MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is hiring 335 correctional deputies to fill open positions in the county’s jail system.

Salaries for correctional deputies start above $48,000 annually, with earnings increasing to $62,000 after five years, plus a $5,000 signing bonus, college tuition reimbursement, and overtime opportunities.

Applicants must be at least 18 with a valid driver’s license, but do not need to live in Shelby County to apply.

“We’re proud to offer the highest starting pay in the region for correctional officers, and unmatched opportunities for advancement, training, and college support,” said Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner.

The hiring comes as the sheriff’s office struggles with staffing issues. After four inmates in SCSO custody died within a week this year, Sheriff Floyd Bonner blamed the deaths on being short-staffed at the jail.

Bonner said the system needed 58 to 60 more officers at 201 Poplar. There are about 2,540 detainees being held at the jail, 100 detainees in juvenile court, and 280 in jail east.