proud to provide our employees with the following comprehensive benefits package. Hanover provides a benefit package that provides for you in times of need, they offer an ongoing level of financial security, peace-of-mind, and healthy work-life balance. This is part of our goal to make Hanover County an attractive place to work. To see exactly what you will find with our offerings, click the link below:
Benefits | Hanover County, VAThis is an overview and does not provide all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents, the plan documents will prevail. The Pamunkey Regional Jail and Library share some of the County benefits, please visit their website for more details.
01
Have you ever been convicted on a felony?Applicants are not required to disclose arrests, charges, or convictions that have been Sealed, unless otherwise required by Virginia Law. Source: Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.15

• Yes
• No

02
Have you ever been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor?Applicants are not required to disclose arrests, charges, or convictions that have been Sealed, unless otherwise required by Virginia Law. Source: Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.15

• Yes
• No

03
Have you used any illegal drugs within the last 12 months?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

05
Have you been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the past five (5) years?Applicants are not required to disclose arrests, charges, or convictions that have been Sealed, unless otherwise required by Virginia Law. Source: Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.15

• Yes
• No

06
In your lifetime, have you had multiple convictions of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs?Applicants are not required to disclose arrests, charges, or convictions that have been Sealed, unless otherwise required by Virginia Law. Source: Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.15

• Yes
• No

07
Have you been convicted of Reckless Driving within the past five (5) years?Applicants are not required to disclose arrests, charges, or convictions that have been Sealed, unless otherwise required by Virginia Law. Source: Code of Virginia § 19.2-392.15

• Yes
• No

08
Have you disclosed all information regarding your history of traffic violations, summons and/or arrests?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

10
Are you a U. S. citizen?

• Yes
• No

11
Are you available to work weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts?

• Yes
• No

12
Have you applied to a job posting with Pamunkey Regional Jail prior to this? If YES, please give approximate date and job title.
13
Have you previously applied for employment to any other Law Enforcement Agency? If YES, please provide date and current status.
Required Question