Douglas County

Salary: $24.85 - $28.85 Hourly
Location : Douglas County Superior, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: Jail072026(2)
Department: Sheriff's Department/Jail Division
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Description
Douglas County is seeking candidates to fill open position(s) and establish an eligibility list Individuals with experience in security, group homes, mental health, and/or crisis intervention are encouraged to apply! Extensive on-the-job training is provided to those with no experience, who wish to start a career in corrections. Douglas County Jail provides a supportive, team-oriented environment for those who want to make a difference in the community.
The Jailer is responsible for maintaining the institution's security and the custody and correctional treatment of inmates. A Jailer's primary focus is the maintenance of the institution's security, contribution to the health and welfare of the inmates, and the promotion of good public relations. Additional collateral assignments may include program facilitation and activities coordination.
Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement- One of the most well managed retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to for further detail
• County-paid Life Insurance Policy - coverage equivalent to annual salary - affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent coverage available at employee's expense
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, and personal days.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer

Full-time; non-exempt; $24.85 - $28.85 represents the typical hiring range for 2026.
Essential Duties
The following listing of regular duties and responsibilities should not be considered all-inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Performs a variety of duties to ensure the proper maintenance of the jail in accordance with department and state policies.
• Has direct and daily contact with inmates.
• Responsible for maintaining security of the institution through observation of inmate behavior, maintenance of discipline, accountability of tools, and counseling of inmates on institutional and personal problems.
• Motivates inmates to learn and adhere to jail inmate procedure and behavior expectations. Reports to the Jail Sergeant all actions of misconduct, abnormal behavior or attitudes of prisoners.
• Receives and reports to Jail Sergeant all notable prisoner grievances.
• Escorts and/or transport inmates to and from various activities within and outside the jail. Safeguards prisoner's valuables; assists with the inmate admission, classification, and release processes.
• Prepares arrest records identifying prisoners and charges assigned.
• Monitors and directs various inmate programs (e.g. recreation, visitation, etc.) ,and supervises inmate movement and maintains control of assigned areas of responsibility within the institution.
• Provides and summons assistance and aid for inmates while maintaining the safety and security of the facility.
• Dispenses authorized medications and administers first aid and CPR.
• Delivers meals, mail, supplies, etc., to the inmates.
• Maintains necessary financial records (e.g. cash accounts in inmate and canteen funds, bail, fines, etc.).
• Collects, maintains, and completes necessary records and reports (e.g. criminal history, medical screening, medication delivery, inmate activity, inmate property, fingerprints, photographs, visitor logs, incident and discipline reports, etc.).
• Prepares written reports such as incident reports, minor work order, memos of involvement in specific incidents, and accident or injury reports.
• Maintains criminal record files.
• Searches and observes inmates, visitors, vendors, inmate workers, and others to ensure security.
• Inspects all jail areas to ensure adherence to all jail policies and procedures (e.g. sanitation, security, etc.) and ensure that these aspects of jail operation are maintained.
• Supervises inmates in living quarters and instructs them in proper housekeeping and sanitation.
• Supervises and instructs inmates in the proper use and care of tools and equipment, instilling good work and personal hygiene habits in inmates.
• Maintains strict control over hazardous tools, locks, keys, or other items that could be used to effect an escape or cause injury to staff and/or inmates.
• Receives prisoner's work detail in the jail and supervises prisoners' work detail in the jail. Logs and admits visitors; prepares and writes reports.
• Works in the central control area monitoring various computer systems, fire, building, and security alarms and devices to ensure proper security for the jail facility and other adjoining buildings.
• Answers the Sheriff's Department/Jail Division business phone as needed.
• May be required to administer portable breath tests.
• Performs other duties as required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of age
• High School Diploma
• Valid Driver's License
• May not have been convicted of an offense amounting to a felony, unless judgment of conviction has been reversed or a complete pardon has been granted
• Must possess the ability to provide truthful, effective and credible testimony in court
• Must be able to attend Wisconsin Jail Officer Academy to become a Certified Jailer. Training provided by the Douglas County Jail within the first year of employment
• 45-minute commute distance from the Douglas County Jail which is located in Superior, WI required within 18 months

Review other employment standards via the following website links, referring to Wisconsin Administrative Code LES2.01 and LES2.02; WI State Statutes 165.85(4)(b) and WI State Statutes 66.0501(2):
Supplemental Information
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED OF POSITION:
Jail regulations to enforce security measures and protect life and property; Working knowledge of County and State criminal laws to the extent necessary to recognize when violations of law occur and when individuals violating these laws must be placed under arrest; Working knowledge of individual and group dynamics, behavior which leads to potential security concerns; Working knowledge of narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia; Working knowledge of radio and other electronic equipment used; Some knowledge of the operation of locking devices, alarm systems and other security equipment; Basic computer operational skills.
ABILITIES REQUIRED: Ability to: Successfully complete training required for state certification; Adhere to the high standards of personal conduct both on and off the job; Work in an environment requiring a special ability for alertness, keen mental and physical effort; Be aware of group or individual tensions, unpredictable behavior and general signs of trouble that could result in injury; Maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the use of restraint methods and equipment, emergency measures, self-defense techniques; Maintain position in the event of such hostile or life-threatening situations such as riots, assaults and escape attempts; Exercise sound judgment in making instantaneous decisions affecting life, well-being, civil liberties and property which cannot be reviewed prior to implementation and which may subject the decision-maker to legal liabilities, including personal sanctions; Respond promptly to any emergency situation such as escape, patrol, riots, major disturbances, etc.; Keep abreast of institution procedures and be familiar with the physical layout of the institution; Identify narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia; Multi-task with radio equipment, computer, intercoms and other electronic security equipment; Maintain regular and predictable attendance; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, staff of other agencies, and others; Perform to stands independent of direct supervision; Ability to provide truthful, effective, and credible testimony in court.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES/REQUIREMENTS:Possess and maintain physical requirements to work in a jail/correctional environment of direct and indirect supervision of incarcerated inmates. Pass a post job offer physical exam for correctional assignment standards. Safely lift up to 50 pounds. On occasion, with assistance, safely lift 50-75 pounds. May perform tasks such as frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, pushing, pulling, crouching, and carrying. Physical activities/requirements are not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements.
TESTING REQUIREMENTS: Structured interview based on pre-screen questionnaire; background investigation and pre-employment evaluations
Health Insurance After 30 days of employment
(Employee pays 15% of premium)
Single, or Employee + 1 or Family options
Contact Human Resources for further info
Dental Insurance After 30 days of employment
(Employee pays 15% of premium)
Single, or Employee + 1 or Family options
Contact Human Resources for further info
Life Insurance After 6 months of employment
Basic: 1 times your annual salary (County Paid)
Supplemental: 2 times your annual salary (Employee Paid)
Additional: 3 to 5 times your annual salary (Employee Paid)
Optional spousal and dependent life insurance (Employee Paid)
$4,000 Life Insurance Policy (County Paid)
Wisconsin Retirement:
Employer and Employee contributions to Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS are regulated by the State of Wisconsin. Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to for further detail.
Mission Square/Nationwide Retirement Services Deferred Compensation Accounts for public employees.
Pre-Tax Plan:
Flexible Benefit Plan Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) (Helps employees reduce their taxable income by "setting aside" dollars spent on dependent daycare expenses).
Vacation:
Vacation is accumulated on a monthly basis. Newly hired employees will accrue vacation from their date of hire, but are not eligible to take vacation until successful completion of four months of their employment.
Sick Time:
Sick time accumulates at 1 day per month up to 120 days.
Employee Assistance Program:
(EAP) is confidential, professional help with personal matters. (County Paid)
Long Term Disability After 30 days of employment.
Short Term Disability After 30 days of employment (At Employee Expense).
Holidays 10 Paid Holidays per year.*
Personal Days 5 days per year *
*With the exception of those specific services which operate on a 24-hour basis. Contact Douglas County Human Resources for further info.
01
This job announcement is specific to establishing an eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies with Douglas County Jail.

• I understand that I am submitting an application for a Jailer eligibility list.

02
I acknowledge and understand that the information I provide that is related to my education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I further understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing the required documentation as listed on the job announcement will disqualify me from consideration for this position. (Note: selecting "No" will disqualify your application)

• Yes
• No

03
Are you at least 18 years of age? (Note: selecting "No" will disqualify your application)

• Yes
• No

04
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent? (Note: selecting "No" will disqualify your application)

• Yes
• No

05
Do you possess a valid driver's license? (Note: selecting "No" will disqualify your application)

• Yes
• No

06
The Correctional Officer (Jailer) position involves shift work, including days, afternoons, and nights, including weekends and holidays. Are you willing to accept this type of shift and work? (Note: selecting "No" will disqualify your application)

• Yes
• No

07
The following questions will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine part of all of your score in consideration for this position. The following questions will be scored, and require detailed answers where requested, for screening purposes. Yes/no answers to questions 10, 11, and 12 may result in the rejection of your application.

• I understand that the following questions will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME), and that the questions will be scored and used to help determine part of all of my score in consideration for the position.Further, I understand that my application may be rejected if I provide yes/no answers to questions 10, 11, and 12.

08
Please indicate your highest level of education:

• Associate degree or higher level of education in Criminal Justice
• Associate degree or higher level of education unrelated to Criminal Justice
• High School Diploma or GED
• None of the above

09
Do you have Jail/Corrections experience, or do you