Correctional Sergeant

Introduction

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this classification will be invited to attend the written examination which is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Applicants who receive a passing score on the written examination will be invited to attend the oral examination which is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (a second examination day will be added on Thursday, May 28, 2026, if necessary, based upon the size of the applicant pool).

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department. Click here to view General benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To plan, organize, and supervise staff on assigned shifts engaged in the care and custody of adult prisoners incarcerated in a minimum, medium, and maximum-security facility; to instruct and assist subordinates in the performance of their assigned duties and to perform a variety of administrative and technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Correctional Sergeant level recognizes positions in the Correctional Officer series that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinates. Incumbents supervise sworn and non-sworn staff on assigned shifts and perform administrative functions in the field of corrections.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from a Sheriff's Lieutenant or other designated authority.

Exercises supervision directly and indirectly over sworn and non-sworn staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, prioritize, supervise, assign, and review the work of Correctional staff; assign and evaluate performance, train employees, provide information to resolve problem situations; instruct personnel in jail operations; establish and maintain appropriate levels of employee conduct.
  
• Determine and apply internal disciplinary procedures for inmates; take necessary action and alert proper authorities in emergency situations.
  
• Develop and implement a daily operational plan to be followed by the officers on duty; maintain daily facility routine; give information related to procedural and operational changes to Correctional Staff.
  
• Receive and classify inmates; maintain and review records such as inmate finances and personal property, daily activity logs; prepare and review reports of activities and incidents; maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or county regulations.
  
• Supervise and monitor inmates; testify in court as needed.
  
• Act as liaison between facility management and staff; ensure good relations with visitors through staff management and interaction with the public.
  
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of the Correctional Division goals and objectives; interpret and implement policies and procedures. Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities; complete multiple priority projects with competing deadlines.
  
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications; monitor and control expenditures.
  
• Monitor personnel and equipment; assist in the scheduling of replacements on assigned shifts.
  
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment as necessary for successful job performance.
  
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
  
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in an indoor environment located in a secure, locked down detention facility with controlled temperature conditions. Duties are performed in close proximity to individuals who may be uncooperative and/or pose threat/danger and in environmental conditions related to correctional work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in jail operations and inmate supervision at a level equivalent to the County’s class of Correctional Officer with at least two (2) years as a Correctional Officer II.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade, supplemented by college level coursework in law enforcement or related field is desirable.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of STC’s Correctional Officer Basic Course certificate, and within one year of promotion to sergeant successfully complete STC/POST Supervisory Course.
  
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
  
• Valid certification in CPR and First Aid.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• California Administrative and Penal Codes, Title 15- Minimum Standards for Corrections
  and other laws as they pertain to local detention facilities.
• Placer County and Sheriff's Office codes, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to the custody setting.
• Principles and practices of contemporary jail operations and administration; custody of inmates; security methods and practices in detention facilities.
• Principles and practices of effective supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
• Techniques for dealing with individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds in hostile and/or confrontational situations.
• Principles and practices of self-defense and work safety.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances, and rules.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; remember accounts given by witnesses; observe individuals behaviors, situations, and activities; identify situations of potential altercation; focus on a single task for long periods of time; work with frequent interruptions; interpret, apply, and explain operational procedures and applicable laws, codes, rules, and regulations; maintain awareness of safety at all times.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk, walk, or stand during a shift or in training classes; bend, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel during inspections or conducting searches and working with inmates; climb stairs while observing inmates, perform simple and power grasping, pushing pulling and fine manipulation. Speak, use a telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; continuously wear a utility belt, vest, and/or other equipment of up to 15 pounds and intermittently lift very heavy weight.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and interpret written material.
• Interpret, explain, and implement the Sheriff's Office, county, department, and division policies, procedures, and standards.
• Meet and maintain physical and psychological standards and pass a detailed background investigation.
• Organize, coordinate, direct and supervise the staff and activities of assigned area or program; train, coach, and provide guidance to assigned staff.
• Analyze and take appropriate actions in emergency and stressful situations; investigate suspicious occurrences; crimes, complaints, infractions, violations of County or departmental jail policy and procedures.
• Assist in the development of staff; develop and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships; motivate, inspire, and build teamwork through positive communication and personal example.
• Apply first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; testify in court.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff; evaluate and approve staff reports and records.
• Work effectively in stressful situations; act quickly and calmly in emergencies; use defensive tactics when necessary.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures.
• Deal courteously with general public, subordinates, employee organizations, other County departments and agencies.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Work in uniform on assigned work shift.
• Work evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Written Examination (40%)

The written examination may include multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, matching, and/or essay type questions directly related to the required knowledge and abilities for this classification.

Oral Examination (60%)

The oral examination will be conducted by a panel of raters who will assess and rate the degree to which each applicant demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required for this classification. Applicants’ responses to a series of job related questions, as well as their education and experience, will be rated in relation to the requirements for this classification.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Andrea Marthaler, Administrative Technician, at AMarthaler@Placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4664..

Closing Date/Time: 4/29/2026 5:00:00 PM

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• Placer County

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