JAILER

La Crosse County Library, Inc.; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

Affordable Insurance Premiums

Generous Paid Time Off

Flexible schedules

Job summary

La Crosse County seeks a Jail Officer in its Sheriff's Office to maintain security and supervise inmates in the county jail. This non-exempt, full-time role requires guiding under supervision and adhering to strict rules across 24/7 operations.

You will perform reports, monitor inmate welfare, administer basic medical aid as directed, use security equipment, and respond to emergencies. A high school diploma or GED is required; certification training is provided; background checks apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; preference for degree in police science, criminal justice, or related field.
• Strong preference for previous civilian or military experience in corrections or law enforcement.
• Must successfully complete 200-hr Jailer Certification training before passing probation.
• Background check clearance and bondability required.
• Good character, references, and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Receives inmates and safeguards their possessions, including currency.
• Supervises the activities of inmates and monitors welfare.
• Distributes medications and assists in basic health care as directed by health personnel.
• Operates security equipment in the jail.
• Answers inquiries within authority and conducts searches for contraband.
• Maintains surveillance to prevent accidents and self-harm; administers emergency aid when needed.
• Appears in court and testifies as a witness; maintains records and reports.

Skills

Jail operations

Report writing

Communication skills

Shift flexibility

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Criminal justice degree preferred

Job description

Posted Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 5:00 AM

About La Crosse County : At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) : A top-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums : Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off : Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance : Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) : At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

Overview

FLSA: Non-Exempt This is a specialized non-law enforcement position in the Jail Division of the Sheriff's Office. Employees work under close to moderate supervision in maintaining security in a modern jail facility. Persons in this class work various shifts under rigid rules and regulations in the care of inmates and maintenance of safety and security in a jail that operates 24 hours per day/seven days per week.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization
• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Receives inmates committed to the County Jail and safeguards their possessions, including currency. Writes reports and completes jail records, such as booking and release information.

Supervises the activities of inmates, seeing that they are properly clothed and personal welfare is appropriately monitored.

Distributes medications to inmates and assists in provision of basic health care treatments, as directed by facility health care personnel.

Operates security equipment in a modern jail.

Searches committed persons for contraband and non-authorized articles.

Maintains close surveillance of inmates for security, prevention of accidents and of inmates doing harm to themselves or others.

Administers emergency medical aid, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation when necessary.

Conducts searches of inmate living areas and other areas of the facility, to detect possible contraband items. Answers inquiries when within authority to do so or refers such inquires to appropriate authorities.

Appears in court and testifies as a witness.

Uses OC spray(pepper spray) and electronic control devices as per training. Extinguishes small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means. Receives and records fines and bail/bond transactions.

Conducts releases of inmates from custody, completing all appropriate release documents, and return property to inmates.

Employee is expected to report to work on time and when scheduled, with minimum use of sick leave, to build up sick leave balance for income protection for unexpected illness.

In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.

Majority of time is spent standing, walking, speaking, hearing, and using near and far vision. Sits, stands, bends, reads, and writes intermittently throughout the day. In non-routine situations: stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, running, climbing, lifting and carrying; restrains and controls recalcitrant prisoners; wears self-air breathing apparatus weighing approximately 40 lbs.; drags a person (weighing up to 160 lbs.) in case of evacuation. Works various shifts. Tasks may involve exposure to blood/body fluids.

Related Job Functions

May transport inmates and supervise inmates outside of the secure area of the Jail.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of, or ability to comprehend, the laws relating to care and commitment of inmates.

Knowledge of, and ability to perform, jail housekeeping and practices.

Ability to deal with various forms of human behavior, particularly those committed to a large jail facility.

Ability to write clear, concise, accurate reports.

Ability to efficiently use a computer.

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the general public, other County officials, employees and inmates.

Ability to speak and listen effectively.

Ability to maintain complete and legible records as directed.

Ability to remain calm under sometimes adverse circumstances.

Ability to handle and safeguard inmates' currency and property.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements:

High school diploma or GED required, with a strong preference for a degree in police science, criminal justice, human services, or closely related field.

Strong preference for previous civilian or military experience in corrections or law enforcement and/or current certification by Law Enforcement Standards Board as Jail Officer.

If not certified at the time of hire, must successfully complete 200-hr. Jailer Certification training before passing probation.

Must successfully pass background check suitable for law enforcement work (no felonies) and meet other requirements for State Jailer certification.

Good character and references certifying stability and integrity. Must be bondable.

Alertness/good observation skills, and excellent communication skills.

Availability to be contacted easily by telephone and availability to work all shifts and holidays.

Valid driver's license and good driving record are required for those employees who will be performing transport duties.

Must successfully pass pre-employment physicals, including psychological evaluation and drug screen.

Per State Statute Chapter 302.41: Whenever there is a prisoner in any jail there shall be at least one person of the same sex on duty who is wholly responsible to the sheriff or keeper for the custody, cleanliness, food and care of such prisoner. Because of this bona fide occupational qualification, finalists may be limited to the gender needed in the facility at the time of the recruitment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at [e-mail] .