Jail Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description Exam Date: 9/27/2026 BSCC Adult Corrections Officer Exam Candidate Orientation Booklet Interview Date: 10/14/2026 Hiring Incentive - paid in first paycheck $1,500 Personal Leave credit in first paycheck 40 hours Upon completion of probationary period and meets expectations on performance evaluation $1,500 Upon completion of 3 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation $2,000 Upon completion of 4 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation $3,000 Upon completion of 5 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation $4,000 TOTAL $12,000 Under direct or general supervision, ensures the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the citizens of Tuolumne County through the proper enforcement of jail policies and procedures; supervises, monitors, and transports inmates; and performs related work as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direct or general supervision from the Jail Sergeant. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

May exercise technical and functional direction over assigned staff. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Jail Deputy Sheriff: This is the fully-qualified level class in the series. Incumbents have increased responsibility and latitude when performing the full range of assigned duties.

Positions at this level work independently, and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Jail Deputy Sheriff Corporal in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional direction of lower-level jail deputies and staff.

When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience that allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the Jail Deputy Sheriff. These classifications function as peace officers within the authority and limits of California Penal Code Sections 830.1(c) and 832. Examples of Duties (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job

Processes, fingerprints, and books new inmates; searches inmates being booked; conducts drug screenings; inventories and secures inmates' property and issues supplies. Interviews, classifies, and assigns detention areas to inmates based on medical and psychiatric condition, nature of crime, or related issues. Performs warrant searches and notifies other agencies of prisoners detained.

Reviews, coordinates, and carries out inmate releases; returns property to inmates; provides court date information. Monitors jail access and egress; monitors security cameras, alarm systems, automated locking systems, and other specialized security equipment; enforces lock-down procedures. Routinely searches inmates, cells, kitchen, grounds, and other inmate-accessible areas for contraband and other safety and security hazards.

Supervises and assists with the service of meals; supervises visitation, recreation and exercise, educational activities, telephone privileges, counseling, court visits, movement within the facility, and medical attention; conducts hourly safety checks; conducts head counts regularly. Supervises and monitors inmate work crews at various work sites as assigned; provides training, orientation, and guidance and explains program rules and guidelines; ensures inmates' compliance with instructions, rules, regulations, and standards of security and safety. Coordinates and/or participates in the transportation of inmates to destinations outside the facility as directed.

Receives and reports inmate complaints; assists in investigating complaints as requested. Responds to incidents and takes appropriate action; maintains control of emergency situations until relieved by superior officer; subdues or assists in subduing unruly or disruptive inmates that may jeopardize the security or operation of the facility. Counsels inmates on behavioral standards and documents infractions of jail rules; participates in recommending, determining, and implementing disciplinary actions.

Notifies supervisor of any incidents or issues of concern on assigned shift. Testifies in court as subpoenaed. Prepares accurate and detailed incident reports; prepares and maintains other records, reports, and logs as required.

Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility. Attends training to maintain and improve job knowledge, skills, and certifications. Maintains proficiency in the use and care of firearms.

Performs duties associated with security screening stations when assigned to work at Superior Court. Performs duties associated with inmate holding cells in the courthouse when assigned to work at Superior Court. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement and/or corrections. Basic functions of law enforcement agencies. Basic mathematical principles.

Principles and procedures of record keeping. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff. Federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards affecting jail and Sheriff's Department operations. Court procedures and operations.

Safety practices and equipment related to the work. Techniques for dealing with a variety of people under hostile and emergency situations. Business letter writing and report preparation techniques.

Ability to: Learn the techniques of and perform inmate supervision. Learn the operations of a jail including the booking, custody, and release of inmates; inmate rights and discipline; techniques for inmate control; and emergency response. Learn, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards affecting jail and Sheriff's Department operations.

Understand and follow oral and written directions. Work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others. Learn to and safely use and care for firearms.

Make accurate mathematical calculations. Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials. Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.

Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Independently enforce jail policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the jail. Indepdently supervise, monitor, and transport inmates.

Testify in court. Make quick, sound, and independent decisions based on facts. Appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Education and Experience: Jail Deputy Sheriff: High School graduation or equivalent. Successfully complete the Adult Correction Officer Core course as mandated by the Corrections Standards Authority of the California Board of Corrections within one (1) year of employment. Previous volunteer or paid experience in a law enforcement support area is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record. Jail Deputy Sheriff: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Penal Code 832 certificate, for appointment as a peace officer, within twelve (12) months of employment. Possession of, or ability to successfully pass the Adult Correction Officer Core course as mandated by the Corrections Standards Authority of the California Board of Corrections within (12) months of employment.

Supplemental Information Technical Skills or "Hard Skills" needed to be successful in this position: Security and Surveillance Operations - Proficiency in monitoring inmates and using security systems (e.g., cameras, alarms, access controls) or the ability to gain proficiency through training in advanced security technology and protocols. Self-Defense and Physical Restraint Techniques - Proficiency in self-defense techniques and the safe use of physical restraint methods or the ability to gain proficiency through continuous training in defensive tactics. Report Writing - Proficiency in documenting incidents and interactions in accurate, clear reports or the ability to gain proficiency through practice and training in legal report writing standards

Knowledge of Correctional Law - Proficiency in understanding correctional laws, inmate rights, and disciplinary procedures or the ability to gain proficiency through formal education and ongoing training in the legal aspects of corrections. First Aid and CPR - Proficiency in administering first aid and CPR in emergencies or the ability to gain proficiency through certification courses and refresher training in emergency medical response. Use of Firearms and Non-Lethal Weapons - Proficiency in safely handling firearms and non-lethal weapons (e.g., tasers, pepper spray, batons) or the ability to gain proficiency through specialized training and regular practice

Interpersonal Skills or "Soft Skills" needed to be successful in this position: 1. Communication - Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with inmates, colleagues, and supervisors. 2.

Empathy - Understanding and sensitivity to the needs and emotions of inmates while maintaining professional boundaries. 3. Patience - The ability to remain calm and composed in stressful or challenging situations.

4. Conflict Resolution - Skilled in de-escalating tense situations and resolving disputes between inmates or between inmates and staff. 5.

Teamwork - Ability to collaborate effectively with fellow deputies, staff members, and supervisors in a correctional environment. 6. Problem-Solving - Quick thinking to handle unexpected situations and find practical solutions in challenging scenarios.