diff --git a/nomad-dev.hcl b/nomad-dev.hcl
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+# Nomad Development Configuration (Hermes-Agent)
+# Run with: nomad agent -dev -config=nomad-dev.hcl
+#
+# This is intended for local development only.
+
+client {
+  enabled = true
+
+  options {
+    # Enable Docker volume mounts for persistent slot workspaces
+    "docker.volumes.enabled" = "true"
+  }
+}
+
+# Docker driver plugin configuration
+plugin "docker" {
+  config {
+    # CRITICAL: Enable volume mounts
+    volumes {
+      enabled = true
+    }
+
+    # Allow privileged containers if needed
+    allow_privileged = false
+
+    # Garbage collection settings
+    gc {
+      image       = true
+      # NOTE: For local dev we often rely on locally built images like `atropos-sandbox:local`.
+      # A short image GC delay can delete these between runs, causing confusing "Failed to pull"
+      # crash loops. Keep this comfortably long; tighten it for CI/production if needed.
+      image_delay = "24h"
+      container   = true
+    }
+  }
+}
+