Correctional Officer

National Police; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Corrections is seeking motivated individuals for the Correctional Officer position in Lexington, KY. This executive branch, full-time role involves maintaining order, supervising inmate activities, and ensuring safety for inmates, staff, and the public.

Requirements include a high school diploma, being at least 20 years old, and a valid driver's license. Training academy within six months and ongoing credentials are required.

Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• NONE experience required.
• Must be twenty years of age and possess a valid driver's license.
• Must complete Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Must maintain required licensure, certification, or credentials for length of employment.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Strong communication

Observation skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Work under pressure

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes

9/2/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job Reference

req80819

Position

Correctional Officer

Pay Grade

10

Salary

$2,623.40-$3,935.20 Monthly
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 | NON MERIT | 18A | 40 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Corrections

Location

3111 Spurr Road
Lexington, KY 40511 USA

Description

Creating a better, safer Kentucky.
Do you want to kick-start your career in Criminal Justice? Look no further! The Kentucky DepartmentofCorrections 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 tomaintain safety and control of offenders.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• 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.

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.

Contact

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

Acknowledgement

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D