Jailer - Eligibility List

Douglas County is seeking candidates to fill permanent and limited-term Jailer positions and establish an eligibility list. Individuals with experience in security, group homes, mental health, and/or crisis intervention are encouraged to apply! Extensive on-the-job training is provided to those with no experience, who wish to start a career in corrections. Douglas County Jail provides a supportive, team-oriented environment for those who want to make a difference in the community. 

• Limited-term positions include full benefits eligibility following applicable waiting periods.
  
• Limited-term candidates who receive training and work experience receive first preference to fill permanent roles, unless otherwise required by WI statutes to maintain staffing ratios. 
• Staffing needs and ratios are subject to review by Jail and County Administration.

The Jailer is responsible for maintaining the institution's security and the custody and correctional treatment of inmates.  A Jailer's primary focus is the maintenance of the institution's security, contribution to the health and welfare of the inmates, and the promotion of good public relations.  Additional collateral assignments may include program facilitation and activities coordination. 

Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement- One of the most well managed retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund.  Refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail  
• County-paid Life Insurance Policy – coverage equivalent to annual salary - affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent coverage available at employee’s expense
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, and personal days. 
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer 

Full-time; non-exempt; $24.85 - $28.85 represents the typical hiring range for 2026.

The following listing of regular duties and responsibilities should not be considered all-inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
 

• Performs a variety of duties to ensure the proper maintenance of the jail in accordance with department and state policies.
• Has direct and daily contact with inmates.
• Responsible for maintaining security of the institution through observation of inmate behavior, maintenance of discipline, accountability of tools, and counseling of inmates on institutional and personal problems.
• Motivates inmates to learn and adhere to jail inmate procedure and behavior expectations. Reports to the Jail Sergeant all actions of misconduct, abnormal behavior or attitudes of prisoners.
• Receives and reports to Jail Sergeant all notable prisoner grievances.
• Escorts and/or transport inmates to and from various activities within and outside the jail. Safeguards prisoner's valuables; assists with the inmate admission, classification, and release processes.  
• Prepares arrest records identifying prisoners and charges assigned.
• Monitors and directs various inmate programs (e.g. recreation, visitation, etc.) ,and supervises inmate movement and maintains control of assigned areas of responsibility within the institution.
• Provides and summons assistance and aid for inmates while maintaining the safety and security of the facility.
• Dispenses authorized medications and administers first aid and CPR.
• Delivers meals, mail, supplies, etc., to the inmates.
• Maintains necessary financial records (e.g. cash accounts in inmate and canteen funds, bail, fines, etc.).
• Collects, maintains, and completes necessary records and reports (e.g. criminal history, medical screening, medication delivery, inmate activity, inmate property, fingerprints, photographs, visitor logs, incident and discipline reports, etc.).
• Prepares written reports such as incident reports, minor work order, memos of involvement in specific incidents, and accident or injury reports.
• Maintains criminal record files.
• Searches and observes inmates, visitors, vendors, inmate workers, and others to ensure security.
• Inspects all jail areas to ensure adherence to all jail policies and procedures (e.g. sanitation, security, etc.) and ensure that these aspects of jail operation are maintained.
• Supervises inmates in living quarters and instructs them in proper housekeeping and sanitation.
• Supervises and instructs inmates in the proper use and care of tools and equipment, instilling good work and personal hygiene habits in inmates.
• Maintains strict control over hazardous tools, locks, keys, or other items that could be used to effect an escape or cause injury to staff and/or inmates.
• Receives prisoner's work detail in the jail and supervises prisoners' work detail in the jail. Logs and admits visitors; prepares and writes reports.
• Works in the central control area monitoring various computer systems, fire, building, and security alarms and devices to ensure proper security for the jail facility and other adjoining buildings.
• Answers the Sheriff's Department/Jail Division business phone as needed.
• May be required to administer portable breath tests.
• Performs other duties as required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• 18 years of age
• High School Diploma
• Valid Driver's License
• May not have been convicted of an offense amounting to a felony, unless judgment of conviction has been reversed or a complete pardon has been granted
• Must possess the ability to provide truthful, effective and credible testimony in court
• Must be able to attend Wisconsin Jail Officer Academy to become a Certified Jailer.  Training provided by the Douglas County Jail within the first year of employment
• 45-minute commute distance from the Douglas County Jail which is located in Superior, WI required within 18 months

Review other employment standards via the following website links, referring to Wisconsin Administrative Code LES2.01 and LES2.02; WI State Statutes 165.85(4)(b) and WI State Statutes 66.0501(2):
http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/les/2/01
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/165/85/4/cb
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/66/V/0501/2

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED OF POSITION:
Jail regulations to enforce security measures and protect life and property; Working knowledge of County and State criminal laws to the extent necessary to recognize when violations of law occur and when individuals violating these laws must be placed under arrest; Working knowledge of individual and group dynamics, behavior which leads to potential security concerns; Working knowledge of narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia; Working knowledge of radio and other electronic equipment used; Some knowledge of the operation of locking devices, alarm systems and other security equipment; Basic computer operational skills.

ABILITIES REQUIRED:   Ability to:  Successfully complete training required for state certification; Adhere to the high standards of personal conduct both on and off the job; Work in an environment requiring a special ability for alertness, keen mental and physical effort; Be aware of group or individual tensions, unpredictable behavior and general signs of trouble that could result in injury; Maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the use of restraint methods and equipment, emergency measures, self-defense techniques; Maintain position in the event of such hostile or life-threatening situations such as riots, assaults and escape attempts; Exercise sound judgment in making instantaneous decisions affecting life, well-being, civil liberties and property which cannot be reviewed prior to implementation and which may subject the decision-maker to legal liabilities, including personal sanctions; Respond promptly to any emergency situation such as escape, patrol, riots, major disturbances, etc.; Keep abreast of institution procedures and be familiar with the physical layout of the institution; Identify narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia; Multi-task with radio equipment, computer, intercoms and other electronic security equipment; Maintain regular and predictable attendance; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, staff of other agencies, and others; Perform to stands independent of direct supervision; Ability to provide truthful, effective, and credible testimony in court. 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES/REQUIREMENTS:  Possess and maintain physical requirements to work in a jail/correctional environment of direct and indirect supervision of incarcerated inmates.  Pass a post job offer physical exam for correctional assignment standards.  Safely lift up to 50 pounds.  On occasion, with assistance, safely lift 50-75 pounds.  May perform tasks such as frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, pushing, pulling, crouching, and carrying.  Physical activities/requirements are not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS:  Structured interview based on pre-screen questionnaire; background investigation and pre-employment evaluations.

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.

Salary : $25 - $29