Jail Administrator

Jail Administrator

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY HOLDREGE, NEBRASKA

Annual salary $60,000–$70,000

Salary based on qualifications and experience.
Full-time Administrative Department Head

The Phelps County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Jail Administrator to lead Phelps County Corrections. This executive position directs facility operations, personnel, finances, and detention services, with responsibility for safe custody, professional staff performance, and accountable use of public resources.

The Facility and the role

Phelps County Corrections operates a 51-bed adult correctional facility in Holdrege, Nebraska. The facility serves local detention needs and manages inmate housing contracts with the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Reporting directly to the County Sheriff and the Chief Deputy, the Jail Administrator leads correctional supervisors, and officers; oversees contracted services; and coordinates inspections and compliance reviews.

Executive responsibilities

· Operations and security Direct intake, booking, classification, custody, release, and transport coordination. Maintain security procedures, emergency response plans, and contraband controls.

· Personnel leadership Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, evaluations, and personnel actions. Maintain required background and fingerprint documentation and submit payroll to the County Clerk.

· Compliance and inspections Maintain compliance with Nebraska Jail Standards, applicable state and federal requirements, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and detention contracts. Coordinate in-person and virtual inspections, audits, and corrective actions.

· Financial management Prepare and administer the annual jail budget, monitor expenditures, and oversee incoming and outgoing funds, inmate welfare accounts, and financial records.

· Contracted services and inmate care Oversee medical, mental health, food service, and commissary providers. Coordinate access to care, visitation, recreation, and rehabilitation programs.

· Records and coordination Maintain accurate facility logs, incident reports, booking and release records, and contract reports. Coordinate with courts, county attorneys, law enforcement, and federal partners; oversee public inquiries and fingerprinting services.

Jail Administrator Qualifications and Application

Minimum qualifications

· U.S. citizen and at least 19 years of age.

· High school diploma or GED equivalent.

· Successful completion of a thorough background investigation, including local and federal fingerprint checks.

· No felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanor history.

· Possess or be able to obtain a valid Nebraska driver’s license.

Preferred leadership qualifications

We encourage candidates with corrections or detention leadership experience to apply. Strong candidates will demonstrate:

· Experience supervising personnel, developing staff, and managing daily detention operations.

· Working knowledge of detention standards, PREA requirements, inspections, and federal housing contracts.

· Experience managing budgets, records, and contracted service providers.

· Sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to address operational problems while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits

· Employer-paid medical and health insurance premium options for individual employees.

· Participation in the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System (NPERS).

· Paid vacation, sick leave, and county holidays.

How to apply

Submit a completed county application, a professional résumé, and references to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office in person or by mail. Your résumé should describe relevant leadership, corrections, and administrative experience.

Phelps County Sheriff’s Office
715 5th Avenue
Holdrege, NE 68949
Phone: (308) 995-5692

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person