Recruit - Detention and Corrections Deputy

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office•Pinellas County, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is accepting applications for the position of Recruit Deputy Sheriff – Detention and Corrections. This role offers up to $25,000 in hiring incentives. Pinellas County is located on Florida’s West Coast between Tampa Bay and the Gulf, known for its highly ranked beaches and year-round climate. PCSO provides a supportive culture and work environment in a jail facility that embraces technology. Join a team of dedicated professionals providing care and custody for an average daily population of 3,000 inmates. Recruits 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. Recruits earn $33.15 per hour on their first day of employment. Upon successful completion of the hiring process, employment begins on January 18, 2027, with a 13-week Agency Sponsored Detention Academy to become a certified Florida corrections officer. After assignment to the jail, the work schedule is 14 twelve-hour shifts per month.

Requirements

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.
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.
Satisfactory medical standards as stated on FDLE form CJSTC 75A, agency medical physical clearance form.
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.

Nice To Haves

Tobacco and/or nicotine use is prohibited.
Tattoos, temporary decals, and/or body art visible on the head, scalp, face, ears, neck, or hands are prohibited.

Responsibilities

Participates in the Detention and Corrections Academy sponsored by Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Maintains 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).
Continues recruit training in high liability functions at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office upon successful completion of the academy and passing the state exam.
Works on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Attends a thirteen (13) week Correctional Basic Recruit academy at SEPSI.
Passes all academy exams with a minimum score of 80%.
Successfully completes training in correctional operations and procedures, firearms training, defensive tactics, first responder techniques, officer survival, and emergency preparedness.
Attends three (3) weeks of high liability training at PCSO in addition to the academy.
Attends one week of agency orientation.
Successfully completes ten weeks of field training.
Participates in Sheriff’s Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed.

Benefits

Up to $15,000 in relocation assistance (if moving from outside the area to Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, or Manatee County)
Up to $10,000 Sign-On Bonus: $5,000 upon certification, $2,500 upon completion of 3rd year, $2,500 upon completion of 4th year
100% paid training to obtain Florida certification while working
10% night shift differential
140 hours of accrued annual leave
Free meals 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