Correctional Officer/Jailer

Cerro Gordo County; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Cerro Gordo County seeks a responsible Correctional Officer/Jailer to manage intake, booking, transport, and supervision of inmates at the Cerro Gordo County Jail. The role requires attention to safety, recordkeeping, and coordination with court staff and medical personnel.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and basic typing/computer skills. The position is non-exempt, with shifts and rotation as specified, and offers a competitive hourly wage based on experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Typing and basic computer skills required.
• Ability to interact professionally with inmates, staff, and the public.
• Ability to render independent and sound judgments in a corrections environment.

Responsibilities

• Escorts inmates to courts, hospitals, and other correctional facilities.
• Conducts searches for contraband within the jail.
• Prepares reports on inmate population and jail operations.
• Photographs, fingerprints, and measures height/weight of arrestees for records.
• Open and close inmate trust accounts when needed.

Skills

Positive work environment

Independent judgment

Professional demeanor

Interpersonal with inmates and staff

Court and legal procedures familiarity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Typing and computer skills

Job description

Position Description

• Position Title: Correctional Officer/Jailer
• Department: Sheriff
• Immediate Supervisor: Jail Administrator
• Shift: Assigned shift could be 7:55 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 3:55 p.m. to 12:00 p.m., or 11:55 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. with rotation of 6 days on and 3 days off
• Location: Cerro Gordo County
• FLSA: Non-exempt/Union Position
• Salary Range: $25.90 - $32.37 per hour based on experience
• Approved by: Sheriff
• Date: October 13, 2026

Summary

The Correctional Officer/Jailer will implement activities associated with the intake and holding of inmates in the Cerro Gordo County Jail. Duties include, but are not limited, to transports, court, supervising inmates, medical (prescription) dispersement, booking, photographing, fingerprinting and computer skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicates with court officials to insure availability of inmates for trials or hearings.
• Escorts inmates to courts, hospitals, and other correctional institutions.
• Schedules visits of medical personnel to treat inmates.
• Conducts searches of inmates in all areas of jail facility for contraband.
• Insures cleanliness of jail facility.
• Assists trustees for special work assignments.
• Accepts and receives bail payments.
• Issues receipt and arrange for release of inmates.
• Prepares reports concerning inmate population and jail functions and submits reports to Lieutenant.
• Prepares requisitions for commissary, clothing, and housekeeping supplies for jail population.
• Photographs, fingerprints, and measures height and weight of arrested suspects noting physical characteristics and posts data on record for filing.
• May fingerprint applicants for employment or federal clearance and forward prints to other law enforcement agencies.
• May testify in court.
• Enters in jail computer all information concerning inmates.
• Open and close all inmate trust accounts when necessary.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualification Requirements

• Ability to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Ability to render independent and appropriate judgment and decisions.
• Ability to represent Cerro Gordo County in a professional manner.
• Ability to interact and deal effectively with inmates, staff, associates, professionals, and the general public.

The requirements and duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Typing and computer skills required.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively in one-on-one and small group situations to inmates, other employees of the department and others outside of the department.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand or sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Occasionally, it may be necessary to physically restrain an adult inmate. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to physical harm caused by an inmate. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Comments

Must have a valid Iowa Driver's License and be insurable for driving under county insurance company policies.

• Ability to obtain automobile insurance if personal vehicle is ever used for county business for which mileage reimbursement would be received. To be reimbursed for mileage, must provide proof of auto insurance with the following minimum limits:
  • $100,000 bodily injury for each person
  • $300,000 bodily injury for each occurrence
  • $100, 000 property damage
• OR
  • $300,000 single limit for all liability

Applicant will be subject to psychological screening.

Applicant will be subject to Criminal Background Check.

Applicant will be subject to post offer, pre-employment drug and physical testing, and reference checks.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Cerro Gordo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Cerro Gordo County is subject to and had adopted a policy in compliance with the 2008 Smokefree Air Act.

Employment Verification

Cerro Gordo County participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Disclaimer

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.