Detention Officer (Veterans Encouraged)

GardaWorld Federal Services; Socorro (TX); On-site; USD 109,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

GardaWorld Federal Services seeks a Detention Center Security Officer in El Paso, TX. You will supervise residents, enforce housing protocols, and maintain order with sharp observation and decisive action in emergencies.

You will work in a high-stress environment, perform searches, manage admissions, and coordinate with medical staff to ensure humane, secure operations. Strong English and reporting skills are required.

Qualifications

• Requires minimum 1 year of work experience in active-duty military, detention/corrections, or law enforcement.
• Alternatively, 1 year of civilian security experience with related degree accepted.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular patrols of housing units, common areas, and specialized wings to ensure safety and compliance.
• Monitor and control movement of residents between housing, medical, and recreational areas.
• Operate and monitor security equipment including surveillance systems, gate controls, and radios.
• Respond to emergencies, disturbances, or security breaches; use de-escalation techniques and physical interventions if needed.
• Perform searches for contraband according to protocols.
• Manage intake and release and secure storage of personal property.
• Prepare detailed reports on incidents, observations, and daily activities.
• Maintain proficiency with safety equipment and incident response protocols.
• Collaborate with medical staff, officers, and support personnel to ensure a secure environment.

Skills

Active-duty military

Detention/corrections

Law enforcement

English proficiency

Communication skills

Observation skills

Report writing

Calm under pressure

Flexible shifts

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in criminal justice or related discipline

Job description

Location: El Paso, TX

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Travel Requirement: No

Teleworking: No

Pay: $35.09/hr. ($30/hr. base rate + $5.09 H&W)

Hours: 60 – 72/hrs./wk.

Pay is based on numerous factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Position Overview

In this role, you will maintain a vigilant presence to ensure the safety, security, and integrity of the detention center. 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.