Staff Sergeant (D)

Job summary

Lead the day-to-day operations of Sarnia Jail, supervising staff and ensuring the safe, secure, and effective care, custody, and control of inmates. Manage staffing, procedures, investigations, incidents, stakeholder relationships, and institutional accountability, including assuming operational responsibility when senior management is absent.

Job details

The Sarnia Jail is looking for experienced leaders who can manage complex operations when it matters most. As a Staff Sergeant, you are responsible for the day ­to­ day operation of a maximum security institution, supervising Correctional Officers, and making sure the institution stays safe, secure, and functional 24/7. This is a hands ­on leadership role with real accountability, not a desk job. You will be expected to make timely decisions under pressure, manage incidents and emergencies, lead reviews and investigations into critical events or conduct issues, and address situations that require senior level judgment and authority. You'll oversee staffing and deployment, step in during high risk or escalated situations, support staff through challenging circumstances, and hold individuals accountable when standards are not met. During after hours, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays, you may be the senior leader on site. This role requires strong leadership experience, sound judgment, resilience, and the ability to remain calm in demanding and unpredictable environments. Leaders from other operational, enforcement, regulatory, emergency management, military, or similarly high accountability settings bring valuable, transferable skills to this work. The environment is fast paced and high stress, but you will have real authority, real responsibility, and a direct impact on staff safety, organizational order, and public safety. If you're ready to step up and lead from the front, this role is for you. As this is a frontline essential position, your physical presence at the institution is crucial to this role and this position will be fully onsite. Shift work will include evenings, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays in a 24/7 operational environment. Leadership That Makes a Difference At its core, leadership in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) is about creating positive change for people and communities across Ontario. We're looking for leaders who are authentic, accountable, and courageous. People who bring others together, ask bold questions, and lead with purpose. About the job Leadership at Sarnia Jail means setting clear expectations, being visibly present, and supporting staff in a demanding custody environment. It requires sound judgment, consistency, and professionalism—especially when situations are complex, high ­pressure, or unpredictable. As a leader, you are relied upon to act decisively, manage issues fairly, and ensure the safe and effective day-­to-­day operation of the institution. You play a key role in shaping the workplace culture by promoting respectful conduct, inclusion, and accountability. This includes addressing concerns directly, supporting staff through difficult situations, and reinforcing standards that foster safety, trust, and professionalism. While the work is challenging, you will be supported through OPS leadership development programs, mentorship, and correctional networks. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to positively influence staff well­being, institutional safety, and operational effectiveness. You will: Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to staff within a unionized correctional environment Manage institutional programs to ensure public safety and the care, custody, and control of inmates Coordinate the development, implementation, and compliance of institutional standing orders, local operating procedures, and applicable legislation Assume overall responsibility for institutional administration and operations in the absence of senior management Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships with professionalism and political acuity Conduct investigations into sensitive and contentious matters, ensuring appropriate resolutions and internal accountability Respond effectively to incidents and crisis situations, instilling confidence and stability in staff Apply innovative thinking to improve operations, tools, and practices Represent the Ministry and the institution by presenting accurate testimony at courts or tribunals, as required Meet Your New Team Sarnia Jail plays a vital role in supporting public safety and the administration of justice in Lambton County and the surrounding region. As a medium­sized, community­focused correctional facility, Sarnia Jail operates in a dynamic environment that requires strong leadership, adaptability, and collaboration. Working at Sarnia Jail means leading close­knit teams, managing competing operational priorities, and contributing directly to safe, secure, and effective outcomes for staff, inmates, and the community. For leaders seeking meaningful, hands­on work with visible impact, Sarnia Jail offers an opportunity to lead, grow, and make a difference every day. What you bring to the team Mandatory requirements First Aid, CPR, and Use of Force (defensive tactics and chemical munitions) is required (training provided in accordance with provincial standards). Advanced proficiency in oral and written French, with the ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment. Leadership and Supervisory Skills You can lead and support staff in a unionized correctional setting, providing clear direction, coaching, and follow­up while ensuring compliance with policies, legislation, and correctional standards. You can manage institutional resources, including budgets, staffing, and equipment, and make decisions that balance operational needs with fiscal responsibility. You understand HR policies and collective agreements and can recruit, onboard, train, and manage staff, including addressing complex employee relations matters. You demonstrate integrity and consistency in decision­making, even in difficult or high­pressure situations. Technical Knowledge You bring a strong understanding of how complex operations are managed in secure or high consequence environments, prioritizing and maintaining safety, security, services, program delivery, and day-to day administrative and institutional operations You bring experience operating within a secure or high consequence environment where accountability, consistency and structured oversight are critical, An understanding of how legal obligations policies and procedures, safety equipment, technology, relationship custody, and supervision models work together to manage, mitigate risk and maintain order. You can clearly communicate, interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures to ensure staff fully understand their legal obligations, employer expectations and any changes that may impact the daily operations. Communication and Relationship Management Skills You can communicate effectively with front­line staff, management, regional offices, and external partners, ensuring information is clear, timely, and appropriate. You can prepare clear and accurate documentation, including reports, investigation findings, operational plans, and procedural materials. You can build and maintain effective working relationships with police, courts, and community partners to support institutional operations. Analytical and Investigative Skills You remain calm and decisive when dealing with incidents, emergencies, and sensitive situations. You can conduct and review local investigations and fact findings, assess risk, and ensure accountability is maintained. You are able to manage competing priorities, workload pressures, and operational stress in a 24/7 correctional environment. Remember: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 24, 2026 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted. We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

What you’ll do

Lead the day-to-day operations of Sarnia Jail, supervising staff and ensuring the safe, secure, and effective care, custody, and control of inmates. Manage staffing, procedures, investigations, incidents, stakeholder relationships, and institutional accountability, including assuming operational responsibility when senior management is absent.

Requirements

Candidates need leadership experience in a secure or high-consequence environment, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to supervise staff, manage resources, and apply legislation and policies. Advanced oral and written French proficiency is required, as are First Aid, CPR, and Use of Force training in accordance with provincial standards; training is provided.

Listed skills

• Leadership · Preferred
• Incident Management · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Leadership
• Staff Supervision
• Incident Management
• Emergency Response
• Investigations
• Risk Assessment
• Correctional Operations
• Staffing and Resource Management
• Employee Relations
• Legislation and Policy Compliance
• Written and Oral Communication
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Decision-Making Under Pressure
• Conflict Resolution
• Operational Planning
• French Language Proficiency

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Security & Safety

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