TDCJ - Sergeant of Correctional Officers - Region

Applicants must submit both a résumé and a completed application to be considered. Both documents should include sufficient work history to assess qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train correctional staff while ensuring inmate safety and adherence to facility rules.
• Monitor inmate activity in housing, work areas, and during daily movement.
• Conduct contraband searches, perform pat-down and strip searches, and restrain inmates when necessary.
• Oversee inmate counts, meals, and daily routines.
• Provide security in various facility areas, including outdoor posts, industrial, or agricultural work areas, sometimes in challenging weather or around machinery.
• Respond to emergencies, administer first aid, assist with evacuations, and use force when required to maintain safety.
• Read and apply inmate records, maintain accurate reports, enforce disciplinary rules, and collaborate with staff, departments, and outside agencies.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience in corrections, law enforcement, food service, laundry operations, or similar work.
• Ability to meet the job’s physical and environmental requirements.
• Dependability, clear communication, and teamwork skills.
• Comfort with giving direction, staying calm under routine stress, and following policies and safety rules.
• Attention to surroundings, ability to notice changes in inmate behavior, and sound decision-making.

Qualifications

• Ability to motivate staff, coach officers, and maintain authority with inmates.
• Strong communication skills, especially in giving instructions or resolving conflicts calmly.
• Ability to identify problems early and take proactive action.
• Understanding of team dynamics, ability to recognize staff stress, and adapt leadership style as needed.
• Forward-thinking about staffing, inmate movement, and emergencies, with confident decision-making under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate reports and post duties.
• Commitment to helping others grow, staying calm in high-stress situations, and bringing professionalism and consistency to the unit.

Additional Information

• Retiree salary will be 2.5% less than the posted salary.
• No overnight travel required; position may involve day trips.
• Work site visits are part of the role.
• Pre-Service Training Academy required.
• Hazardous Duty/Longevity position in Region I, including units such as Boyd Unit, Byrd Unit, Diboll Unit, Duncan Geriatric Facility, Ellis Unit, Estelle Unit, Ferguson Unit, Goodman Unit, Goree Unit, Hamilton Unit, Holliday Unit, Huntsville Unit, Lewis Unit, Luther Unit, Pack Unit, Polunsky Unit, Wainwright Unit, and Wynne Unit.
• Apply once annually for multiple related positions through this posting. Indicate desired roles and locations using the Statement of Availability in the application. Qualified applications are valid for one year and require yearly renewal if over a year old.
• Outside applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment.

For military preference, attach the necessary documentation to your application. Additional Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) codes and resources for translating military experience to civilian job terms are available through the Texas Veterans Commission and other state resources.

Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete supplemental questions via CAPPS Recruit to be considered.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship or assurances.

Contact Information

Questions regarding this position may be directed to:
Tracey Heinrich
Human Resources Headquarters
2 Financial Plaza, STE 101
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 437-3268
Email: CO.Series@tdcj.texas.gov

Specialized Roles

• Sergeant of Correctional Officers
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Community Service
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Control Canine
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Field
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Narcotic Kennel
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Operational Review
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Regional Use Of Force
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Tracking, Search and Rescue Kennel Operations
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Unit Safe Prisons Coordinator
• Sergeant of Correctional Officers Video Surveillance/Body Worn Cameras