Job Details

Detention Deputy (August 2026 Academy)

Salary $64,446.60 - $103,052.40 Annually

Location Boise, ID

Job Type Full-Time with Benefits

Job Number 02790

General Summary

Supervises and maintains custody of inmates and provides security for the Ada County Jail. The incumbent uses personal judgment in the performance of duties, referring unusual, unique, or complex issues to the sergeant for advice and guidance.

Shift Information

Day shift (6:48am 7:00pm) or Night shift (6:48pm 7:00am). Work week is four 12-hours shifts, then four days off (2,220 hours per year). Shift pick every six months. The jail is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position requires you to work weekends, nights and holidays.

Benefits

Low cost medical, dental, and vision insurances

Idaho PERSI retirement plan

Deferred Compensation plan

457(b) with a County match of up to 3%

Flexible Spending Accounts Health and Dependent Care

Post-Employment Health Plan 50% of unused sick leave above 240 hours

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

No cost basic life, accidental death, and short-term disability insurances

Eleven (11) paid holidays annually

Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and parental leave

No cost gym access at three (3) County owned gym facilities

Wellness Program

Optional 401(k) and/or Roth IRA

Pay Schedule for the First 5 Years

Deputy Level I Level II Level III Level IV Base B Basic $29.03 $30.08 $31.89 $35.95 $45.42 C Intermediate $29.35 $30.40 $32.21 $36.27 $45.75 D Advanced $29.67 $30.72 $32.53 $36.59 $46.08 E Degree/Military/Master* $29.99 $31.04 $32.85 $36.91 $46.42

Pay Levels I-Base: All salary increases are based on twelve (12) month intervals. B = Entry, POST Basic or 64-95 college units C = POST Intermediate or 96-128 college units D = POST Advanced *E = 4-year college degree (Must be from a regionally accredited university/college), or 4 years of honorable U.S. military service, or POST Master Certification.

Essential Functions

Maintains security and custody of inmates; Performs routine security checks to include the perimeter of the building and grounds; Preserves and enforces Idaho laws and departmental jail policies to maintain security of the jail; Processes inmates into the jail and assigns them to the proper level of confinement; Receives and maintains inmates' property; Forcefully controls and restrains actively resisting inmates; Works and maintains eligibility to work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, whether assigned or on an as needed or on-call basis; Supervises inmate visitations; Supervises the dispensing of food to inmates; Supervises inmates and trustee-inmates in the cleaning of the jail and inmate living quarters; Transports inmates to and from necessary locations; Eligible for transfer among all Detention Officer positions and shifts; Performs necessary searches for weapons and contraband; and Keeps records and prepares reports.

Additional Functions

May be assigned to special assignments as needed; and Performs related work as required.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire; Must be a citizen of the United States: Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; Ability to supervise and communicate with inmates; Ability to hear, listen to, and understand radio transmissions using an ear piece; Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; Ability to take criticism and verbal abuse from inmates and their visitors without reacting in a negative manner and project an image of self-confidence and control; Ability to subdue and restrain a combative inmate; Ability to evaluate and recognize potentially adverse or unsafe situations and react according to department policy; and Ability to perform the duties of the position without a direct threat to the health or safety of the incumbent or others.

Other Requirements

Must pass a written exam, the POST physical agility test, a polygraph exam, background investigation, medical exam, and a psychological evaluation; Must become POST certified as a Detention Officer within one year of employment; Must be able to obtain and maintain an Idaho Driver's License; This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Most of the work is performed in and around the jail facility and involves an element of personal danger; Requires sufficient physical strength to subdue an inmate in time of confrontation or break-up a fight between inmates; Must be able to remove an unconscious person from the jail in time of emergency, hold up an inmate attempting to take his/her life and move quickly to the point of confrontation; and Must be able to use first-aid and CPR techniques when necessary.

Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code. Visit us at adacounty.id.gov/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits to view details regarding our benefits package, including: paid leave, healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, and more!