Correctional Officer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime eligibility

Locality premium

Shift premium

Weekend premium

Holiday premium

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky is hiring a Corrections Officer in Sandy Hook, KY. The role supports safety and security within a state correctional facility, requiring teamwork and strict adherence to procedures.

Eligible for overtime and various hourly premiums reflect the demanding shift schedule. The position requires a high school diploma, completion of specified training, and the ability to meet firearms regulations.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• No prior experience required.
• Must meet federal/state firearms regulations at time of employment.

Responsibilities

• Maintains control of the institution to provide safety and security of inmates, staff, and the 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 inmates.
• Inspects and patrols the 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

Team player

Attention to detail

Work under pressure

Job description

Advertisement Closes

9/25/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Correctional Officer

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 | 40.0 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Corrections

Location

505 Prison Connector, Sandy Hook, KY 41171 USA

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.

Ideal Candidate Requirements

• 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 Rita Harris at [e-mail].

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D