Assistant Warden: Red Onion State Prison #00002

DHRM; Wise (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Corrections seeks an Assistant Warden at Red Onion State Prison to direct operations across Security, Treatment, Medical, Safety and Food Service, and to oversee daily activities in the absence of the Warden.

You will lead, counsel and develop staff, participate in long-term planning, and coordinate with management, staff, visitors and inmates to maintain orderly and secure operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in supervision of corrections staff.
• Extensive and progressive security management experience in corrections or law enforcement.
• DCJS Certification.
• Comprehensive knowledge of VADOC policies, procedures, and practices.
• Knowledge of institutional operations, security, inmate programs and classification.
• Ability to analyze and resolve problems effectively.
• Ability to lead, develop and counsel staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and the public.
• SOEI/COI filing within required timelines after hire.

Responsibilities

• Direct the activities of Security, Treatment, Medical, Safety and Food Service departments and ongoing security operations.
• Provide daily leadership, guidance and supervision to departmental heads to ensure policies and public safety mission.
• Lead, develop, counsel and discipline staff.
• Assist the Warden in long-term planning and development of security and contingency plans.
• Interact with institutional, regional, divisional, and departmental management, staff, visitors, inmates, and the public to maintain orderly operations.

Skills

Corrections supervision

Security leadership

Policy knowledge

Staff development

Communication

Problem solving

Leadership coaching

Education

LEAD Graduate or equivalent

Job description

Title: Assistant Warden: Red Onion State Prison #00002

State Role Title: Security Manager III

Hiring Range: $84,715.00 - $144,417.00

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Red Onion State Prison

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

Contributes to the public safety mission by directing the activities of multiple areas including Security, Treatment, Medical, Safety and Food Service departments and ongoing security operations in an institutional setting. Responsible for the daily operations in the absence of the Warden. Provides daily leadership, guidance and supervision to departmental heads and other staff to ensure policies and procedures are followed and the public safety mission of the department is met. Leads, develops, counsels and disciplines staff. Assists the Warden in long-term planning, and development of security and contingency plans. Interacts with institutional, regional, divisional, and departmental management, staff, visitors, inmates, and the public to maintain orderly and secure operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the supervision of corrections staff.
• Extensive and progressive security management experience in corrections or law enforcement.
• DCJS Certification.
• Comprehensive knowledge of VADOC policies, procedures, and practices.
• Working knowledge of institutional operations, security, inmate programs and classification.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and counsel staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and the public.
• Statement of Economic Interest (SOEI):
• Ability to complete the Virginia Ethics Council Conflict of Interest (COI) filing within two (2) business days of hire and annually thereafter, in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3100.
• Ability to complete COI training within two (2) months of hire and every other year thereafter, as required by Code of Virginia § 2.2-3132.
• Shares the monthly 24-hour duty schedule with the Warden to conduct regular weekly visits to all areas of the facility.
• Performs routine security checks of the perimeter and staff operations to maintain a thorough understanding of facility systems.
• Ensures all visits are properly documented in log books.

Additional Considerations

• Advanced knowledge, coursework, certification, training, or experience in Criminal Justice or related field. LEAD Graduate or equivalent applicable experience or training. Working experience with Evidence Based Practices and Reentry Initiatives.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RÉSUMÉS / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 24 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 09 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.