Demo

Detention Officer

Ellis County Sheriffs Office
Waxahachie, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 7/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/22/2026
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Age: YOU MUST BE 18 TO APPLY
Testing Date/Time: To Be Announced
Closing Date/Time: To Be Announced - To be eligible a completed application must be
submitted online through the Ellis County NeoGOV website.
Salary: See Position Description
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: 300 S. Jackson Waxahachie, Texas

STEPS TO APPLY

To complete an application please follow the steps below.

Click this link to open the Ellis County online job application.
Click on the job title you are interested in and click on the “Apply” link. If this is your first time applying using the online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
**All applications must be submitted electronically through NeoGOV website. No paper applications will be accepted.**

Description

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for Detention Officer.

Detention Officer Step 1 - Salary: $57,985.00 annually with opportunity for the Lateral Entry Program for Certified TCOLE Jailers.

6-step pay scale available through the step-pay program.

Physical ability test: To Be Determined

A physical ability claim release form is required at the time of testing.

Step Pay Scale

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6
Detention Officer $57,985.00
$60,217.00
$62,535.00
$64,943.00
$67,443.00
$70,040.00

Sample Core Responsibilities

Conducting routine searches of inmates and their property.
Administrative responsibilities of report writing and record keeping, which includes accessing the computer.
Monitoring inmates' behavior in their housing units or when being escorted or transported.
Maintaining security of the internal and external doors and elevators.
Performing life safety drills and responding in the event of an emergency situation.
Performing aspects of feeding, laundry exchange, recreation, religious services, visitation and other functions.
There is a potential exposure to communicable diseases.

Requirements

Be a citizen of the United States of America.
At least 18 years of age at time of application.
No less than Honorable Discharge if prior military.
Has passed a general educational development (GED) test indicating high school graduation level; or holds a high school diploma.
Have a favorable driving record and hold a valid driver license; if not licensed by the State of Texas, be able to obtain a Texas Driver License before employment.
At the time of employment have 20/20 vision, either corrected or uncorrected in each eye. Uncorrected vision cannot exceed 20/100 in each eye, unless vision is corrected by the use of corrective lenses, which MUST BE WORN on duty and/or during ALL enforcement-related activities or off-duty employment. Must be free of dichromatic color blindness, night blindness and any other visual deficiencies or limitations. Persons who have had eye surgery performed on either eye, will not be eligible to be hired, until one year after the surgery.
Have no hearing loss greater than 30-decibels (correction) in either ear. Uncorrected hearing cannot exceed a 60-decibel loss in either ear.
Be of good character.
Have a favorable work and school record.
Must be able to successfully complete Detention Officer training and obtain state certification to retain employment.
Not have a criminal record that would preclude hiring, as determined by TCOLE and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office standards.

Disqualifiers

Criminal History
A. No convictions for or probation, to include deferred, that would preclude a person from being licensed by TCOLE. (TCOLE standard)
B. No conviction of a crime of moral turpitude, no time limit applies. (ECSO standard)
C. Under indictment or pending trial for any Felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor or non-traffic Class C misdemeanor. (ECSO standard)
D. Prohibited by any state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. (TCOLE standard)
E. Cannot have admitted to committing a sex crime, a hate crime or an aggravated act of violence, even if the act was never discovered or the applicant was never arrested or charged. (ECSO standard).
F. Cannot have been jailed at any time for failing to pay child support, unless the applicant can prove that he/she was wrongfully jailed.

Driving History
A. Convicted of Failure to Stop and Render Aid. (ECSO standard)
B. Convicted of driving while license suspended in the last 10 years. (ECSO standard)
C. May not have had a suspended license within two years of application. (ECSO standard)
D. May not have been convicted of more than three moving violation and/or chargeable accidents in the preceding two-year period or convicted of no more that five moving violations and/or chargeable accidents in the preceding three year period. (ECSO standard)
E. Prohibited by any state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle. (TCOLE standard)

If you have questions please contact Personnel Division via email hiring@elliscounty.texas.gov or 972-825-4901.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your needs. For any special requests, please contact (972) 825-4901 and ask to speak to Professional Standards.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of genetic information in compliance with GINA, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, age, or disability in hiring, conditions, or termination of employment. Final applicants for employment with the Ellis County Sheriff's Office are subject to drug testing and thorough background screening.

Ellis County Sheriff's Office
300 S. Jackson St.
Waxahachie, TX 75165
972-825-4901

SALARY

Annual Salary Hourly Salary
Detention Officer Step 1 Detention Officer Step 1

$57,985.00
$27.8774

ADDITIONAL PAY

$45 per Month Certification Pay (up to $135.00)

BENEFITS

Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Paid Vacation Longevity Pay
Paid Holidays Annual Personal Day TCDRS Retirement Sick Leave Plan

** The above may not be all inclusive and may be subject to change without notice. Other duties and requirements may apply.

To apply for this position, you MUST apply using the online job application link above.

ELLIS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ELLIS COUNTY PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Salary : $57,985 - $70,040

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