Jail Operator Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Jail, 3015 Lexington Rd, Athens, GA
Job Type: Part Time No Benefits
Job Number: 2027-5911
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
Deputy Sheriff / Corporal applicants with qualified (BLE certified) prior experience may be eligible for higher placement/salary in the step plan.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION NEEDED FOR APPLICATION:
Click HERE to view Important Application Instructions and Information.
REPORTS TO: Shift Supervisor or Sergeant
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Non-merit; Serves at the discretion of the Sheriff. Reserve members will serve a 12 month evaluation period.
PAY GRADE: Public Safety Step Plan (SO1)
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.
Purpose of Job
Reserve Detention Officer: The purpose of this position is to ensure security and protection of property of the jail facility, complete the admission process of inmates, prevent escapes, control behavior of inmates, protect inmates from each other, and provide for the wellbeing of inmates. The incumbent must be diligent in maintaining an inmate count, overseeing the dispensing of medication, and be able to take personal property of inmates. The incumbent must also adhere to definite standard operating procedures established by the Office to ensure that the inmates' constitutional rights are observed. It is a demanding position that requires a heightened state of readiness at all times. A person in this position does not supervise other employees.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff: The purpose of this job is to preserve the peace and enforces the laws of the State of Georgia. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, protecting life and property, enforcing state laws, maintaining jail security, serving warrants and civil papers, providing courthouse and courtroom security, transporting prisoners, performing necessary functions to ensure safety and well-being of inmates, employees and visitors. It is a demanding position, and when assigned to the jail it requires a heightened state of readiness at all times.
Click HERE to see the Physical Ability Test (PAT) information
Click HERE to go to the Sheriff's Office Website
Job Related Requirements
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
This position is restricted to a maximum of 29.5 hours per week
Emergency Position:
This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or as determined by the Manager or safe and effective operation of the jail.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must be a United States Citizen.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must complete the core module requirements of the jail training program within 2 months of hire.
Must obtain certification in First Aid and CPR within 3 months of hire.
Must complete GCIC Security and Awareness training within 10 days of hire.
For Reserve Detention Officer position:
Must possess Basic Jail Certification.
If already Corrections Certified you can apply to POST and received your Jail Certification.
For Reserve Deputy Sheriff position:
Must possess and maintain current certification requirements set forth in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act.
Valid Driver's License required.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Admission:
Completes the admission forms of inmates being booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail.
Searches incoming inmates to detect concealed weapons and contraband; and records personal property taken from the inmate.
Fingerprints and photographs the inmates to establish identification.
Determines if medical care of the inmate is necessary.
Explains to inmates the rules and regulations of the facility and prepares inmates for population.
Medical Care Facilitation:
Works closely with the jail medical staff for dispensing medications prescribed for inmates at the proper time.
Distributes meals to inmates at mealtime.
Calms or takes other actions to calm emotionally upset persons.
Permits and monitors inmate showers.
Observes inmates behavior to ensure an orderly and safe environment.
Administers First Aid and CPR to inmates or staff when necessary and when the security of the facility is not jeopardized.
Maintains a fair and professional attitude with inmates and staff from various social backgrounds.
Security:
Maintains order over inmates. Takes appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of the inmates, the public, and other law enforcement and detention personnel.
Responds to emergency situations in the facility as required. This may include evacuating inmates to better control the staff's response to an inmate altercation or medical crisis; Mediate conflicts between inmates.
Checks cell doors and internal conditions at regular and irregular intervals to assure security, cell cleanliness, and inmate safety.
Conducts random searches of inmates and assigned secure areas.
Counts number of inmates at regular and irregular intervals to assure that all inmates are accounted for.
View security monitors continuously to assure security and order in the cells.
Operates security electronic systems, intercom, equipment such as restraining devices, chemical agents, two way radios, and locking devices.
Operates safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Supervises inmate workers performing work assignments.
Supervises a housing environment of up to 72 inmates through communication, management of privileges according to behavior in a just and fair manner, issuing directives and consequences with consistency.
Enforces inmate rules and regulations by issuing directives and consequences with effective communication and consistency.
Maintain records of daily activities in assigned areas, inmate movements through the facility, disciplinary action recommended or imposed on inmates, and professional and family visitation.
Accepts grievances made by inmates.
Escorts inmates to and from cells for court appearances, medical treatment, visitation, religious services, conferences, release and other activities.
Reviews documents such as warrants, transfer papers, and teletype messages regarding inmates.
Maintains complete records and assures that current information on detainees is entered into the records management system.
Completes incident reports and informs supervisors of all incidents or problems.
Inspects incoming mail and packages for contraband and other non-permitted items; delivers packages, mail and commissary items to detainees.
Screens visitors coming into the facility and operates metal detectors to ensure that contraband is not introduced into the facility.
Releases inmates on bond, including preparing the bond, collecting the collateral and fees for the bond and properly accounting for all funds collected.
Maintains attendance and punctuality within customary tolerances for this position.
Operates G.C.I.C./N.C.I.C. computer and local criminal justice computer network, and jail management system (JMS) computer operations.
WHEN ASSIGNED TO THE FIELD SECTION:
Courthouse / Courtroom Security

• Transports inmates to and from the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse for scheduled court appearances. When duties include driving the bus, must have a CDL.
• Assures that inmates are prevented from having physical contact with family, friends, or spectators in order to prevent the passing of weapons or contraband.
• Observes all persons entering the courtroom, their movement and their activities; limits access to the bench and other restricted areas.
• Assures the rooms are clear of weapons, explosives, or contraband by searching the interior of the courtroom, judicial chambers, jury room, restrooms, and other restricted areas each morning prior to the arrival of any court participants and following any recesses. Assists all court personnel with security issues as needed.
• Formally opens court; relays messages to and/or from the judge to convene court, assembles jurors, requests presence of attorney or judge by use of personal communications or telephone.
• Oversees the needs of the jury by monitoring juror activities.
• Escorts jury members to court ordered locations (such as crime scenes) by use of approved transportation.
• Arrests persons who violate court orders by taking the offender(s) into custody.
• Takes into custody individuals and arranges transportation to the Athens-Clarke County Jail upon instructions of the court,
• Writes and files incident reports, arrest reports etc.
• Operates portable hand-held metal detectors, and other screening devices such as X-ray machines and walk through metal detectors to keep weapons and other contraband from entering the courthouse.

Serving Arrest Warrants / Civil Process

• Patrols Athens-Clarke County to provide a visible deterrent in uniform and in marked cars and to enforce laws and ordinances and protect life and property; monitors commercial and residential areas for signs of criminal activity; patrols for suspicious persons and vehicles.
• Responds to calls for citizen assistance and disturbances
• Enforces federal, state, and local laws by performing warrant, felony or misdemeanor arrests; protects the civil rights of persons in custody; uses non-deadly and deadly force to protect oneself, other deputies, and citizens.
• Secures and protects crime scenes by establishing boundaries, detaining victims, suspects, and witnesses, locating and identifying evidence, briefing supervisors and investigators on their arrival.
• Conducts investigations and interviews to establish probable cause and reasonable suspicion; collects information and determines follow-up actions; presents evidence and testimony in courts of law; assists in prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Serves as a first responder to provide aid and assistance to victims of criminal activity.
• Conducts searches and seizures in a wide variety of contexts, including frisks, incident to arrest, pursuant to warrant, plain view seizures, and inventories items seized.
• Assists stranded motorists, provides traffic direction assistance when necessary.
• Responds to natural and manmade disasters.
• Transports prisoners throughout the state of Georgia and in other states per extradition orders; executes involuntary commitment orders and transports mental patients to proper facilities.
• Prepares and maintains a wide variety of departmental records and reports in compliance with agency policies and procedures; prepares and files thorough written incident reports.
• Operates and maintains assigned uniforms, vehicle, and equipment in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Operates G.C.I.C./N.C.I.C. computer and local criminal justice computer networks and records management systems.

Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of the county and the operations and functions of the Sheriff's Office.
Knowledge of jail processes and practices, jail policies, record keeping, and knowledge of the legal basis for these procedures in the completion of daily responsibilities.
Knowledge of all bonding procedures, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
Knowledge in first aid and CPR.
Knowledge of computers, G.C.I.C. / N.C.I.C. and JMS computer operations, and the criminal justice computer network.
Knowledge of defensive tactics and control techniques to protect self and others.
Ability to physically restrain or summon persons who can restrain violent inmates.
Ability to interact with individuals that may have mental health conditions that influence cognitive abilities, and must be able to deal with individuals in a stressful environment that may result in subduing a person who is physically resisting.
Ability to respond quickly and logically in emergency or stressful situations.
Ability to understand the special problems of and deal humanely with individuals in confinement.
Ability to foster a team environment by supporting cohesive work relationships and providing effective conflict resolution.
Ability to administer policies, procedures, plans and activities.
Ability to administer operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of the specific duties of the position.
Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, budgetary and equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental and operations and activities.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, members of the general public