Corrections Deputy - Entry Level Job at Pierce County in Seattle

Entry Level Corrections Deputy

Salary: $35.81/hr - $46.38/hr

Employer: Pierce County Sheriff's Office

Hiring Incentive: $10,000 for new hires; lateral officers receive $25,000 and 80 hours sick leave and 80 hours vacation leave after six months.

Position Summary: Work provides care and custody of adult prisoners and maintains order and discipline in the Pierce County Corrections and Detention Center, a maximum‑security facility. Employees supervise inmates 24/7 and handle direct and indirect supervision, security, reporting, investigations, and inmate operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control activities of inmates individually or in groups.
• Supervise inmates during meals, visitation, recreation, counseling, and work assignments.
• Use independent judgment to take emergency action, including verbal de‑escalation, physical and lethal uses of force as appropriate.
• Take informal corrective action to address inmate behavior.
• Conduct security checks and maintain security in all jail areas.
• Write all required reports and documentation of activity.
• Investigate suspected rule violations.
• Perform physical and administrative tasks to book, search, and release prisoners.
• Answer telephone calls and monitor jail access and egress.
• Operate office equipment, communications equipment, personal computers, and corrections automated systems.
• Communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Perform duties in a confined, controlled, high‑security environment.
• Cover the functions and duties of all shifts in all required areas.
• When commissioned, carry arms while transporting prisoners or on other assigned duties.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
• At least 20 years of age at time of appointment.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurability.
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident or DACA recipient, and ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Pass Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission physical fitness requirements and Sheriff’s Office standards.
• Successfully complete the background investigation.
• Complete the Corrections Academy or Equivalency Academy, as required for continued employment.

Application Process

Applicants must score ≥65% on the written exam and pass the physical abilities test (PAT) administered by Public Safety Testing. Qualified candidates will then submit a complete Sheriff’s Office application, be placed on the Civil Service Employment Register, and undergo a comprehensive pre‑employment background investigation. Conditional offers include psychological and medical examinations.

For inquiries regarding testing or the job, contact the HR Specialist via email at pccivilservice@piercecountywa.gov.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. We do not sponsor employment visas at this time.

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