Corrections Officer

Tompkins, NY
Tompkins County Sheriff

Salary: $32.12/hr

Closing Date: 12/31/25

Essential Functions:

  • Make periodic rounds, supervises the movement and activities of inmates and maintains jail security at an assigned post
    or cell tier;
  • Locks and unlocks cells and access doors using mechanical and electrical devices;
  • Watches for unusual incident or activities on the part of inmates involving violation of facility rules, or a life threatening
    situation and reports these to supervisor either verbally of in writing;
  • Checks cell and corridor areas for faulty bars, gates, etc., and makes routine fire and safety checks;
  • Transports inmates to courts, prisons, jails, medical facilities, funerals and other locations as necessary;
  • Issues clothing and bedding and instructs inmates in its proper care;
  • Books inmates by preparing appropriate records and taking fingerprints and photo identification;
  • Inventories and records inmates clothing and property;
  • Escorts visitors and observes inmates visitations;
  • Dispenses a variety of prescription and non-prescription medications;
  • Searches cells, frisks inmates and confiscates contraband;
  • Mediates minor incidents and takes direct action to break up fights or other disturbances between inmates;
  • Supervises inmates assigned to work duties, advises them of what is expected and of the rules and regulations of the
    work area including possible safety hazards;
  • Listens to inmate problems, informs them of rules and regulations, and where they cannot be resolved, makes referrals to appropriate staff;
  • May use chemical agents, weapons or restraining devices and protection equipment in case of fights or other
    disturbances.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
  • Possession of a valid New York State Operator’s License at time of application and maintenance of such a license in
    good standing throughout the duration of employment.
  • Must become certified as a Peace Officer within six months of appointment and maintain such certification for the
    duration of employment.
  • Must complete the New York State Commission of Corrections training prior to completion of the one-year probationary
    period. Must obtain handgun certification (by range qualification) within one year of appointment and maintain
    proficiency, through repeat certification, for the duration of employment. The weapon and training is provided.
  • Must obtain pepper spray certification (requires that the officer be sprayed) within one year and maintain certification for
    the duration of employment. The training is provided.