CORRECTIONS SERGEANT

State of Arkansas; Pine Bluff (AR); On-site; USD 62,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corrections Sergeant at the DOC Central Office in Pine Bluff oversees a team of Corrections Corporals and Officers, guiding security, training, and daily operations to ensure inmate and staff safety. This role enforces policy and coordinates responses to incidents within a state correctional facility.

Successful candidates will have a high school diploma with relevant corrections experience, including leadership.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of correctional security or law enforcement experience.
• At least 1 year in a leadership capacity.
• Promotion decisions based on discretion and demonstrated performance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the activities of correctional officers by assigning and reviewing work, providing training, and evaluating performance.
• Ensure safety and security of the facility by conducting regular inspections, including shakedowns and searches of inmates and facilities.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to policies and procedures by staff and inmates.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents within the facility, including inmate disturbances, medical emergencies, and security breaches.
• Investigate and report incidents, inmate misconduct, and security breaches.
• Prepare detailed reports on incidents and security checks.
• Assist in coordinating inmate transportation to medical appointments and court appearances.
• Provide guidance and support to correctional officers in handling difficult situations.
• Maintain accurate records of counts, incidents, and other relevant information.

Skills

Operational strategies

Facility safety

Public safety methods

Conflict resolution

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years corrections/security experience

Job description

Location: DOC Central Office - Pine Bluff

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.

All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

Position Information

Position Number: 22086360
County: Jefferson
Posting End Date: 11/11/2026

Anticipated Starting Salary: $61,523.07

Location: DOC Central Office - Pine Bluff

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.

All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

Job Series: Corrections Officers- Career-path

Classification: Corrections Sergeant

Class Code: SCO06P

Pay Grade: LES04

Salary Range: $61,523 - $91,054

Job Summary

The Corrections Sergeant is responsible for overseeing the work of Corrections Corporals and Corrections Officers, ensuring the security and safety of inmates and staff in a correctional facility. This position involves supervising activities, implementing policies, and maintaining order. It is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Primary Responsibilities

Supervise and direct the activities of correctional officers by assigning and reviewing work, providing training, and evaluating performance. Ensure the safety and security of the facility by conducting regular inspections, including shakedowns and searches of inmates and facilities. Monitor and enforce adherence to policies and procedures by correctional staff and inmates. Respond to emergencies and incidents within the facility, including inmate disturbances, medical emergencies, and security breaches. Investigate and report incidents, inmate misconduct, and security breaches. Prepare detailed reports on incidents, inmate behavior, and security checks. Assist in the coordination of inmate transportation to medical appointments, court appearances, and other facilities. Provide guidance and support to correctional officers in handling difficult situations and resolving conflicts. Participate in shift briefings to discuss incidents, problems, and security issues. Maintain accurate records of inmate counts, incidents, and other relevant information.

Knowledge And Skills

Ability to develop and implement operational strategies to enhance facility safety and efficiency. Evaluate situations, incidents, and data to inform decisions and recommendations. Resolve disputes among staff or inmates diplomatically and effectively. Familiarity with department policies and procedures. Knowledge of public safety and security methods.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma, plus two years of experience in correctional security or law enforcement, including one year in a leadership capacity.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.