Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

The Wake County Detention Services Division is committed to maintaining a safe, secure and professionally operated detention environment. Our team works collaboratively to promote public safety, ensure the humane treatment of detainees and maintain operational excellence through accountability, integrity and teamwork. Interested in making a difference in your community today? Come join our team!

Essential Functions:

• Serve as the central operator of communications and electronic security systems within the Wake County Detention Services Division
• Operate and monitor computerized security systems, including electronic door controls, closed-circuit television (CCTV), intercom systems, fire and life safety alarms, and perimeter security systems
• Control resident, staff and visitor movement throughout the facility and help ensure the safety and security of staff, detainees and visitors
• Play a critical role in both daily security operations and emergency response
• Monitor duress alarms, emergency signals and security alerts, initiating appropriate response protocols
• Maintain continuous surveillance of interior and exterior detention operations
• Coordinate communication among detention staff, supervisors, medical personnel, and external emergency responders
• Maintain accurate electronic and written logs documenting equipment status and operational activity
• Conduct routine system checks to ensure proper functionality of all control room equipment
• Assist with lockdowns, emergency evacuations and other critical incidents
• Ensure compliance with Wake County policies, state regulations and detention accreditation standards
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive facility and detainee information
• Serve as the primary point of contact by answering incoming phone calls promptly and professionally, routing inquiries to the appropriate departments and ensuring accurate message taking/follow-up

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Work is performed within a secure detention facility
• Requires prolonged sitting while monitoring multiple screens and control panels
• Requires visual acuity, hearing and manual dexterity to operate control equipment
• Must be available to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required
• May be exposed to stressful or emergency situations requiring immediate response

About Our Team

With a wide array of services, Wake County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow, and play. Wake County Government employs approximately 4400 employees and approximately 1000 of those are employed by the Sheriff’s Office which provides Law Enforcement services throughout the community. With over 850 square miles of area and over 1 million residents, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for those in the unincorporated areas of the county. For more information about Wake County Government, visit www.wake.gov and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at www.wake.gov/sheriff.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• High school diploma or GED
• One year of administrative/office support experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Ability to demonstrate strong situational awareness, sound judgment and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to effectively multitask in a fast-paced, high-security environment
• Excellent verbal communication skills, accountability and strict adherence to established security protocols are essential
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, effectively communicating and coordinating with coworkers to accomplish shared goals
• Ability to successfully complete a background investigation, drug screening and all required pre-employment processes
• Basic computer proficiency and the ability to operate multiple monitoring systems simultaneously

About This Position

Location: Wake County Detention Raleigh, NC 27603

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: 12-hour shifts: 7:00am – 7:00pm or 7:00pm – 7:00am, including days, nights, holidays, and weekends

Hiring Range: 25.43 – 29.08

Market Range: 26.07 - 33.55

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 9/30/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

Background Check Statement

Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.