Detention Officer

GardaWorld Federal Services; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

GardaWorld Federal Services in Surprise, AZ, is building a pipeline for a detention/security officer role. The job focuses on supervising residents, maintaining order, and enforcing center protocols in a secure, orderly environment.

Qualified candidates will have 1 year of relevant security or law enforcement experience, citizenship or work authorization, and the ability to pass background, medical, and drug screenings. Excellent observation and communication skills are required.

Qualifications

• Must have 1 year of experience in active-duty military, detention/corrections, or law enforcement.
• Proof of citizenship or legal US work authorization.
• If prior military, provide DD214 showing discharge condition.
• Consent to fingerprinting.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Clean criminal record and ability to pass background check and security screening.
• Ability to pass pre-employment medical and drug screening.
• Excellent communication, observation, and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Regular patrols of the detention center’s housing units and areas to ensure safety and compliance.
• Monitor and control resident movement between housing, medical, and recreational spaces.
• Operate security systems, gates, and radios to maintain situational awareness.
• Respond to emergencies or disturbances with de-escalation and, if needed, physical interventions.
• Search living quarters and common areas for contraband per protocols.
• Manage intake and release processes and secure personal property storage.
• Prepare detailed reports on incidents, medical observations, and daily activities.
• Maintain proficiency with center safety equipment and training requirements.
• Collaborate with medical staff and other officers to ensure a secure environment.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication

Report writing

Calm under pressure

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Pay: $33.90/hr. ($28.81/hr. base rate + $5.09 H&W)

*Pay rates listed reflect the full rate for this position, including both the base pay and health and welfare benefits in accordance with applicable requirements. Pay is based on numerous factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

*Note: We are currently building a pipeline for this role, with an expected start date of later this year

Position Overview

In this role, you will maintain a vigilant presence to ensure the safety, security, and integrity of the immigration and custodial facility. Your primary focus will be the direct supervision of the resident population, maintaining order within housing units, and enforcing strict center protocols. You must possess sharp observational skills, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to respond decisively to emergencies or behavioral incidents to maintain a secure and controlled environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular patrols of the detention center’s internal housing units, common areas, and specialized wings to ensure safety and compliance.
• Monitor and control the movement of residents throughout the center, ensuring all transitions between housing, medical, and recreational areas are secure.
• Operate and monitor security equipment, including internal surveillance systems, electronic gate controls, and radio communications, to maintain constant situational awareness.
• Respond promptly and effectively to center emergencies, resident disturbances, or security breaches, using de‑escalation techniques and, when necessary, approved physical interventions.
• Perform thorough searches of resident living quarters, common areas, and individuals for contraband or unauthorized items in accordance with established protocols.
• Manage the intake and release process, ensuring the accurate processing of individuals and the secure storage of personal property.
• Prepare detailed and accurate reports on disciplinary incidents, medical observations, and daily shift activities.
• Maintain proficiency in the use of center‑issued safety equipment and incident response protocols, adhering to all ongoing training and certification requirements.
• Collaborate closely with medical staff, fellow officers, and other support personnel to ensure a secure, humane, and orderly environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of one (1) year of work experience as active‑duty military, detention/corrections, or law enforcement.
• Must be able to provide proof of citizenship or legal US work authorization.
• If prior active‑duty military, must provide copies of DD214(s) showing discharge condition.
• Must consent to fingerprinting.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Clean criminal record and ability to pass a comprehensive background check and security screening.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment medical assessment and drug screening.
• Excellent communication, observation, and report‑writing skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure and in high‑stress situations.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Employees may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.

Physical Requirements

Employees may be required to remain in a stationary position, stand, push, pull, climb, kneel, crawl, balance, squat, bend, and reach. Employees may be also required to use gear to move items around, including, but not limited to, carts and dollies. Employees may also be occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 49 pounds.

GardaWorld Federal Services is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.