Detention Officer (Veterans Encouraged)

GardaWorld Federal Services; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

GardaWorld Federal Services is seeking a security professional in San Antonio, TX to maintain safety and order within an immigration and custodial facility. You will supervise residents, enforce center protocols, and respond decisively to emergencies while coordinating with medical staff and other personnel.

The role requires at least 1 year of related security experience or a related degree, ability to obtain clearances, and strong observation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 1 year of work experience in active-duty military, detention/corrections, or law enforcement, or 1 year of civilian security with related degree.
• Must be able to provide proof of citizenship or legal US work authorization.
• Must consent to fingerprinting.
• English reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension required.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Clean criminal record and ability to pass background check and security screening.
• Ability to pass preemployment medical and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular patrols of housing units, common areas, and wings to ensure safety and compliance.
• Monitor and control movement of residents between areas.
• Operate security equipment and communications to maintain situational awareness.
• Respond to emergencies and disturbances with de-escalation and, if needed, approved physical interventions.
• Perform searches of living quarters and individuals for contraband.
• Manage intake and release processes and secure storage of personal property.
• Prepare detailed reports on incidents, medical observations, and shift activities.
• Maintain proficiency with center safety equipment and training requirements.
• Collaborate with medical staff and officers to ensure a secure, humane environment.

Skills

Communication

Observation

Report writing

English proficiency

Calm under pressure

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

POSITION INFORMATION: BASIC DETAILS

Location: San Antonio, TX

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Travel Requirement: Yes

Teleworking: No

Pay: $30.09/hr. ($25.00/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 anticipated start of late 2026/early 2027

POSITION SUMMARY INFORMATION: DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS

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.
• Alternatively, one (1) year of civilian security experience is acceptable if combined with a degree in a related discipline (e.g., criminal justice, 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 able to read, write, speak, and understand English proficiently.
• 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 preemployment 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.

Work Environment: 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.