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Jail Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Sheriff

Richmond, VA · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

Deputy Sheriffs are trained as Jail Officers, Courtroom Security Officers, and Civil Process ... Helps the public and performs duties and functions outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures ...

New

Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20/hr

About This Position This position is working inside a jail/correctional facility at the Chesapeake ... Must be comfortable using and operating a variety of equipment including ovens, stoves, slicers ...

Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20/hr

About This Position This position is working inside a jail/correctional facility at the Chesapeake ... Must be comfortable using and operating a variety of equipment including ovens, stoves, slicers ...

About This Position This position is working inside a jail/correctional facility at the Chesapeake ... Must be comfortable using and operating a variety of equipment including ovens, stoves, slicers ...

Operating Engineer II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

... Jail, and Slover Library, along with other connected facilities throughout Norfolk. The CEP is staffed by Operating Engineers who monitor and maintain boilers, chillers, pumps, and building ...

Correctional Dental Assistant

Alberta, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Dental Assistance - Make a Difference in Correctional Healthcare Meherrin River Regional Jail is ... Provide post-operative instructions for oral care following procedures such as restorations ...

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$107K - $137K/yr

... Jail Authority in North Prince George VA. Why Should You Choose Us? Join an organization with ... Will be working closely with onsite Competency Restoration Program operated by RBHA Qualifications

Correctional Nurse

Winchester, VA · On-site

$60K - $73K/yr

JAIL Opening Date: 06/22/2026 Description Are you a nurse looking for a meaningful role with a ... r awaiting licensure. * (1) year of LPN experience in a clinic environment preferred. * Must ...

Electrician II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$51K - $58K/yr

... Jail. Staff at CEP play a vital role in keeping these essential government and community facilities operating safely and effectively. The Electrician II position is a skilled journeyman-level role ...

Records Clerk

Winchester, VA · On-site

$43K/yr

JAIL Opening Date: 08/14/2026 Description Are you highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to ... Operating a vehicle with a suspended license * Participating in a speed contest or drag race

Showing results 21-40

Jail Operator information

What is a jail operator?

Jail operators, also known as correctional officers or detention officers, are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail. Their duties include maintaining security and order within the facility, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that jail rules and regulations are followed. They also respond to emergencies, escort inmates, and assist with rehabilitation efforts. Jail operators play a crucial role in maintaining safety for both inmates and staff within correctional institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jail operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jail Operator, you need a thorough understanding of correctional procedures, safety protocols, and laws governing inmate management, often acquired through specialized training or certification such as a corrections academy. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and offender management software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, situational awareness, and resilience help operators maintain order and effectively handle stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and smooth operation of correctional facilities.

What are some of the common challenges faced by jail operators during daily shifts?

Jail operators often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and responding quickly to emergencies. The environment can be high-pressure, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under stress. Operators must also ensure that procedures are followed correctly and that the rights of inmates are respected, which can be demanding but is critical for facility operations.

What is the difference between Jail Operator vs Correctional Officer?

AspectJail OperatorCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic training
Work EnvironmentJail facilities, security checkpointsPrison or jail facilities, patrol duties
Employer & IndustryLocal jails, detention centersState and federal prisons, detention centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for security roles in detentionMore comprehensive security and inmate management

Jail Operators primarily focus on security and operational tasks within jail facilities, often with specific certifications. Correctional Officers have broader responsibilities, including inmate supervision and security across various detention settings. Both roles are essential in the criminal justice system but differ in scope and duties.

Can you work as a jail operator without a degree?

Jail operators typically do not need a college degree but must meet other requirements such as a high school diploma or equivalent, background checks, and training. Relevant skills include communication, security procedures, and knowledge of jail operations, and some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the jurisdiction.

What are popular job titles related to Jail Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Jail Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Deputy Sheriff

US Lawns

Richmond, VA • On-site

$52 - $76/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Maintain security of residents within an assigned post and supervise resident movement and activities.

  • Perform security inspections, document incidents, and assist with use of force situations following departmental policies.

  • Conduct resident transports, searches, and security rounds, and operate security equipment and communication devices.


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Job description

Job Description

The Richmond City Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) is actively recruiting candidates seeking law enforcement careers, including individuals searching for Deputy Sheriff jobs, jail deputy positions, corrections officer jobs, entry-level law enforcement, federal law enforcement, state trooper, security guard, and/or police jobs (cop). This non patrol role is ideal for those exploring public safety, criminal justice, or a career as a sworn officer.

All new deputy sheriffs appointed by the Sheriff perform the duties of a Jail Officer prior to becoming eligible for other assignments which may become available. Applicants will be required to complete a physical agility test.

Deputy Sheriffs are trained as Jail Officers, Courtroom Security Officers, and Civil Process Officers. RCSO offers additional career opportunities through the following specialized positions: Transportation Officers, Alternative Sentencing, Inmate/Resident Community Services Crew, Certified Law Enforcement Instructors, and Classification Officers.

Deputy Sheriffs assigned to Jail Operations work one of the following shifts:

  • Day Shift: 6:30am - 7:00pm
  • Night Shift: 6:30pm - 7:00am
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Maintains security of residents within an assigned post
  • Monitors the activities of residents by performing random security inspections, checking the following: resident well-being and behavior, pod windows are free from damage and obstruction, lighting is sufficient and in working order, sanitation of residents and housing areas, equipment and fixtures (doors, showers, toilets, etc.) are in proper working order, all locking mechanisms and security devices are in proper working order and are properly secured, and fire and safety hazards
  • Documents in a proper manner any situation or occurrence that is not consistent with the routine operations of the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office using the appropriate form
  • Helps other deputies or calls for assistance for any use of force incident or potential use of force incident and follows department’s use of force policy in response to all use of force incidents
  • Supervises resident movement and activities
  • Performs resident transports to locations outside the Richmond City Justice Center, such as clinics, emergency room, courts, etc.
  • Performs resident personal searches and cell searches as needed or required by policy
  • Provides security in the pods during feeding of residents
  • Provides information and aid to residents consistent with departmental policy
  • Ensures security and accountability of all key packs and keys through proper key control as prescribed by policy and procedure
  • Maintains records of and properly identifies persons entering and leaving facility and/or security area
  • Restricts movement to security areas through operation of electronically and manually secured doors
  • Secures outside perimeter of Richmond City Justice Center and prevents flow of contraband by conducting thorough rounds and searches of outside grounds and fixtures
  • Communicates effectively with other posts or deputies in the Richmond City Justice Center via two-way radio using proper terminology and ten-codes as prescribed by the Standard Operating Procedures
  • Helps the public and performs duties and functions outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures during resident visitation
  • Helps citizens and professionals with authorized information about residents
  • Drives emergency vehicles under stressful conditions
  • Uses physical force to control and arrest law violators
  • Requires medium to heavy work that involves exerting 100 to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move or carry objects
  • Maintains a physical and mental state of fitness and readiness to handle involvement with dangerous and potentially dangerous people, animals, and equipment
  • Performs duties that may involve running, walking, climbing stairs, sitting or standing for long periods, crouching/stooping, bending/squatting, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, grasping, and raising objects, and applicants must have the manual dexterity, sense of touch, and hand strength to use a firearm or physically subdue a person and apply or remove handcuffs and must have normal hearing and normal or correctable vision
  • Carries out any or all other duties as directed by the Sheriff or his or her designee
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Never convicted of any felony charge
  • Never convicted of any domestic violence offense
  • No serious misdemeanors
  • Must possess strong moral character as determined by the Applicant Screening Panel and background investigation
  • Must be willing to submit to being fingerprinted and a search will be made of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
  • Must be found, after examination by Occupational Health, to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental conditions that might adversely affect his/her ability to exercise the powers or duties of a Deputy Sheriff
  • Must possess or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment a valid Virginia driver’s license if currently licensed out of state
  • Must submit to an extensive background investigation, credit history check, polygraph examination, and medical examination/drug screening
  • Must complete all DCJS requirements for certification as a Deputy Sheriff within one year of hire date
  • Must have basic computer skills and be familiar with Microsoft Office software
  • Must qualify with firearms and other defensive weapons

The Richmond City Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Benefits
  • Biweekly Pay Schedule
  • Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Plan with Hazardous Duty Supplement for Deputies
  • Health, Vision, Prescription, & Wellness Benefits
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Certified V3 Employer
  • Numerous educational partnerships with institutions of higher learning providing reduced tuition and/or additional credits
  • Basic Group Term Life Insurance (2x annual salary rounded to the next higher thousand dollars)
  • Optional Disability and Family Life Insurance
  • Optional Deferred Compensation Retirement (457 Retirement Plan)
  • 12 Vacation Days Per Year
  • 15 Days Military Leave per Military Fiscal Year
  • 15 Days Sick Leave Accrued per Year
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