Jail Administrator

Jail Administrator

Klickitat County, Washington

Salary:  $95,971 - $125,237

Located in south central Washington, Klickitat County, (pop. 23,150), lies at the junction where the Columbia River Gorge cuts through the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, with expansive farms and wheat fields, vineyards, timberland, and magnificent Mt. Adams as a backdrop. The county seat and the county's largest city is Goldendale. With a mild year-round climate, the area is the perfect place to take advantage of an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, from fishing and hunting, to whitewater rafting, windsurfing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. Scenic tours provide opportunities to thousands of visitors to the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains, while an expanding winery and grape growing industry offers many award-winning wines at several tasting rooms.

The Klickitat County Board of Commissioners is currently working on a transition plan to transfer responsibility for current jail operations from the Sheriff’s Office to the new Department of Corrections. The Jail Administrator will have the unique opportunity to lead the County’s first Department of Corrections. The Corrections Department functions with 18 FTEs on a budget of roughly $1.8 million and the Jail Administrator will oversee the 49 Bed Adult Corrections Facility. Under the direction of the Board of Commissioners, the Jail Administrator plans, organizes, and manages all operations within the Corrections Department, including the operation and activities of the jail to ensure the accurate and fair intake, custody, discipline, control, and care of inmates and the effective security and maintenance of the facilities and grounds, placing a primary concern for the health, welfare, safety and security of inmates, staff, and visitors. The Jail Administrator directs the general administration of the facility, coordinating the preparation and management of the budget and the development and implementation of facility policies and procedures. The Jail Administrator also performs duties of Assistant Systems Administrator.

Preferred Qualifications: An associate or bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration or closely related discipline. Previous experience in jail administration. Experience must include budget administration, developing and administering programs targeted for the criminal justice system and offenders, public speaking, and grant writing. Knowledge of state and federal corrections/detention laws. Required Qualifications: Candidates must be a citizen of the US and must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime that may prove a discredit to the officer. Candidates shall possess good moral character and ethical standards as determined by a thorough background investigation. Candidates may be required to successfully complete polygraph and psychological evaluations. Certification from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, or equivalency academy, as well as a Law Enforcement Certification are required.

Benefits include but are not limited to: medical, vision, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; Washington State PERS Retirement System; sick and vacation leave; 12 paid holidays.

For a complete position profile, full job description and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. Klickitat County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First review of applications: September 1, 2024 (open until filled).

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