THE JOB: Sheriff's Correctional Officers are assigned to a shift in a maximum, medium or minimum correctional facility to admit, release, guard and supervise inmates in County Correctional Facilities. Incumbents are assigned duties involving continuous and direct contact with inmates, are subject to an element of personal danger in controlling violent inmates, and are expected to deal with emergencies. Correctional Officers are rotated among correctional facilities. Incumbents work twelve-hour shifts, alternating four days and three days per two-week period.
THE REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from a high school by an association recognized by the US Department of Education, a satisfactory score on a GED test or a California High School Proficiency Examination certificate. A two or four year college degree accredited by an association recognized by the US Department of Education may be substituted for the high school requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS: License Requirement: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation. Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: heights, such as 40 foot perimeter walls; microwaves; bees; pollen; loud noises; chemical irritants, such as strong offensive odors; infections which may cause chronic disease or death; hostile and aggressive persons. Other Special Requirements: Must be eighteen years of age by the time of appointment; available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, holidays and on an as needed basis.
Special Working Conditions: Exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions; confined work spaces; heights; two-way radio noise; strong, unpleasant odors; infections which might cause chronic disease or death; dust and pollens; chemical irritants; possibility of experiencing bodily injury and/or burns; contact with a diverse population.
Knowledge: Some knowledge techniques of directing the activates of other; human behavior and common reactions to stress.
Ability to: Control, direct and instruct inmates individually and in large groups in the performance of work projects and recreational activities; read, understand, interpret and apply departmental policies, rules and regulations pertaining to correctional operations and care of inmates; evaluate impartially the performance and attitudes of inmates; prepare clear and concise reports; follow written and oral orders; deal effectively with hostile and aggressive persons; interact effectively with the public; work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds; learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action under adverse and/or emergency conditions; communicate effectively orally and in writing; lift 55 pounds from floor level, such as lifting an injured or ill inmate with the assistance of other Correctional Officers; bend and squat continuously for long periods of time, such as for intake searches; run quickly, such as in response to inmates fighting; walk for long periods; wear a self-contained breathing apparatus; learn defense and restraint tactics; distinguish colors, such as warning lights; restrain combative inmates; see at near and far distances, such as reading booking sheets and observing inmates 40-50 feet away; hear and distinguish a variety of sounds such as alarms and calls for assistance in a noisy environment.
THE EXAMINATION: The examination process will consist of the following: Review of application (pass/fail) written examination (100%), and a physical ability examination (pass/fail) based on the required knowledge and abilities. Physical Ability Test: Part 1: Run 220 yards in 1 minute or less; Part 2: Drag a 165 pound dummy 60 feet in 1 minute or less. Applicants will be allowed two one-minute attempts to pass each part of the physical ability test. Applicants MUST PASS ALL components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list.
Background Investigation: An extensive background investigation including a polygraph examination, drug screen, and Personal History Statement which includes work, legal, driving, financial and drug possession histories will be conducted. Failure of the background investigation will include but is not limited to one of the following:
1. The commission of any felony involving any federal or state statute.
2. The commission of a misdemeanor amounting to conduct which would reflect adversely on
the candidate’s ability to perform as a peace officer or correctional officer within the last three
years.
3. Classification as a negligent operator under the Department of Motor Vehicle’s point count.
4. Any termination from a sworn position at a law enforcement agency.
5. Failing a law enforcement academy within the last three years.
6. Termination from any employment in the past three years for reasons which are directly
related to the abilities and attributes necessary for law enforcement.
7. Any pattern within the past two years of non-payment of debts which resulted in collection
action against the candidate.
8. Any incorrect representation or deletion of a material fact on an application.
9. Any verbal misrepresentation or deletion of a fact material to background investigation.
10. Conviction of a felony.
Any exceptions to the above may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply Online Now! Click on the link below; or print out an application and mail/bring application to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060. For information, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD# (831) 454-2123. Applications will meet the final filing date if received in one of the following ways: 1) in the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.
Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600
To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.
Some positions may require fingerprinting and/or background investigation.
NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
An Equal Opportunity Employer