Associate Superintendent

State of Washington; Gig Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Corrections seeks an Associate Superintendent for the Washington Corrections Center (WCC) or WCCW. Based in Gig Harbor or Shelton, the role leads all on-site and off-site operations, focusing on long-range planning, budgets, and policy implementation in a high-security setting.

The position requires extensive corrections experience and strong leadership to ensure safety, integrity, and efficient facility management within a complex organizational structure.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and 10 years of corrections work experience including 7 years of management experience.
• Alternative: two years of college (60 credits) and 8 years of corrections work experience.
• Alternative: Bachelor's degree and 6 years of corrections work experience.
• Management experience in corrections with multi-level custody, emergency planning, budget administration, and staff development.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily on-site and off-site operations through chain of command.
• Develop biennial budget decision packages within delegated authority.
• Oversee policies, safety, security, and emergency response across the facility.
• Ensure compliance with directives, mission, values, and goals.
• Serve as Superintendent’s designee during appointing authority absences.

Skills

Management experience

Emergency Management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Two years college (60 credits)

Job description

Associate Superintendent - Exempt Band 3

Washington Corrections Center (WCC)

This position is exempt from Civil Service Laws

NOTE: THIS IS AN INTERNAL RECRUITMENT OPEN TO CURRENT PERMANENT WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS EMPLOYEES ONLY. This is an excellent opportunity for internal interest to serve as an Associate Superintendent at the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) or Washington Corrections Center (WCC) within the Prisons Division. WCCW is located in Gig Harbor, WA and WCC is located in Shelton, WA. These position requires professional proficiency of sound correctional practices, management principles and skills, the Associate Superintendent's scope of authority and impact encompasses the entire facility.

Department of Corrections (DOC) Agency Profile

This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a progressive organization that promotes an environment of respect, inclusiveness and transparency, and is deeply committed to the health and safety of its staff and incarcerated population. We are at the forefront of implementing evidence-based programs proven to reduce recidivism, and the contributions you make in this role will help to ensure we succeed in our mission to improve public safety. DOC has earned a national reputation for its efforts to make both its operations and facilities more sustainable. We are looking for a true professional; someone with integrity who shares our values, holds themselves to high ethical standards, and whose actions and decisions will consistently withstand a high level of scrutiny.

Duties

Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Associate Superintendent manages and directs all the daily on-site and off-site operations through their chain of command ensuring business is conducted consistent with established safety and security procedures. Requiring sound correctional knowledge, skills and abilities of advanced level management work, the Associate Superintendent’s scope of authority and impact encompasses the entire facility with significant impact both within and outside state government.

This position serves as a key member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), serves as Superintendent designee during appointing authority absence. Incumbent’s focus will be on strategic long-range planning and integration of work with consideration of tactical actions/plans necessary to implement local and department decisions. Develops biennial budget decision packages while managing and controlling large portions of allotted facility budget within their delegated authority. Develop, implement, and monitor policies, local operational memorandums and procedures that provide operational and security direction for staff and the Incarcerated Individuals (I/I). Ensure compliance with department directives, mission, values, and key goals.

At the direction of the Superintendent, the Associate Superintendent will be responsible for any combination of the following areas: a variety of direct incarcerated individuals (I/I) services, including coordination of physical plant maintenance/construction; I/I work/training and activity programs; volunteer programs; religious, medical, and food services; records; classification; I/I management; operation of the general population; segregation and intensive management units; emergency response coordination; security and safety operations of the institution; Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) program compliance and processing; coordinating the delivery of support services; facilitating the operation of Correctional Industries; staff training and safety program.

Associate Superintendents Are Accountable To

• Plan, lead, organize, and control the daily work performed by the facility under their supervision.


• Administer, monitor, and oversee operations, safety, security, and emergency response activities in a corrections facility.


• Ensure clean and safe facility operations.


• Support effective communications throughout the organization.


• Provide and manage 2-way communication between all levels of staff and I/I.


• Balance the facility mission and objectives within budgeted resources.


• Maintain the highest standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct and support the state’s goals for a diverse workforce.


• Provide a working environment free from discrimination and harassment that promotes diversity.


• Develop operational goals and working objectives and ensure those objectives are reached.


• Strengthen public confidence in the integrity of facility staff by demonstrating and setting the tone for the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, fairness, honesty, and compliance with both the spirit and the letter of the law.


• Promote an environment of public trust free from fraud, abuse of authority, and misuse of public property.


• Respect and protect privileged information accessible through the course of official duties.


• Act as the Superintendent’s designee during appointing authority absences.

Duty Officer

• Serves in the capacity and makes decisions for incidents that occur at the facility level, on a rotational basis.


• Determines how, in an emergency, incident, or significant event, the facility’s operations are managed, authorizes activities and provides direction to all facilities and community corrections offices outside of normal business hours.


• Opens and assumes command of the Facility Incident Command Post (ICP) in the event of a major emergency or disaster.


• Serve as an Incident Commander during emergencies, with responsibilities to manage the facilities response and recovery from critical incidents and significant events.


• Determines allocation of resources and personnel, management of the incident based on emergency protocols, and coordination activities with the facilities/offices and other federal, state and local agencies while communicating through Headquarters Duty Office and EOC.

Decisions Taken To Supervisor

• Prioritize and approve budget expenditures outside of authority


• Policy development, maintenance, and implementation


• Approval of legislative action requiring agency implementation


• Implementation of items specified in statute, Executive Order, or Governor’s directive


• Decision making of labor relation issues to include grievance resolution and Labor Management Communication Committee


• Final decision on issues with major impact on the financial resources of the facility


• Management of high-profile issues


• Hiring for employees, separations, promotions, and disciplinary actions

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent, and ten (10) years of corrections work experience which includes seven (7) years of management experience.

OR

Satisfactory completion of two (2) years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) from a college or university whose accreditation is recognized by Counsel for Higher Education (CHEA) or the US Department of Education or foreign equivalent, and eight (8) years of corrections work experience.

OR

Bachelor's Degree from a college or university whose accreditation is recognized by Counsel for Higher Education (CHEA) or the US Department of Education or foreign equivalent and six (6) years of Corrections work experience.

Management experience is broad based, progressive managerial or administrative (experience which includes supervisory experience in a multi-level custody, adult correctional environment, and experience in at least five of the following areas: Emergency Management (ICS) and contingency planning, prison programs, sustainability, evidence based programs, correctional practice, theory and law, budget administration and development, offender classification, labor relations, public relation methods and application, and/or training and staff development, experience working with unions.

• Effective Project Management skills and Quality Improvement Analysis


• Organization and time management


• Conflict resolution skills and abilities


• Working Knowledge of policies, procedures, CBA, WAC, and RCW.


• Ability to be calm and thoughtful in emergent situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience in Unit Team Management. The Unit Team is a multi-disciplinary group of staff that manages the security, classification, and programs of all offenders assigned to an offender living unit. The Unit Team is typically composed of a CUS, Correctional Sergeant, Classification Counselors, a support staff, and Correctional Officers. Through the effective use of the unit team of the providing for a safe and effective unit operation.


• Working knowledge of LEAN practices and how to apply them in a large-scale organization to improve business practices.


• Experience in budget administration and development.


• Experience working with minimum security camp incarcerated individuals to include off-site work crews.


• Professional experience in working with mentally ill Incarcerated Individuals (I/I) and operations of an Intensive Management Unit/Intensive Treatment Unit.

Supplemental Information

Mission:

The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Vision:

Working together for safer communities.

Our Commitment:

To operate a safe and human corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.


• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.


• People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.


• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.


• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

Important Notes

For additional information about the agency, please visit doc.wa.gov.

• Please include a minimum of three professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. NOTE: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.


• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.


• Employees may work directly with or in close proximity to incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.


• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws.


• The DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. HTTPs://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents


• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visitwww.uscis.gov.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

What We Offer

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year


• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month


• 12 paid holidays a year


• Generous retirement plan


• Flex Spending Accounts


• Dependent Care Assistance


• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

Telework/Remote Work: this position is not allocated for telework or remote work.

PERS:

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [e-mail] or at 253-858-4276. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note:

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026