**Recruit - Detention and Corrections Deputy

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office; Largo (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Sign-On bonus

Paid training toward Florida cert.

Night shift differential

Annual leave 140 hours

Insurance – health/dental/life

Job summary

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office in Largo, FL is hiring Recruit Deputy Sheriff – Detention and Corrections. Recruits earn $33.15 per hour on day one and begin the process toward Florida corrections officer certification. Expect 14 twelve-hour shifts monthly after academy and certification.

You’ll complete a 13-week SEPSI academy, pass exams with 80%+, and undergo extensive 3-week in-house training followed by 10 weeks of field training to operate independently.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Regionally accredited college credits may be considered.
• Must pass the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office new hire physical assessment.

Responsibilities

• Attend a 13-week Correctional Basic Recruit academy at SEPSI.
• Pass all academy exams with a minimum score of 80%.
• Complete 10 weeks of field training and related in-house training.

Skills

Teamwork

Oral communication

Written communication

Defensive tactics

Criminal justice knowledge

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Regionally accredited college credits

Job description

Nature of Work

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is accepting applications for the position of Recruit Deputy Sheriff – Detention and Corrections. Learn more about what we have to offer you if you join us - including up to $25,000 in hiring incentives!

Where’s PCSO? Pinellas County sits on a peninsula on Florida’s West Coast between Tampa Bay and the Gulf, home to some of the most consistently high ranked beaches in the country and a year‑round climate that makes the most of your time off. A great place to live is only half of the value of joining us. Be a part of the supportive culture and work environment in a jail facility that embraces technology.

Looking for a great career? Join our team of dedicated professionals providing care and custody for an average daily population of 3,000 inmates. You must be 19 years old and meet the requirements and standards of the Florida (CJSTC) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13.

Get paid while you learn! Recruits earn $33.15 per hour on their first day of employment. If you successfully complete the hiring process, you’ll start work on February 8, 2027 and attend our next 13-week Agency Sponsored Detention Academy to become a certified Florida corrections officer. Once you are assigned to the jail, you will begin working 14 twelve-hour shifts per month.

What does training look like? For your first 2 weeks, you’ll be onsite at the Pinellas County Jail learning more about the job and performing the same type of physical activities you’ll be expected to complete in the academy, so you are prepped for success.

• Firearms training
• Defensive tactics
• First responder techniques
• Officer survival
• Emergency preparedness

A minimum of 80% on all academy exams is required to complete the academy and you must pass the State of Florida Correctional Officer certification exam to move forward.

You’ll return to the PCSO upon obtaining your certification, and complete 3 weeks of in‑house high liability training prior to being assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO) for 10 weeks of hands‑on training at various posts so you’ll be prepared to operate independently as a Deputy Sheriff.

Are there other things to consider before making the move? Yes, we have up to $25,000 in hiring incentives and a great benefits package available!

Hiring Incentives

• Up to $15,000 in relocation assistance (if you are moving from outside the area to Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, or Manatee County)
• Up to $10,000 Sign-On Bonus:
  • $5,000 when you achieve your certification
  • $2,500 upon completion of 3rd year of employment
  • $2,500 upon completion of 4th year of employment
• 100% paid training to obtain your Florida certification while you work

Other Benefits

• 10% night shift differential
• 140 hours of accrued annual leave
• Great meal options available at no cost every shift
• $5,000 after 5-years of service
• Health/Dental/Life Insurance – high quality plans at reasonable rates
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) – 3% mandatory contribution
• Voluntary 457 deferred compensation/retirement plans

NOTE: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies are prohibited from using tobacco and/or nicotine and from having any tattoo(s), temporary decal(s), and / or body art that is visible on the head, scalp, face, ears, neck, or hands (defined as the area from the wrist to the fingertips), while wearing the agency uniform.

You must successfully pass a physical assessment prior to hire: https://pinellassheriff.gov/media/NeoGov/new-hire-coopers-test.pdf

The review and selection process varies by position and applicant; in all instances the maximum duration is 22 weeks.

Job Description

Under general supervision of a Detention Training Sergeant, or designee, participates in the Detention and Corrections Academy sponsored by Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. During such time, members are required to maintain education and performance standards in all areas of training as defined by St. Petersburg College and southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI) in conjunction with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Upon successful completion of the academy and receiving a passing score on the state exam, Detention Deputy Recruits will continue recruit training in high liability functions at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Position requires the member to work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

• Attend a thirteen (13) week Correctional Basic Recruit academy at SEPSI;
• Pass all academy exams with a minimum score of 80%;
• Successfully complete training in the following disciplines:
  • Correctional operations and procedures
  • Firearms training
  • Defensive tactics
  • First responder techniques
  • Officer survival
  • Emergency preparedness
• Attend three (3) weeks of high liability training at PCSO in addition to the academy;
• Attend one week of agency orientation;
• Successfully complete ten weeks of field training;
• Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed.

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• High school graduation or equivalent diploma from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Dept. of Education or licensed as a degree granting institution by the Commission for Independent Education.
• Attainment of previous college credits from a regionally accredited college that includes English Comp I –OR- successfully pass the PERT administered by St. Petersburg College.
• Pass the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office new hire physical assessment.
• Pass the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test for Corrections.
• Successful completion of correctional training as required by the State of Florida.
• Upon completion of training, must obtain certification by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13.
• Must have and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License (minimum Class E).
• Consideration for this position requires a credit check.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to meet requirements of the SEPSI Academy in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, firefighting)
• Ability to learn and apply Florida Model Jail Standards and Sheriff's Office rules and regulations as applied to correctional work.
• Ability to apply modern correctional principles and practices.
• Ability to learn and apply applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Ability to learn and apply cardio pulmonary resuscitation.
• Ability and willingness to learn the principles of criminology and penology, as applied to the corrections profession.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to understand, express, and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work closely with others as a team.
• Ability to enforce the rules and policies of the Department of Detention and Corrections with firmness, tact, and impartiality, and to deal courteously with the public.
• Ability to observe and respond to situations promptly and objectively.
• Ability to meet requirements of periodic in-service training in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, etc).
• Ability to train with and use safe handcuffing procedures.
• Ability to use and care for equipment and devices used in the corrections profession.
• Ability to comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act.

Physical Abilities

• Requires satisfactory medical standards as stated on FDLE form CJSTC 75A, agency medical physical clearance form, and the following:
  • Visual acuity of 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses must be used to satisfy 20/30 vision standard, uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eye.
  • Hearing acuity, single hearing levels should not exceed 25 decibels at either 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz nor exceed 30 decibels at 3000 Hz frequencies in each ear.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk up to 12 hours per day.
• Ability to perceive sounds at normal voice range and sounds transmitted by radio and sirens.
• Ability to maintain a level of physical conditioning to be able to physically subdue and restrain inmates.
• Ability to meet the physical conditioning requirements of periodic in-service training in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, A.S.P., tactical driving).
• Ability to render physical assistance.
• Ability to wear and use a Scott Air Pack on his/her back, which weighs approximately 30 lbs.
• Ability to climb standard stairs, while carrying a 12 gauge shotgun on a sling, which weighs approximately 8 pounds, or Scott Air Pack.
• Ability to operate authorized revolver or semi-automatic handguns designated by the agency from a standing, crouching, kneeling, or prone position with either hand with accuracy; essentials for this requirement shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following: grip, stance, sighting under various lighting conditions, trigger control, body positioning, drawing techniques and loading/unloading.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the work place.

This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

We offer a complete benefits package to full and part‑time employees.

To view the PCSO Benefits Guide click here.