Career Opportunities

A Deputy Sheriff's primary duty is to oversee individuals who have been arrested and awaiting trial. The Gwinnett County Jail is a direct supervision pretrial facility. Sheriff’s deputies may serve in any of the five divisions after promotion to senior deputy sheriff or higher. 

Applicants must pass a comprehensive background process (including criminal, controlled substance, credit, driving, and employment history checks) and an oral interview in the first phase. The second phase includes a drug screen, polygraph, and psychological exam.

This position is eligible for compensation under the employee referral program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D
• Valid Georgia Driver's License
• Must be at least 20 years of age at time of application
• Must be a US citizen for certification
• Must be able to work any shift, weekends, and holidays
• Must obtain a state certificate from jailer's school within six months from date of hire
• Law enforcement, military, or security experience highly preferred

This is a safety-sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Gwinnett County Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. 

Base Salary:

• Deputy Sheriff/Jailer:  $38,989
  Deputy Sheriff, Senior: $46,207
  Deputy Sheriff, Master: $50,938 

• Gwinnett County has a 12-step pay system with 4 percent annual raises.
• Education incentives added to base salary
• Training and experience is considered

Associate’s degree – 3 percent increase to base salary
Bachelor’s degree – 6 percent increase to base salary
Tuition reimbursement is available after 2 years of service for associate, bachelor, and master degrees.

Lateral Transfers - Applicants currently or formerly employed by a full-service law enforcement agency in Georgia must be in good standing with GA Post. Approved lateral transfers are hired at the rank of Deputy Sheriff Senior.  The starting salary range is $46,207 - $54,056. 

In-State Lateral Transfer - In-state lateral transfers may qualify for an abbreviated training approved by GA POST.

Out-of-State Lateral Transfer - Out-of-state lateral transfers may qualify for an abbreviated training approved by GA POST.

Deputies are issued all equipment gear.

Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 401(a) - Employees choose 2.5 percent, 5.0 percent or 7.5 percent contribution.  The County contributes 7 percent.  Employees are fully vested at 5 years.

More retirement plans information.

Part-time Deputy

• $24.43 hourly
• Must be able to work any shift, including weekends and holidays
• Must be PBLE certified and in good standing with GA POST

Reserve Deputy

• PBLE Certification
• In good standing with Georgia POST
• Minimum one year of law enforcement experience
• NOT actively working in any law enforcement capacity
• Be willing to complete Active Reserve yearly hours

For more information, contact Deputy Sheriff Fernando Perlaza at Fernando.Perlaza@GwinnettCounty.com or 770.619.6824.

• Free Employee Meals
• Health, dental, vision, prescription drug insurance plans
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 13 days leave accrued per year at hire (ascending thereafter)
• 13 days sick leave accrued per year at hire (ascending thereafter)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent Care
• HSA/HRA available
• Basic, optional and dependent life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• On-site medical wellness center
• Wellness incentive programs
• Immunizations
• Financial Education and Training Programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement after 2 years
• Longevity pay after 3 years
• For more information on becoming a deputy or to speak with a recruiter, call 770.822.3128.