Detention Officer

JOB LOCATION 14999 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1563 City of Aurora, Colorado It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Beginning rate is $30.86/hour Any additional relevant experience, education, and training will be considered above the beginning rate. Salary range for this position is $30.86 - $44.00/hour Hiring range for this position is $30.86- $34.20/hour The deadline to submit applications is August 28th, 2025. However, it is subject to close at any time without prior notice once a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is obtained. This job requisition is for the Academy starting January 5th, 2026 Due to the limited number of open Detention Officer positions, candidates will be ranked based on their interview performance and experience shown on their application. Following a successful background investigation, open positions will be offered according to this ranking. OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT Under general supervision, the Detention Officer will perform general jail and detention work and is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all personnel, detainees, and jail. This position is responsible for exercising initiative and independent judgement in completing assigned tasks, while also performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks associated with facility operations and the incarceration of detainees. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Observes detainees' behavior and care to maintain detainees health and legal rights Monitors and controls inmate movement within the detention facilitys secured areas Operates detention center control panels, which open and close doors Monitors and controls radio traffic within the facility, which includes shutting down non-emergency traffic during a crisis situation Monitors video equipment of all jail areas Processes records and legal documents to facilitate information access Prepares investigative and other reports or documentation as necessary, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations Processes incoming detainees, including photographing, finger printing, inventorying, and storing detainees property Explains detention center procedures to detainees and answers questions concerning conditions of detention Performs additional duties as assigned BACKGROUND DISQUALIFICATION FACTORS: Applicants are advised that areas for disqualification from further consideration include, but are not limited to, the following: Illegal Drug Use Any felony conviction Driving Record Outside activities which may be deemed a conflict of interest Revelation or discovery of assaultive behavior Documented record of prior work performance Inability to perform the essential functions of the position Police history - type, frequency and nature of contacts(s) Providing false or misleading information during the application / selection process MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education: · High School Diploma or GED Experience: At least 2 years' experience in security/law enforcement with high-volume customer service At the start of the academy, you must be at least 21 years of age. Knowledge: · Knowledge of the methods and procedures of processing detainees and detention facility operating requirements. Abilities: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and citizens Maintain a high degree of personal and professional honesty and integrity Handle sensitive or difficult situations with tact and diplomacy Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Write clearly and concisely using acceptable grammar, punctuation, and spelling Operate computers and commonly used computer software programs, as well as other standard office equipment Be mindful to the feelings of others and resolve problems in ways that do not arouse antagonism Physically subdue violent detainees Perform difficult or unpleasant housekeeping tasks Skills: Skill in the operation of a personal computer and related software; keyboarding skills. Licenses, Certificates, and/or Equipment Required: CPR and First Aid Certifications required NCIC/CCIC Certification required, or the ability to obtain within department guidelines Driver's License with a good driving record This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. Physical Demands: Heavy work lifting no more than 100 pounds (with or without assistance) at a time, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects. Frequently lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds Considerable walking and standing Frequent pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting requiring full range of body movement. Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate control panel and other equipment, as well as controlling detainees. Hand/foot coordination for operation of van Speech communication, hearing, and listening to maintain communication with other employees and detainees. Vision to monitor controls, video equipment, and detainees activities. Work Environment: Works indoors in a detention/jail facility with some time spent outdoors. Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with hostile views of opinions of inmates and other persons in an antagonistic environment. Some exposure to noise and dust Must be available and willing to work weekends, holidays, and do shift work. Equipment Used: Operates a motor vehicle; survey equipment; measuring equipment such as tapes, levels, and micrometers, camera, and personal computer. This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment. For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission. Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired. Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References: As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies. Why Work for Aurora? Competitive total compensation package Rich benefits package with low employee costs Generous paid-time-off program (Vacation, Sick and Personal leaves) Retirement pension plan Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community Growing city and employee population Expansive perk benefits such as free Recreation Center Membership, wellness programs, tuition assistance, career advancement, performance bonus programs, etc. On-site fitness center and wellness programs Remote work opportunities Benefits & Retirement - City of Aurora (auroragov.org) Please show all your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. Leaving blanks or omitting previous employment may result in your disqualification from employment. City policy requires that selected candidates provide documentation in the form of official transcripts of the highest level of education attained by the candidate that is listed on their application materials. The City of Aurora requires all applicants for employment, who are offered positions with the City, to undergo a thorough criminal background check, drug testing for safety sensitive position and possible credit check for select positions. All job applicants shall be asked to electronically consent to or sign a release authorizing a criminal background check and submit a urine sample for the purpose of testing for a wide variety of prohibited and/or controlled substances. Please click the following link to access the summary of your rights. Applicants who hold a Commercial Drivers License will also be required to undergo alcohol testing using an Evidential Breath Testing Device. Note: The recent legalization of recreational marijuana by the state of Colorado does not change the city's policy. Applicants who test positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drug test will not be hired, and will be ineligible to be employed with the city for one year. The City of Aurora uses E-Verify to determine if employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. Know your rights! The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or military status. The City shall develop and maintain a plan for diversity. Through its staff, the City shall periodically analyze its employment related practices and its plan for diversity to ensure compliance with this policy. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation for completing this application, please feel free to contact our office at: 303-739-7225 or visit us at 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Suite 3500, Aurora, CO 80012. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity Respect Professionalism Customer Service And we welcome all who share these values to apply.