Employment Opportunities

There are two sworn entry level positions within the Clarke County Sheriff's Office; Detention Officer, and Deputy Sheriff. There is currently a $3000, one-time signing bonus for the Deputy Sheriff position.

DETENTION OFFICER: (Entry level starting salary $42,082.00 annually)


Incentive Snip 2

The C.C.S.O Detention Officer ensures security and protection of property of the jail facility, completes the admission process of inmates, prevent escapes, controls behavior of inmates, protects inmates from each other, and provides for the well-being of inmates. The incumbent must be diligent in maintaining an inmate count, overseeing the dispensing of medication, and be able to take personal property of inmates. The incumbent must also adhere to definite standard operating procedures established by the Office to ensure that the inmates' constitutional rights are observed. A person in this position does not supervise other employees.

Detention Officer Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license.
  • United States Citizen.
  • 18 years of age at time of hiring.
  • Must complete Basic Jail Certification Course and all additional jail training requirements when scheduled.
  • This position requires a 12-month probationary period

Click HERE to apply for Detention Officer



DEPUTY SHERIFF:  (Entry level starting salary $45,449.00 annually - effective April 2, 2023)


Incentive Snip 2

The C.C.S.O. Deputy Sheriff preserves the peace and enforces the laws of the State of Georgia. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, protecting life and property, enforcing state laws, maintaining jail security, serving warrants and civil papers, assisting in court security, transporting prisoners, performing necessary functions to ensure safety and well-being of inmates, employees and visitors.

Deputy Sheriff Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license. 
  • Must be a United States Citizen.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Requires ability to meet and maintain current certification requirements set forth in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act.
  • This position requires a 12-month probationary period.

Click HERE to apply for Deputy Sheriff



Reserve Detention Officer: The purpose of this position is to ensure security and protection of property of the jail facility, complete the admission process of inmates, prevent escapes, control behavior of inmates, protect inmates from each other, and provide for the wellbeing of inmates. The incumbent must be diligent in maintaining an inmate count, overseeing the dispensing of medication, and be able to take personal property of inmates. The incumbent must also adhere to definite standard operating procedures established by the Office to ensure that the inmates' constitutional rights are observed. It is a demanding position that requires a heightened state of readiness at all times. A person in this position does not supervise other employees.

Reserve Deputy Sheriff: The purpose of this job is to preserve the peace and enforces the laws of the State of Georgia. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, protecting life and property, enforcing state laws, maintaining jail security, serving warrants and civil papers, providing courthouse and courtroom security, transporting prisoners, performing necessary functions to ensure safety and well-being of inmates, employees and visitors. It is a demanding position, and when assigned to the jail it requires a heightened state of readiness at all times

Reserve Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
  • Must be a United States Citizen.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must complete the core module requirements of the jail training program within 2 months of hire.
  • Must obtain certification in First Aid and CPR within 3 months of hire.
  • Must complete GCIC Security and Awareness training within 10 days of hire.
  • For Reserve Detention Officer position (pay grade 12):
    • Must possess Basic Jail Certification.
  • For Reserve Deputy Sheriff position (pay grade 13):
    • Must possess and maintain current certification requirements set forth in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act.
  • Valid Driver's License required.

Now is a great time to join our Team!

Job Opportunities

We are pleased you are interested in employment with the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. Our employees are motivated, hard-working, public-service oriented, competent men and women who have high personal ethics. They provide Athens-Clarke County with a wide range of law enforcement services.


We have set high standards for our employees. It is our policy to hire the best qualified applicants for any open position. The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is an equal opportunity employer.