The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is hosting two inaugural job fairs to recruit corrections deputies to work within the agency's correctional facility.

The job fairs will be held on Wednesday, November 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at 2020 Main Street, Sarasota. Interested candidates must bring a completed application and plan on spending at least two hours at the correctional facility. Corrections personnel will offer an inside look at the profession including a tour of the facility and complimentary lunch or dinner. Both job fairs are open to certified corrections deputies and those seeking sponsorship to attend the academy.

“There has truly never been a better time to work in the corrections profession,” commented Major Brian Meinberg. “Here in Sarasota County, we are charged with the custody and care of inmates, but we also have the creative latitude to offer innovative programs that ensure these men and women are successful upon release. From addiction recovery programming to teaching technical trades, it is through community partnerships and volunteers that we are changing lives and reducing recidivism. We also offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and room for promotion and advancement.”

The starting salary for a certified corrections deputy is $61,735 or $27.69 per hour, based on a 12-hour shift schedule. Salary for an academy sponsored recruit is based on $24.29 per hour, with all academy tuition fees paid for by the sheriff’s office. Both positions are also eligible for a $2,000 hiring bonus, paid in part upon completion of field training or passing the state exam for sponsored recruits, and in part upon completion of the first year of employment. Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package and wellness program, including, but not limited to:

• Medical, prescription, dental, vision, & life insurance benefits options
• $1,500 annual incentive for night-shift differential
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Two weeks (80 hours) paid vacation after one year of service
• Nine paid sick days (72 hours) annually
• Long term disability coverage
• Option to join sick leave pool (additional paid sick days for extended illnesses)
• Educational assistance up to $4,000 annually after one year of service
• Additional financial incentive for college education
• Uniforms furnished at no cost (including additional uniform maintenance and shoe allowance)
• 24/7 use of three SCSO fitness center locations
• Enrollment in the Florida Retirement System
• Tax deferred savings plan option
• Employee Assistance Program available to all employees and members of their household

 

For a list of requirements and to download an application in advance, candidates should visit https://www.sarasotasheriff.org/get_involved/join_our_team/corrections_deputy.php.