QUALIFICATIONS

• Be at least 18-years of age
• Be a citizen of the United States of America
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in your state of residence
• Applicants must have a High School diploma or GED equivalent (official transcripts required)
• Be in good physical condition. Please see below for information about the Corrections Physical Abilities Test.
• Must be able to run a mile in under 12 minutes.
• Must pass Correctional Officers Basic Ability Test (COBAT) with a score of 70% or better.
• Be of good moral character
• TATTOOS:  
  • Tattoos are NOT permitted on the face or neck (if visible while wearing a collared shirt).
  • One visible tattoo on each hand, not to exceed one inch in measurement in all directions is permitted. 
  • One ring band tattoo is permitted on each hand.
  • Tattoos behind the ear cannot exceed one inch in measurement in all directions and cannot extend forward of the ear lobe. 
  • Any visible tattoo (e.g., on the hand, behind the ear) will not be permitted if deemed unacceptable.
• NOT HAVE received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces
• NOT HAVE been convicted of any felony
• NOT HAVE been convicted of a misdemeanor involving false statement, perjury or domestic violence
• IN ADDITION, the following areas may result in applicants being suspended from the hiring process: credit history including bankruptcy and collections; past drug use; inappropriate social media; driving history, work history; criminal activity and associations with known criminals; and inappropriate tattoos.

Working in Corrections is an amazing opportunity and great career path in law enforcement that can lead to promotional advancements, advanced job assignments and other paths within the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

SALARY*

• Corrections Recruit (while going to the Academy and during the Field Training Program): $57,912 annually*
• After one year of continuous service: $62,055 annually*
• After six years of continuous service: $71,038 annually*
• Certified Corrections Officers with three years of experience could be eligible to start at $60,024 annually*
  • After one year of continuous service: $65,620 annually*
  • After two years of continuous service: $68,229 annually*
  • After four years of continuous service: $71,038 annually*
• Automatic step increases to $89,082 annually after 17 years of continuous service*

Corrections Sergeants earn 20% above an officer’s pay, ranging between $77,976 to $106,898 annually. Corrections Lieutenants earn 20% above a sergeant’s salary, ranging between $93,576 to $128,280 annually.*

In addition, those in corrections ranks may be eligible to receive education incentives. Other pay premium includes shift differential, working out-of-classification, state career incentives for advanced training, etc. Additionally, annual salary increases if assigned to a facility with 12-hour shifts.

*Salaries listed are pending approval by the Jacksonville City Council. If approved, all salaries listed above are effective October 5, 2024. Paycheck calculations are based on 26 pay periods and before any taxes or deductions. These base salaries typically increase every year in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements. Other pay premiums include shift differential, working out-of-classification, state career incentives for advanced training.
 

BENEFITS*

• Paid time off (Annual Leave) 
  • Begins at 200 hours per year
  • Increases every five years
  • Tops out at 350 hours per year after 25 years of service
• 240 hours per year for Military Leave
• 12 paid holidays
• 1 personal leave day 
• Defined Contribution Plan –
  • 10% from employee
  • City of Jacksonville contributes an additional 25% (250% match)
  • Total: $20,268 est. contribution per year*
  • Employees are vested in the Defined Contribution Plan at three years of service and may withdraw from the plan at age 50 without penalty.
• Medical / Dental / Vision plans
• Employee Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Overtime assignments
• Upon completion of a required probationary period, corrections officers are afforded civil service protection.

*Some of the benefits listed above are pending approval by the Jacksonville City Council. If approved, benefits listed above are effective in October 2024.