Correctional Officer Trainee The Bay County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are currently a Certified Officer in the State of Florida, please do not apply for this position. Please apply for the Detention Deputy position. This position performs essential correctional officer responsibilities under supervisor of a certified detention deputy. This role assists with care, custody, and control of inmates with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. The entry level compensation for this position is $43,000.00. Once certified, pay will increase to $49,920.00. As a "Trainee", you will work with Detention Deputies and complete on-the-job-training. You will then attend a three-month long course to prepare you for a career as a Detention Deputy. Classes including firearms training, defensive tactics, CPR, and more. While attending the course, you will continue to receive your regular compensation. Upon completion you must take and pass the State Officer Certification Exam. Illustrative DutiesRead, comprehend, and implement actions required to carry out post orders written for assigned post. Monitor the safety practices and the preparation and dissemination of reports as required by policy. Perform searches of people and objects capable of concealing contraband, buildings and outdoor areas which will involve detecting and identifying objects, moving throughout the facility building(s) and/or grounds for long periods of time and detaining people. Function in confined areas including such things as serving food, working rotating shifts, extended patrol and physically checking doors and gates to ensure they are secure. Issue clothing and linen to housing units and requisitioned supplies as directed. Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of inmates and others encountered in an antagonistic environment. Take appropriate action to prevent or diffuse potentially disruptive situations. Ability to remain alert and react quickly and calmly in high stress situations.
NOTE:
These are illustrative duties. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum 18 years of age or older.
Graduation from high school or possession of an accredited equivalency diploma.
Valid Florida Driver's License.
Desire to be a Detention/Correctional Deputy/Officer in the State of Florida certified through Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).Be of good moral character.
Clean criminal background.
Supplemental Information:
Qualified applicants will be required to pass a physical abilities test to advance in the selection process. Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must then successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA), and drug screening.
Benefits:
The Bay County Sheriff's Office offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and professional growth of its members. These benefits reflect the agency's commitment to employee well-being, work–life balance, and long-term career development, ensuring personnel are equipped to serve the community effectively while planning confidently for the future.
Benefits include:
Special Risk Retirement through Florida State Retirement system.$150,000 intentional act death, $50,000 occupational accidental death and $50,000 fresh pursuit/response to emergency accidental death insurance.
Eleven paid 8-hour holidays per year.
Twelve paid 8-hour sick leave days per year.
Twelve paid 8-hour vacation days per year.240 hours military leave per year.
Major medical coverage (including family), 70% paid by BCSO. Optional cafeteria plan (Tax deferred insurance deductions). Optional additional insurance coverage.
Worker's Compensation coverage.
Paid membership for the Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association to include legal representation.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential, no-cost support for employees and eligible dependents, including counseling services; stress management; family and relationship support; legal and financial consultations; mediation services; substance abuse assistance; and resources for managing life changes and personal crises.
Peer Support Program (CISM): Access to the Bay County Critical Incident Stress Management Team, providing confidential peer support to help employees effectively manage the personal and professional stresses associated with public safety service.
Employee Health Clinic / Sick Bay: Access to the BCSO Employee Health Clinic (Sick Bay) for employees and eligible dependents covered under the Florida Sheriffs Health Plan. The clinic provides convenient primary care services, including annual physical exams and treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries such as colds, flu, sinus infections, sprains, and minor fractures. Services are typically available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Education Assistance / Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition assistance for accredited college coursework, covering up to 12 semester credit hours (or 15 quarter hours) per year, with reimbursement levels of 100%, 90%, or 80% based on eligibility.
Educational and Advanced Training Incentive Pay: Received up to $120/months ($1,440/annually) for eligible education and training categories below, individually or in combination:
Educational Incentive Pay: $30 per month ($360 annually) for an associate degree or $80 per month ($960 annually) for a bachelor's degree through an accredited college.
Advanced Training Incentive: up to $240 annually for every 80 hours of approved advanced training completed, up to 480 hours, for a maximum incentive of $120 per month / $1440 annually.
Wellness Incentive Program24/7 Fitness Access: Free, around-the-clock access to agency gym facilities.
Uniforms and equipment furnished.
Annual retention bonus of $500 and longevity bonus up to $500, both reflected in starting pay breakdown.
Career Opportunities & Advancement: The Bay County Sheriff's Office offers a wide range of career paths designed to match individual interests, skills, and long-term goals. Members may compete for selection into specialized units such as K-9, Crisis Negotiation, sUAS Unit, Honor Guard, Mobile Field Force, and Incident Management / Emergency Response Team. The agency supports professional growth through specialty duty incentive pay, supervisory and leadership development opportunities, and clearly defined promotional pathways, allowing employees to build a challenging and rewarding law enforcement career.
Covered under Career Protection Act.
