Correctional Officer

Commonwealth of Kentucky; La Grange (KY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky is seeking motivated individuals for Correctional Officer roles in La Grange, KY. The position involves maintaining safety and security, supervising inmate activities, and ensuring compliance with rules and procedures in a state correctional facility.

Applicants must be at least twenty years old, possess a valid driver's license, and may be required to complete training within six months.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, observation, and teamwork abilities.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a security environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintains control of the institution to provide safety and security by enforcing rules and procedures.
• Supervises inmate activities in housing, dining, recreation, and work areas.
• Attends to medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of inmates.
• Inspects and patrols grounds for contraband and security risks.
• Completes required reports and daily logs.
• Conducts inmate counts, security rounds, and searches.

Skills

Communication skills

Observation skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Work under pressure

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes

10/21/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Pay Grade

10

Salary

$39,127.68 Annually
Locality Premium – $5.23 per hour
Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour
Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet

Location

4000 Morgan Road
La Grange, KY 40031

Description

Creating a Better, Safer Kentucky

Do you want to kick‑start your career in Criminal Justice? Look no further! The Kentucky Department of Corrections is seeking motivated individuals who are up for the challenge.

Correctional Officers fill a critical role within correctional institutions by working together as a team to maintain safety and control of offenders.

Responsibilities

• Maintains control of the institution to provide safety and security of the facility inmates, staff, and general public by enforcing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Supervises inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas.
• Attends to the medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of the inmates.
• Inspects and patrols the grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and for other security risks.
• Completes required reports and daily logs.
• Conducts inmate counts, security rounds, and searches.

Skills and Expectations

• Strong communication skills.
• Observation skills.
• Be a team player.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure.

All applicants must meet all federal and state laws applicable to the carrying, use, and possession of firearms and ammunition at the time of employment.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis. If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact for additional information.

This position has an approved Locality Premium of $5.23, based on the organizational structure and work county it is currently assigned to, in compliance with 101 KAR 2:034 Section 9(1).

Shift Premiums

• Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour
• Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
• Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION:

High school graduate.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:

NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:

NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:

NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):

Must be twenty years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to qualify for employment in this job classification. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Work environment is hazardous due to working in a state correctional facility with convicted felons or in a juvenile detention facility. May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle while providing transportation services.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Sasmita Nanda at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D