Detention Deputy (August 2026 Academy) - Boise - Ada County, ID

Description

Salary : $64, $103,052.40 Annually
Location : Boise, ID
Job Type: Full-Time with Benefits
Job Number: 02790
Department: Sheriff
Division: JSB- Jail Services
Opening Date: 12/01/2025
Closing Date: 4/5/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

General Summary
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Physical Agility Test and Written Test Required (April/May 2026 in Boise, Idaho - If selected, a $25 written test fee will apply. To attend testing, you must receive an invitation via email from the Ada County Sheriff's Office). Interviews will be held the day after testing in Boise, Idaho.

Selected candidates will attend the ACSO POST Academy beginning August 10, 2026. Academies run approximately 19 weeks and include daily physical training.

General Summary
Supervises and maintains custody of inmates and provides security for the Ada County Jail. The incumbent uses personal judgment in the performance of duties, referring unusual, unique, or complex issues to the sergeant for advice and guidance.
Shift Information

Day shift (6:48am - 7:00pm) or Night shift (6:48pm - 7:00am). Work week is four 12-hours shifts, then four days off (2,220 hours per year). Shift pick every six months.

The jail is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position requires you to work weekends, nights and holidays.
Benefits
Low cost medical, dental, and vision insurances
Idaho PERSI retirement plan
Deferred Compensation plan 457(b) with a County match of up to 3%
Flexible Spending Accounts - Health and Dependent Care
Post-Employment Health Plan - 50% of unused sick leave above 240 hours
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
No cost basic life, accidental death, and short-term disability insurances
Eleven (11) paid holidays annually
Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and parental leave
No cost gym access at three (3) County owned gym facilities
Wellness Program
Optional 401(k) and/or Roth IRA

Visit to view details regarding our full benefits package.

PAY SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST 5 YEARS
Deputy

Level I

Level II

Level III

Level IV

Base

B Basic

$ 29.03

$ 30.08

$ 31.89

$ 35.95

$ 45.42

C Intermediate

$ 29.35

$ 30.40

$ 32.21

$ 36.27

$ 45.75

D Advanced

$ 29.67

$ 30.72

$ 32.53

$ 36.59

$ 46.08

E Degree/Military/Master*

$ 29.99

$ 31.04

$ 32.85

$ 36.91

$ 46.42
Pay Levels I-Base:
All salary increases are based on twelve (12) month intervals.

B = Entry, POST Basic or 64-95 college units
C = POST Intermediate or college units
D = POST Advanced
*E = 4-year college degree (Must be from a regionally accredited university/college), or 4 years of honorable U.S. military service, or POST Master Certification.

Lateral Transfer Wage Information
While the selection process and academy training are the same as non-certified applicants, those transferring from other agencies may receive a higher wage upon employment. To be eligible for lateral wages, applicants must have current POST certification.

• Level II = Either (1) Two years' experience working as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Four years' experience working in a state correctional system as a corrections officer.
• Level III = Either (1) Four years' experience working as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Six years' experience working in a state correctional system as a corrections officer.
• Level IV = Either (1) Six or more years' total experience as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Eight years' experience working in a state correctional system as a corrections officer.
• Base = Either (1) Eight or more years' total experience as a commissioned POST certified detention deputy or patrol deputy OR (2) Ten years' experience working in a state correctional system as a corrections officer.

Essential Functions

• Maintains security and custody of inmates;
• Performs routine security checks to include the perimeter of the building and grounds;
• Preserves and enforces Idaho laws and departmental jail policies to maintain security of the jail;
• Processes inmates into the jail and assigns them to the proper level of confinement;
• Receives and maintains inmates' property;
• Forcefully controls and restrains actively resisting inmates;
• Works and maintains eligibility to work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, whether assigned or on an as needed or on-call basis;
• Supervises inmate visitations;
• Supervises the dispensing of food to inmates;
• Supervises inmates and trustee-inmates in the cleaning of the jail and inmate living quarters;
• Transports inmates to and from necessary locations;
• Eligible for transfer among all Detention Officer positions and shifts;
• Performs necessary searches for weapons and contraband; and
• Keeps records and prepares reports.

Additional Functions

• May be assigned to special assignments as needed; and
• Performs related work as required.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire;
• Must be a citizen of the United States:
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
• Ability to supervise and communicate with inmates;
• Ability to hear, listen to, and understand radio transmissions using an ear piece;
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing;
• Ability to take criticism and verbal abuse from inmates and their visitors without reacting in a negative manner and project an image of self-confidence and control;
• Ability to subdue and restrain a combative inmate;
• Ability to evaluate and recognize potentially adverse or unsafe situations and react according to department policy; and
• Ability to perform the duties of the position without a direct threat to the health or safety of the incumbent or others.

Other Requirements

• Must pass a written exam, the POST physical agility test, a polygraph exam, background investigation, medical exam, and a psychological evaluation;
• Must become POST certified as a Detention Officer within one year of employment;
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Idaho Driver's License;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Most of the work is performed in and around the jail facility and involves an element of personal danger;
• Requires sufficient physical strength to subdue an inmate in time of confrontation or break-up a fight between inmates;
• Must be able to remove an unconscious person from the jail in time of emergency, hold up an inmate attempting to take his/her life and move quickly to the point of confrontation; and
• Must be able to use first-aid and CPR techniques when necessary.

DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.
Visit us at to view details regarding our benefits package, including: paid leave, healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, and more

Use our to get a personalized look at what your total compensation could be including estimated salary, retirement contributions, health benefits and paid time off. This tool is designed to help prospective employees better understand the full value of working at Ada County.

Ada County recognizes that employees are our most valuable asset. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to benefit-eligible employees designed to support the health, wellness and long-term financial stability of our employees and their families.

Healthcare:

• Low-cost medical, dental, vision premiums and deductibles
• Post-employment health savings account

Retirement and Investments Plans:

• PERSI retirement benefits
• 457(b) post or pre-tax investments options with up to 3% employer match
• 401(k)

Wellbeing Program:

• Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal concerns.
• Free ACHD Commuter ride vanpool program
• Free bus pass

Paid-leave:

• 11 paid holidays per year
• 8 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Approximately 96 hours of vacation accrual for full-time employee
• Approximately 96 hours of sick accrual for full-time employee
• 5 days paid bereavement leave

Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance

• Basic Life Insurance employer paid if benefit eligible
• Short Term Disability employer paid if benefit eligible

Optional Benefits:

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account
• NCPERS Decreasing Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Employee, Spouse, Child Life Insurance
• Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance
• AFLAC

01

Are you willing to work the hours required for this particular position? This may include nights, weekends, holidays or other shifts as assigned. (See online posting for more specific shift information pertaining to this position).

• Yes
• No

02

To become a deputy in Idaho, you must be at least 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States. Are you at least 21 years of age at time of hire and a United States Citizen?

• Yes
• No

03

I have reviewed the pay rate or range for this position and the posted wage is acceptable to me.

• Yes
• No

Required Question