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Lieutenant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Overview Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working ...

Benefits Information Full-time employees will enjoy a competitive benefits package with options for you and your family including: • Paid Time Off • Paid Holidays • 401(k) Matching • Health ...

Patrol Sergeant

Somerton, AZ · On-site

$29.35/hr

Description This position serves as a working supervisor and, under the general direction of the Patrol Lieutenant, provides guidance and leadership to Patrol officers and creates a work environment ...

Lieutenant information

See Arizona salary details

$40.1K

$76.2K

$123.9K

How much do lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lieutenant in Arizona is $76,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,900.00 and $101,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical leadership challenges faced by a lieutenant, and how are they addressed?

As a Lieutenant, you are often responsible for managing a team and ensuring mission objectives are met, which can present challenges such as balancing authority with approachability, handling conflicts within your unit, and adapting to rapidly changing situations. Effective communication, strong decision-making skills, and ongoing mentorship from senior officers are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Many organizations also provide leadership development programs and encourage collaboration among peers to foster a supportive environment, helping Lieutenants grow into more senior roles.

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

To thrive as a Lieutenant, you typically need leadership abilities, decision-making skills, and a solid understanding of military tactics and protocols, usually supported by completion of officer training and relevant military education. Familiarity with operational planning software, communication systems, and weaponry is essential for managing missions and personnel. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to motivate and guide teams are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring effective unit performance, mission success, and the safety and well-being of the team.

What is the difference between Lieutenant vs Sergeant?

AspectLieutenantSergeant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require college or military trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; military or law enforcement training often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, military units, fire departmentsLaw enforcement, military, security, and emergency services
Employer & Industry UsageTypically in police, fire, military, and security organizationsCommon in police, military, and security sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles and responsibilitiesUnderstanding rank and supervisory duties

While both Lieutenant and Sergeant are leadership roles within law enforcement and military organizations, Lieutenants generally hold higher authority and oversee larger units or divisions. Sergeants typically serve as frontline supervisors, managing smaller teams. The main differences lie in their scope of responsibility, rank hierarchy, and the level of command they hold within their respective organizations.

What is a lieutenant?

Lieutenants are commissioned officers in the military or law enforcement who typically hold a junior leadership position. In the military, lieutenants are responsible for leading a platoon or a small unit of soldiers, overseeing their training, welfare, and operational effectiveness. In police departments, lieutenants supervise sergeants and officers, manage shifts, and ensure that policies and procedures are followed. The rank and responsibilities can vary between organizations, but lieutenants generally serve as a crucial link between higher command and front-line personnel.
What are popular job titles related to Lieutenant jobs in Arizona? For Lieutenant jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Lieutenant jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Lieutenant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lieutenant jobs in AZ? For Lieutenant jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lieutenant job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,161 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

LIEUTENANT, SHIFT SUPVERVISOR

The GEO Group

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


The GEO Group rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 43 rated prisons


Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities

Summary

Supervises security/control activities and staff in an assigned area, which provides for maximum facility coordination in inmate supervision and safety, in addition to the preparation of required records and reports.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and regulations for custody, security and/or treatment of detainees/inmates.
  • Responds to major unusual occurrences. Facilitates prompt and appropriate assistance to detainees/inmates in the event of injury, illness or emotional trauma.
  • Promotes an atmosphere conducive to personality and character development of detainees/inmates and staff through the encouragement of favorable behavior patterns, arrangement of physical facilities, and influencing relationships among detainees/inmates.
  • Directs the work of other employees. This includes the selection, hiring, evaluating job performance, employee training/development, promoting and any disciplinary action, including termination.
  • Makes assignments, reviews post orders and assures that all procedures including emergency procedures are in place and staff is trained in proper implementation.
  • Reviews disciplinary matters concerning both staff and detainees.
  • Reviews staff effectiveness and conducts frequent physical inspections of the facility to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Gives primary guidance on situational problems; making referrals for more complex problems.
  • Prepares records and reports as assigned by management. Maintains daily logs as required.
  • Responsible for attaining facility goals/objectives and ensuring compliance with all rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures for security operations.
  • Directs work, provides training and performs inspections of work performed by detainee/inmate staff. May provide detainee supervision and security in other areas as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent certification required.
  • College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred.
  • Arizona Department of Corrections experience strongly preferred
  • One (1) year of supervisory experience in a correctional setting required
  • Three (3) years of experience working in a correctional setting
  • Must be mature, flexible, intellectually alert, able to command the respect and confidence of detainees/inmates as well as staff and possess a high tolerance to mental stress.
  • Must have a valid, Arizona Drivers License

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