Correctional Officer

Class Summary

The Gwinnett County Department of Corrections became the first accredited, government-owned correctional facility in the state of Georgia. The mission of the Department of Corrections is to promote community safety by maintaining a safe and secure environment that encourages positive change and provides quality services that make a difference.

The Department currently has an authorized strength of 119 sworn officers supported by 17 non-sworn employees. Sworn Officers are trained to supervise full time incarcerated state and county sentenced inmates assigned to the facility. Our vision is to be a model of excellence in the field of corrections.

Applicants must pass a comprehensive background process (including criminal, controlled substance, credit, driving, and employment history checks) First phase to include an assessment & oral interview. The second phase includes a drug screen, polygraph, and a psychological exam.

Depending on qualifications, salaries start at

• $44,836.00 with a high school diploma or GED
• $46,181.08 (3% education incentive) for an associate degree
• $47,526.16 (6% education incentive) for a bachelor's degree

Gwinnett County has a 12-step pay system with 4 percent annual raises

Incentives including:

• 3% pay incentive for an Associate's degree

• 6% pay incentive for Bachelor's degree

• This position is eligible for compensation under the employee referral program

• $4,300 hiring incentive for Correctional Officer and $4,700 for Sr. Correctional Officer

Effective 4/11/2023, this position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program.

This is a safety-sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug screen and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Gwinnett County Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace.

Minimum qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Must be 21 years of age

• High School Diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent education

• Valid Driver's License from state of residency

• Must be able to work any shift, weekends, and holidays

• Must be able to successfully pass the (5) week Basic Correctional Officer Training Course

For information related to position specific Essential Duties, Knowledge and Skills and Physical Requirements, click here.

NOTE: The class specifications listed on this site are not the official class specifications for Gwinnett County and are subject to change.