Government Careers
  • Detention Operations Specialist I

  • Madison County, AL
  • Huntsville, Alabama 35824 United States View Map

Summary

Salary : $40,144.00 - $61,131.20 Annually
Location : 815 Wheeler Ave, Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00191
Department: Jail
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Hiring Manager: Amy Manning / Marcus Blackburn
Hiring Manager Contact Information: amanning@madisoncountyal.gov / mblackburn@madisoncountyal.gov

Position Overview

Under limited supervision this position is responsible for the safetyof Jail employees, visitors, and inmates by controlling, observing, and logging all internal and external Jail movement using remotely controlled doors, gates, cameras, visual monitors, intercom systems, two-way radios and computer systems. This position relays and prioritizes calls that require Detention Officer action and maintains constant observation of inmates.

Classification will commensurate based on years of experience:
  • Detention Operations Specialist I - 0 to 5 years of experience
  • Detention Operations Specialist II - 5 to 10 years of experience
  • Detention Operations Specialist III - 10+ years of experience
  • Lead Detention Operations Specialist - 10+ years of experience
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)
  • Monitors and operates specialized equipment such as visual monitors and touch screen control system; and logs all movement to include: Deputies, inmates, and members of the public, within and outside of the jail.
  • Directs high security and segregated inmate movement via an intercom system to accommodate their constitutionally guaranteed rights such as: showers, recreation, access to legal counsel, etc.; maintains detailed records to verify inmates were granted these rights.
  • Communicates directly with Jail Deputies via radio/intercom to assist in performing housing area responsibilities.
  • Manages all telephone inquiries and/or greets the public, law enforcement personnel, legal representatives, and other members of the criminal justice system.
  • Oversees inmate visits with the public by coordinating schedules and inmate movement.
  • Performs data entry and operates standard office machines and appliances, including computers.
  • Maintains various types of records, and files and performs incidental clerical assignments such as filing, records keeping, etc.
  • Communicates directly with Jail Deputies via radio/intercom to assist in performing housing area responsibilities.
  • Monitors and reports inmate rule violations to deputies, writes disciplinary tickets, documents rule violations and recommends disciplinary action.
  • Performs other work as required.
Education and Experience

Education and Experience
  • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to Graduation from a standard high school; 1-3 years experience in responsible clerical work or another related field.
Skills
  • Some knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
  • Skill in the operation of common office appliances, including computer word processing and data entry.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions as required.
  • Ability to remain alert.
  • Ability to accurately maintain simple clerical records.
  • Ability to write legibly as required.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
  • Ability to learn assigned clerical tasks readily.

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements
  • Work is performed in the jail with no direct contact with inmates.
  • Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items less than 25 pounds such as books, papers, office supplies, and file folders.
  • Work requires the physical ability to sit in confined seating for extended periods of time, and operate a computer keyboard.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the employment application in full.
Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts drug and alcohol testing.
A comprehensive set of benefits is offered for all full-time employees. No benefits are offered to part-time or seasonal employees. Please consult with the Human Resources Department for a full list of benefits.

Madison County periodically reviews and when fiscally able, adjusts salary rates and our benefits package to remain competitive in our area.
Benefits Summary

Healthcare Insurance: Blue Cross of Alabama is administered through the Local Government Health Insurance Plan (LGHIP).

Coverage Type Employee'sPremium
Single Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 61.00
Family Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 150.00

Dental Coverage: Dental coverage is included with LGHIP through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. LGHIP manages dental costs and provides enhanced dental benefits using negotiated discounts with in-network dentists. To locate in-network dentists go to www.bcbsal.com. Assuming the services are covered you will normally only be responsible for out of pocket.

Life Insurance: Madison County provides $25,000 in life, $25,000 in accidental death and dismemberment and $25,000 line of duty insurance to eligible employees in certified positions.

Employee Retirement Plans: Employees are required to participate in the Employees Retirement System, which is a Defined Benefit Plan administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). Participants contribute 5% to 8.5% of their earnings depending on their hire date and classification. Sworn Certified Personnel have an accelerated contribution schedule

*Employer contribution percentage is set by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and changes annually.

Employee Clinic: Madison County employees and dependents over age 12 may use the Employee Health Clinic for the low co-pay of $15.00 per visit. To be eligible to use the clinic, the employee and dependent must be enrolled in Madison County's health insurance plan as their primary coverage.

Voluntary Plans are also available:
  • Additional life Insurance for employee and dependents
  • Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and childcare)
  • Vision Insurance
Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave:
*Minimum of 10 holidays per calendar year
*Accrue 8 hours of annual leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month
01

Do you agree to a background check?
  • Yes
  • No

02

If you answered 'yes' to the previous question. Please select the authorize option.
  • You are hereby authorizing a pre-employment background check and driver's history check to be performed.

Required Question

Job Description

Salary : $40,144.00 - $61,131.20 Annually
Location : 815 Wheeler Ave, Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00191
Department: Jail
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Hiring Manager: Amy Manning / Marcus Blackburn
Hiring Manager Contact Information: amanning@madisoncountyal.gov / mblackburn@madisoncountyal.gov

Position Overview

Under limited supervision this position is responsible for the safetyof Jail employees, visitors, and inmates by controlling, observing, and logging all internal and external Jail movement using remotely controlled doors, gates, cameras, visual monitors, intercom systems, two-way radios and computer systems. This position relays and prioritizes calls that require Detention Officer action and maintains constant observation of inmates.

Classification will commensurate based on years of experience:
  • Detention Operations Specialist I - 0 to 5 years of experience
  • Detention Operations Specialist II - 5 to 10 years of experience
  • Detention Operations Specialist III - 10+ years of experience
  • Lead Detention Operations Specialist - 10+ years of experience
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)
  • Monitors and operates specialized equipment such as visual monitors and touch screen control system; and logs all movement to include: Deputies, inmates, and members of the public, within and outside of the jail.
  • Directs high security and segregated inmate movement via an intercom system to accommodate their constitutionally guaranteed rights such as: showers, recreation, access to legal counsel, etc.; maintains detailed records to verify inmates were granted these rights.
  • Communicates directly with Jail Deputies via radio/intercom to assist in performing housing area responsibilities.
  • Manages all telephone inquiries and/or greets the public, law enforcement personnel, legal representatives, and other members of the criminal justice system.
  • Oversees inmate visits with the public by coordinating schedules and inmate movement.
  • Performs data entry and operates standard office machines and appliances, including computers.
  • Maintains various types of records, and files and performs incidental clerical assignments such as filing, records keeping, etc.
  • Communicates directly with Jail Deputies via radio/intercom to assist in performing housing area responsibilities.
  • Monitors and reports inmate rule violations to deputies, writes disciplinary tickets, documents rule violations and recommends disciplinary action.
  • Performs other work as required.
Education and Experience

Education and Experience
  • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to Graduation from a standard high school; 1-3 years experience in responsible clerical work or another related field.
Skills
  • Some knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
  • Skill in the operation of common office appliances, including computer word processing and data entry.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions as required.
  • Ability to remain alert.
  • Ability to accurately maintain simple clerical records.
  • Ability to write legibly as required.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
  • Ability to learn assigned clerical tasks readily.

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements
  • Work is performed in the jail with no direct contact with inmates.
  • Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items less than 25 pounds such as books, papers, office supplies, and file folders.
  • Work requires the physical ability to sit in confined seating for extended periods of time, and operate a computer keyboard.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the employment application in full.
Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts drug and alcohol testing.
A comprehensive set of benefits is offered for all full-time employees. No benefits are offered to part-time or seasonal employees. Please consult with the Human Resources Department for a full list of benefits.

Madison County periodically reviews and when fiscally able, adjusts salary rates and our benefits package to remain competitive in our area.
Benefits Summary

Healthcare Insurance: Blue Cross of Alabama is administered through the Local Government Health Insurance Plan (LGHIP).

Coverage Type Employee'sPremium
Single Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 61.00
Family Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 150.00

Dental Coverage: Dental coverage is included with LGHIP through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. LGHIP manages dental costs and provides enhanced dental benefits using negotiated discounts with in-network dentists. To locate in-network dentists go to www.bcbsal.com. Assuming the services are covered you will normally only be responsible for out of pocket.

Life Insurance: Madison County provides $25,000 in life, $25,000 in accidental death and dismemberment and $25,000 line of duty insurance to eligible employees in certified positions.

Employee Retirement Plans: Employees are required to participate in the Employees Retirement System, which is a Defined Benefit Plan administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). Participants contribute 5% to 8.5% of their earnings depending on their hire date and classification. Sworn Certified Personnel have an accelerated contribution schedule

*Employer contribution percentage is set by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and changes annually.

Employee Clinic: Madison County employees and dependents over age 12 may use the Employee Health Clinic for the low co-pay of $15.00 per visit. To be eligible to use the clinic, the employee and dependent must be enrolled in Madison County's health insurance plan as their primary coverage.

Voluntary Plans are also available:
  • Additional life Insurance for employee and dependents
  • Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and childcare)
  • Vision Insurance
Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave:
*Minimum of 10 holidays per calendar year
*Accrue 8 hours of annual leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month
01

Do you agree to a background check?
  • Yes
  • No

02

If you answered 'yes' to the previous question. Please select the authorize option.
  • You are hereby authorizing a pre-employment background check and driver's history check to be performed.

Required Question
Government Careers

Government Careers

Government jobs offer stability, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on your community and country.

Whether you’re starting your career or seeking new opportunities, these roles provide pathways for growth, security, and service.

Explore positions across a wide range of fields and take the first step toward a rewarding future in public service.

Show more

MORE JOBS