JAILER

About La Crosse County

At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): a top‑rated pension program.
• Affordable insurance premiums: comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work‑life balance: flexible schedules and wellness programs.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): a workplace where all employees feel valued.

Overview

FLSA: Non‑Exempt. This is a specialized non‑law‑enforcement position in the Jail Division of the Sheriff’s Office. Employees work under close to moderate supervision in maintaining security in a modern jail facility. The role requires working various shifts under rigid rules and regulations in the care of inmates and the maintenance of safety and security in a 24/7/365 operation.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Act with integrity and build trust.
• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions.
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints.
• Actively listen and remain open‑minded to diverse perspectives.
• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes.
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results.
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth.
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential.
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team.
• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long‑term objectives.
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring meaningful contribution.
• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives.
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment.
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization.
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team‑minded thinking.
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community.
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision‑making processes.
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization.
• Show self‑awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations.
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks.
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others.

Essential Job Functions

• Receive inmates committed to the County Jail and safeguard their possessions, including currency.
• Write reports and complete jail records, such as booking and release information.
• Enter data into a computer system.
• Supervise inmate activities, ensuring proper clothing and monitoring personal welfare.
• Distribute medications to inmates and assist with basic health‑care treatments as directed.
• Operate security equipment in a modern jail.
• Search committed persons for contraband and unauthorized articles.
• Maintain close surveillance of inmates to prevent accidents and self‑harm or harm to others.
• Administer emergency medical aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary.
• Conduct searches of inmate living areas and other facility areas to detect contraband.
• Answer inquiries within authority or refer them to appropriate authorities.
• Appear in court and testify as a witness.
• Use OC spray (pepper spray) and electronic control devices as trained.
• Extinguish small fires using a fire extinguisher or other appropriate means.
• Receive and record fines and bail/bond transactions.
• Conduct releases of inmates from custody, completing all appropriate documents and returning property.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled, minimizing sick‑leave use to build a balance for income protection.
• Maintain courteous, cooperative, and respectful interactions with the public, clients, coworkers, supervisors, and public officials.

Physical Demands

The majority of time is spent standing, walking, speaking, hearing, and using near and far vision. The employee also sits, bends, reads, and writes intermittently. Non‑routine situations may require stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, running, climbing, lifting and carrying, restraining and controlling recalcitrant prisoners, wearing a self‑air breathing apparatus (~40 lb), and dragging a person (up to 160 lb) during evacuation. Work involves various shifts and may expose the employee to blood or body fluids.

Related Job Functions

May transport inmates and supervise inmates outside of the secure area of the jail. This description is illustrative and not exhaustive; other duties may be assigned as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of laws relating to the care and commitment of inmates.
• Knowledge of jail housekeeping practices.
• Ability to deal with various forms of human behavior, particularly in a large jail facility.
• Ability to write clear, concise, accurate reports.
• Proficiency with computer use.
• Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with the public, county officials, employees, and inmates.
• Effective speaking and listening skills.
• Ability to maintain complete and legible records as directed.
• Calmness under adverse circumstances.
• Capability to handle and safeguard inmates' currency and property.

Training, Experience, and Other Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; strong preference for a degree in police science, criminal justice, human services, or a related field.
• Strong preference for prior civilian or military experience in corrections or law enforcement, and/or current certification by the Law Enforcement Standards Board as a Jail Officer.
• If not certified at hire, must successfully complete 200‑hour Jailer Certification training before passing probation.
• Successful background check suitable for law‑enforcement work (no felonies) and meeting State Jailer certification requirements.
• Good character and references certifying stability and integrity; must be bondable.
• Alertness, strong observation skills, and excellent communication abilities.
• Availability for telephone contact and willingness to work all shifts and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record for transport duties.
• Pass pre‑employment physicals, including psychological evaluation and drug screen.
• Compliance with State Statute Chapter 302.41: at least one staff member of the same sex as the inmate must be on duty for custody, cleanliness, food, and care.

Equal Opportunity

La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please contact Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org.