Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond said Monday he plans to offer former Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble a temporary job overseeing his county jail.

Hammond said that, since Deputy Chief Richard Shockley is on medical leave for cancer treatment and Gobble is experienced in running a jail and looking for temporary work, the offer makes sense.

"This is more of a helps-him-out and helps-us-out type of situation," Hammond said. "This will not be a long-term position."

Gobble said he will meet with the sheriff Thursday to discuss the possibility of an interim position, but he hasn't agreed to the position yet.

"I told [Hammond] I would consider it," he said. "I'm not interested in it permanently."

The sheriff's corrections division now has about 150 correction officers and clerks, according to the sheriff's office website.

If Gobble takes the job, he will oversee jail operations until Shockley can return to work, Hammond said. A salary hasn't been discussed, he said.

Gobble said if he takes the position he will continue to seek out permanent employment or possible business opportunities in Chattanooga.

He did not elaborate on other jobs he is looking into.

Gobble was elected sheriff in Bradley County in 2006 and served one four-term. He ran unsuccessfully this year for the Republican nomination in Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District.

Contact Joy Lukachick at jlukachick@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.