Correctional Deputy I- Modesto

Humboldt County; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERS retirement

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Paid leave

Uniform allowance

Overtime availability

Job summary

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is seeking a dedicated Correctional Deputy I to maintain security and inmate welfare across county facilities. The role requires careful handling of information, effective communication, and the ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as needed.

Position involves processing inmates, documenting activities, transporting inmates for court or medical visits, and supporting medical staff with care and security duties.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be at least eighteen years of age.
• High school graduate or GED or have an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• Must pass physical and psychological standards and a detailed background investigation.
• Willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain centralized security and inmate welfare in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Book prisoners, complete forms, take photographs and fingerprints, and prepare reports.
• Search, examine, and log inmates; inventory and secure property and valuables.
• Interview and classify inmates and assign to detention areas; screen for pretrial or alternative programs.
• Oversee inmate activities including housing, recreation, and visiting.
• Assist medical staff in medication distribution and triage emergencies; transport inmates as needed.
• Prepare reports and maintain records; testify in court when required.

Skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Decision making under pressure

Attention to detail

Education

High school graduate or GED or higher degree

Job description

Correctional Deputy I

When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, you aren’t just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing and we want YOU to join!We are looking for people who like to stay busy, can multi task and have excellent communication skills while still being able to understand and maintain confidentiality standards.

Why work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

• Opportunities for growth and career advancement
• Numerous specialty positions
• Overtime availability, hazard pay, uniform allowance, and benefits
  • PERS retirement
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Paid leave

Please Note:

• This position is located in Eureka, CA.
• Written and oral examinations for this recruitment are scheduled for November 4, 2026 at 12 p.m. and will occur in Modesto, CA.
• The successful candidate for this position will be required to undergo a detailed background investigation.
• Evening, night and weekend work may be required.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, maintains security and ensures inmate welfare in the County Correctional Facility or a substation; oversees operational activities and facilities during an assigned shift; performs related work as assigned. Authority for Correctional Deputy designation is granted by statute in accordance with Penal Code section 830.1(c).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Correctional Deputy I is the entry level class in this series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform varied duties related to the operation of the correctional facilities. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This class is alternately staffed with Correctional Deputy II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class.

Correctional Deputy II is the journey level class of the series, fully competent to perform the full range of assigned duties. This class is distinguished from Senior Correctional Deputy in that the latter is the working lead level class, responsible for assigning, directing and reviewing the work of staff in addition to performing the most complex and difficult duties.

• Maintains centralized correctional facility or substation security and ensures inmate welfare in accordance with laws, regulations and institutional philosophy.
• Obtains necessary information and books prisoners, completing required forms, taking photographs and fingerprints and performing other processing activities such as preparing reports and maintaining files.
• Searches, examines, instructs and logs inmates; inventories and secures property and valuables.
• Interviews inmates; classifies them and assigns them to the appropriate detention area and activities; screens and recommends inmates for pretrial or other alternative programs.
• Oversees and monitors inmates and inmate trustees assisting with housekeeping, meal preparation and distribution, laundry and similar activities.
• Oversees inmate exercise, recreation, visiting and similar privileges.
• Assists medical staff in the distribution of medications; screens and refers requests for medical attention; administers emergency first aid as required.
• Accompanies and/or transports inmates for court, medical offices, attorney's visits, facility transfers and similar movement.
• Inspects facilities and reports the need for maintenance or unusual situations; requests and/or issues clothing and supplies.
• Prepares reports and other written materials; maintains accurate records, logs and files.
• Testifies in court as subpoenaed.

NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and terminology related to the operation of a correctional facility and the oversight of inmates.
• Laws, codes and regulations governing inmate detention, release and the legal rights of inmates.
• Techniques for dealing with individuals from various socio- economic backgrounds in hostile and/or confrontational situations.
• Basic first aid practices and procedures.
• Basic office administrative practices, including filing.
• Business arithmetic.
• Correct verbal and written English usage.
• Standard office equipment including the use of personal or online computers.

Skill in:

• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations.
• Responding calmly, quickly and decisively to emergency or stressful situations.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within legal and procedural guidelines.
• Maintaining facility security and inmate welfare.
• Overseeing and directing the work of inmates in structured situations.
• Preparing clear and accurate reports and other written materials.
• Maintaining accurate records, logs and files.
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Operating standard office equipment, including word processing software and computer system.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be at least eighteen years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must be a high school graduate, have passed the GED Test or have attained a two year or four year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be able to meet physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.
• Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Level I must obtain and maintain firearms qualifications and complete the Board of State and Community Corrections, Adult Corrections Officer Core Course, required under Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations within one year of employment.
• Level II incumbents must possess and maintain such certifications.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Correctional Deputy I

Volunteer or paid experience in law enforcement support, intervention or counseling or other work which will have provided the basic knowledge and skills.

Correctional Deputy II

In addition to the above, one year of experience in jail operation and inmate oversight at a level equivalent to the County's class of Correctional Deputy I.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Information about the qualifications for other titles, if any.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systematic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [phone] so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.