Jailer I

Webb County, TX; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Webb County Sheriff's Office in Texas is seeking a Jailer to supervise inmates, enforce rules, and maintain safety for staff and the public. You will oversee inmate movement, conduct security checks, and respond to emergencies per policy.

The role requires knowledge of TCJS/TCOLE standards, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and strong reporting and communication skills in English (Spanish oral ability is beneficial).

Qualifications

• Must know TCOLE and TCJS standards and jail operations.
• Ability to remain calm, fair, and professional; strong reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English; Spanish oral skills helpful.

Responsibilities

• Process inmates during intake (searches, bookings, photos, fingerprints).
• Supervise inmate movement, behavior, activities, and conduct.
• Conduct security rounds, headcounts, searches to prevent disturbances.
• Enforce facility policies, procedures, and inmate rules of conduct.
• Supervise visitation, telephone use, mail distribution, and inmate programs.
• Escort inmates to/from court, medical appointments, work, or other activities.
• Conduct searches for contraband; respond to emergencies per policy.
• Prepare logs, reports, and documentation; ensure TCJS/TCOLE compliance.
• Provide basic care and safety monitoring for inmates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

TCOLE/TCJS knowledge

Calm under pressure

Conflict resolution

Clear communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Documentation/reporting

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Responsible for the custody, care, and control of inmates confined in the county jail. Work involves supervising inmate activities, enforcing facility rules and regulations, conducting security checks, and ensuring the safety and security of staff, inmates, and the public. Jailers maintain order within the facility, prevent escapes and disturbances, and ensure the basic needs and rights of inmates are met in accordance with state law and departmental policy.

A probationary jailer works under the supervision of a field training officer.

Possession of a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer license does not qualify a hired applicant for a full-time or part-time Peace Officer commission.

• Processes, searches, books, photographs, and fingerprints inmates during intake.
• Supervises, monitors, and documents inmate movement, behavior, activities, and conduct.
• Conducts security rounds, headcounts, searches, and inspections to maintain order and prevent escapes, disturbances, or rule violations.
• Enforces facility policies, procedures, and inmate rules of conduct.
• Supervises visitation, telephone use, mail distribution, and inmate programs.
• Escorts inmates to and from court, medical appointments, work assignments, or other approved activities.
• Conducts searches of inmates, cells, and common areas for contraband.
• Responds to emergencies, altercations, medical issues, or disturbances in accordance with training, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) standards, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS), and county policies.
• Prepares and maintains accurate logs, reports, and documentation related to jail operations.
• Ensures compliance with state jail standards and department regulations.
• Provides basic care and assistance to inmates, including monitoring for health or safety concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) standards and the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS).
• Knowledge of jail operations, inmate supervision, and security practices.
• Ability to remain calm, fair, and professional in stressful situations.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Skill in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to communicate clearly, follow instructions, and complete required reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, inmates, and the public.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must hold, or be eligible to obtain, a Texas County Jailer License from TCOLE.
• Must meet all standards set by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) and TCOLE.
• Must meet the minimum age requirement of eighteen (18) years of age on the date of Probationary appointment to the position of Jailer. There is no maximum age limit.
• Must successfully complete psychological testing, physical/vision exam, and drug screening.
• Any conviction or probation for a felony at any time, or for a misdemeanor within the past ten (10) years, will disqualify. Criminal history records will be examined.
• Must be able to qualify with and legally possess a firearm under federal and state law.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The purpose of this position is to provide Jailer functions.
• Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of jail operations.
• Work is performed in a secure jail environment with exposure to inmates who may be uncooperative or hostile.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Occasionally

• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Driving a County vehicle or a personal vehicle for County business.
• Working in low temperatures.
• Working in high temperatures.
• Working in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Working in noisy environments.
• Medium work that includes carrying objects up to 50 pounds.

Constantly

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.
• Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and/or standing.
• Light work that includes carrying objects up to 20 pounds.

Other Requirements/Information

• Must possess a valid and current Texas Driver's License.
• The Webb County Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to this position. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, and a criminal background check are required.
• As a condition of employment, the selected applicant must successfully pass an administrative and criminal background check, which may include employment and education verification, professional reference checks, and other job-related inquiries.
• Giglio and Brady Disclosure Policy: The Webb County Sheriff's Office requires all applicants for sworn and non-sworn positions to be free of any credibility issues that would impair their ability to testify in court. As part of the hiring process, background investigations will include a review of any potential Giglio or Brady material. Any applicant who has been found to have sustained findings of dishonesty, false reporting, or moral turpitude—or who has been deemed Giglio-impaired by a prosecuting authority—may be disqualified from employment. All employees must immediately report any conduct or investigation that could affect their credibility as a witness. The Office will notify the District Attorney's Office of any such matters as required by Brady v. Maryland and Giglio v. United States.
• This position is covered by Civil Service; therefore, is subject to the Civil Service Rules and Regulations in addition to all other Webb County policies.

Valid Texas Driver’s License*
*If the applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver’s License must be obtained prior to employment.