Detention Officer
Ellis County Sheriff's Office
NOTICE: All applicants must pass a written and physical agility test to be considered for employment. We schedule these tests on an as-needed basis. Please submit an application and you will be contacted by email once a testing date is set.
Position Details
- Job Title
- Detention Officer
- Age
- YOU MUST BE 18 TO APPLY
- Testing Date/Time
- To Be Announced
- Closing Date/Time
- To Be Announced — To be eligible, a completed application must be submitted to Human Resources.
- Salary
- See Position Description below
- Job Type
- Full-Time
- Location
- To Be Determined
- Location
- 300 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, Texas
To Apply
To complete an application please click here and follow the instructions on the application.
All applications must be filled out on the computer. No hand-written applications will be accepted.
Description
The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for Detention Officer.
Detention Officer Step 1 — Salary: $59,725.00 annually (Effective October 1, 2026)
A 6-step pay scale is available through the step-pay program.
Sample Core Responsibilities
- Conducting routine searches of inmates and their property.
- Administrative responsibilities of report writing and record keeping, which includes accessing the computer.
- Monitoring inmates' behavior in their housing units or when being escorted or transported.
- Maintaining security of the internal and external doors and elevators.
- Performing life safety drills and responding in the event of an emergency situation.
- Performing aspects of feeding, laundry exchange, recreation, religious services, visitation and other functions.
- There is a potential exposure to communicable diseases.
Requirements
- Be a citizen of the United States of America.
- At least 18 years of age at time of application.
- No less than Honorable Discharge if prior military.
- Has passed a general educational development (GED) test indicating high school graduation level, or holds a high school diploma.
- Have a favorable driving record and hold a valid driver license; if not licensed by the State of Texas, be able to obtain a Texas Driver License before employment.
- At the time of employment, have 20/20 vision, either corrected or uncorrected, in each eye. Uncorrected vision cannot exceed 20/100 in each eye unless vision is corrected by the use of corrective lenses, which MUST be worn on duty and/or during all enforcement-related activities or off-duty employment. Must be free of dichromatic color blindness, night blindness and any other visual deficiencies or limitations. Persons who have had eye surgery performed on either eye will not be eligible to be hired until one year after the surgery.
- Have no hearing loss greater than 30 decibels (correction) in either ear. Uncorrected hearing cannot exceed a 60-decibel loss in either ear.
- Be of good character.
- Have a favorable work and school record.
- Must be able to successfully complete Detention Officer training and obtain state certification to retain employment.
- If an active TCOLE licensed Jailer, may never have had his/her license revoked or currently be under any type of suspension other than academic.
- Not have a criminal record that would preclude hiring, as determined by TCOLE and Ellis County Sheriff's Office standards.
Disqualifiers
- Convicted of Failure to Stop and Render Aid. (ECSO standard)
- Convicted of driving while license suspended in the last 10 years. (ECSO standard)
- May not have had a suspended license within two years of application. (ECSO standard)
- May not have been convicted of more than three moving violation and/or chargeable accidents in the preceding two-year period or convicted of no more than five moving violations and/or chargeable accidents in the preceding three-year period. (ECSO standard)
- Prohibited by any state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle. (TCOLE standard)
If you have questions, please contact Personnel Division via email hiring@elliscounty.texas.gov or 972-825-4901.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your needs. For any special requests, please contact (972) 825-4901 and ask to speak to Officer Chatman.
The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of genetic information, in compliance with GINA, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, age, or disability in hiring, conditions, or termination of employment. Final applicants for employment with the Ellis County Sheriff's Office are subject to drug testing and thorough background screening.
Ellis County Sheriff's Office
300 S. Jackson St.
Waxahachie, TX 75165
972-825-4901
Salary & Benefits
| Salary Type |
Detention Officer Step 1 |
Effective Date |
| Annual Salary | $59,725.00 | Starting October 1, 2026 |
| Hourly Salary | $28.7139 | Starting October 1, 2026 |
Additional Pay
- $45 per Month Certification Pay (up to $135.00)
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Annual Personal Day
- TCDRS Retirement
- Sick Leave Plan
- Valic Deferred Compensation
The above may not be all inclusive and may be subject to change without notice. Other duties and requirements may apply.