Jailer

City of Richmond (CA); Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid vacation

Holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

City of Richmond authorities seek a Jailer to operate the City Jail on assigned shifts and handle custody duties in a fast-paced environment. The role requires learning procedures, laws, and policies related to detention facility operations and maintaining custody of prisoners.

Incumbents work a 24/7 schedule, may be asked to work holidays and weekends, and must pass background checks, polygraph, and health screenings. A valid CA driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Some work experience showing the required abilities.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills.

Responsibilities

• Process prisoners for custody and maintain jail records.
• Escort and supervise prisoners to and from cells and during visits.
• Transport prisoners as needed to County Jail or other agencies.
• Provide for prisoners' basic needs and safety, including meals, bedding, and medical attention.
• Conduct searches and ensure safe, orderly jail operations.
• Maintain accurate records and follow written and oral instructions.

Skills

Attention to details

Communication

Typing speed

Reading & writing

Team player

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Office software

Job description

The Richmond Police Department is searching for an effective team player who can multi-task in a fast-paced work environment. Under general supervision, the Jailer operates the City Jail on an assigned shift and performs related duties as assigned. The Jailer must be able to learn the basic operating procedures of a modern police department and detention facility, as well as, the laws, policies, and regulations related to detention facility operation.

Annual salary for this classification is as high as $87,723.36, at the top of the range, with approved cost of living increase of 5% on July 1, 2027.

Additionally, City-paid benefits may include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, holidays, administrative leave days, sick time, CalPERS retirement contribution, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, annual professional development reimbursement, four weeks of paid parental leave, and more! All benefits information can be found here.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• paid vacation
• holidays
• administrative leave days
• sick time
• CalPERS retirement contribution
• life insurance
• disability insurance
• tuition reimbursement
• annual professional development reimbursement
• four weeks of paid parental leave

Incumbents in this class are non-sworn, unarmed, uniformed personnel. They perform a wide range of duties involving the processing and custody of prisoners in the City jail. Jailers are expected to handle most problems arising in the jail with little supervision. Contacts with jail prisoners range from routine to difficult. Work in the jail involves holidays, weekends and shifts. Physical stamina and strength are required since incumbent is constantly standing, walking or handling materials.

The successful candidate will be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.

Ideal Candidate Abilities

• Learn the procedures used in reporting prisoner detention information to law enforcement information networks; maintain custody of prisoners effectively and safely.
• Act with resourcefulness, courtesy, and initiative; communicate effectively; maintain neat and accurate records.
• Read and write at the level required for successful job performance.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Desirable Characteristics

• Team-oriented
• Competent and self-motivated
• Willing to ask questions
• Takes responsibility for their assignments

The City of Richmond is the City of Pride and Purpose, and we value those traits in our employees!

The following list is intended to be illustrative in nature and does not necessarily represent the entire range of work duties expected of employees within the job classification.

• Processes prisoners for custody in the jail; books on charges of arrest; fingerprints and photographs prisoners; types arrest reports; receives and maintains personal property of prisoners; maintains jail turnover schedule; initiates record and warrant checks; notifies concerned sections that a person is in custody; and prepares and processes other routine arrest documents.
• Assigns and escorts male and female prisoners to and from cells for the purpose of custody, release, telephone calls, attorney and family visits, interrogation, and other authorized reasons.
• Transports individuals to and from the County Jail or another area agency as necessary.
• Cares for prisoners' needs, including securing medical attention; heating and serving prepared meals; providing bedding and clothing; receiving clothing, reading materials, and other personal property delivered to prisoners; securing janitorial and maintenance services as needed.
• Processes prisoners for release by checking bail bonds, misdemeanor citations, and other release or transfer documents for correct prisoner identification and proper authorization.
• Inspects prisoners and facilities to assure safekeeping of prisoners and proper functioning of jail.
• Performs skin and pat-down searches before and after visits to attorney's room, and whenever a prisoner is suspected of possessing any contraband.
• Required to work various shifts associated with a 24-hour, 365-day operation and wear a uniform.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Some work experience which indicates possession of the abilities listed
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record is an ongoing requirement

Additional Requirements

• Applicants considered for appointment must pass a polygraph and an extensive background examination. As a condition of employment, psychological, medical and drug testing are also required.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

The City’s policy is that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated, including the booster, for COVID-19. New employees will be required to provide proof of complete vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources.

REQUIRED KSA FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of

• Modern office practices and equipment, including applicable software

Skill in

• Attention to details

Ability to

• Prepare and maintain accurate records of jail activities
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Make detailed observations, and accurately remember facts
• Communicate effectively with persons in custody, the public, and City personnel
• Learn the rules and regulations for operating the City Jail
• Learn to touch type at the rate of twenty (20) net words per minute prior to the probationary period termination date

About the City of Richmond

The City of Richmond lies on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, five miles north of Berkeley and seven miles northeast across the Bay from downtown San Francisco. A hub of multimodal transportation, many of our residents and businesses are located in Richmond because of its central location and easy access to the Amtrak/Capitol Corridor, BART, AC Transit, the ferry, and two freeways (I-80 & I-580). Residents, visitors, and employees enjoy Richmond’s numerous recreational opportunities, which include 32 miles of shoreline and over 3,000 acres of shoreline parks, more segments of the Bay Trail completed than any other city, several recreational boat harbors and yacht clubs, and thousands of acres of contiguous inland regional parks and open space. The City has substantial economic resources but is still affordable compared to other Bay Area cities. Our community is welcoming, diverse, and actively engaged. Richmond is truly the City of Pride and Purpose!

Immigration Reform Control Act

In compliance with the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, individuals offered employment by the City of Richmond will be required to show documentation of eligibility to work in the United States as a condition of employment.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The City of Richmond is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and prohibits discrimination against any applicant on the basis of race, religion, citizenship, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision-making, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, or military or veteran status or any other basis protected by law.

Disaster Service Workers

California Government Code Title I, Sections 3100 - 3109, declare all public employees to be Disaster Service Workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. More information can be found here.

EOE/ADA/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

www.ci.richmond.ca.us

Analyst: J. Somera 09/2026