Correctional Officer 1

State of Alaska; Seward (AK); On-site; USD 377,000 - 537,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation incentives

Paid leave & holidays

Job summary

Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska, seeks a Correctional Officer 1. This role features an 84-hour week with a week-on/week-off schedule, alternating day and night shifts.

New officers complete 12–14 months of structured field training and a seven-week Correctional Officer Academy, with promotion to CO 2 after certification. The department emphasizes safety, professional conduct, and rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, 21+ years old, with a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass background checks, a psychological evaluation, drug screening and a medical examination.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions, learn security procedures, and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain order and discipline within the facility.
• Operate security control room and conduct routine security checks.
• Learn and apply control techniques to handle unruly inmates and resolve conflicts.
• Contribute to an environment conducive to rehabilitation of prisoners.

Skills

Follow instructions

Self-defense training

Read statutes

Effective communication

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 5%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase.

Are you looking to start a new, exciting, fulfilling career that’s more than just a job?

Are you interested in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice?

The Department of Corrections is recruiting for multiple Correctional Officer 1 positions for the Spring Creek Correctional Center (SCCC) located in Seward, Alaska.

Watch Alaska DOC's video here: DOC Extended Cut.mp4 (vimeo.com)

Watch Alaska DOC’s Correctional Officer video here: Correctional officers_30 sec.mp4 (vimeo.com)

Watch the SCCC video here: https://vimeo.com/792701037/46c90db065

What You Will Be Doing:

Embark on a career in Corrections with numerous training and promotion paths. As a correctional officer, you will play a vital role in reforming those in custody and helping them positively contribute to society. Start a rewarding career with growth prospects and make a meaningful impact in our community. We look forward to welcoming you!

New Correctional Officers undergo 12-14 months of structured field training and attend a seven-week Correctional Officer Academy. After completing training and receiving the APSC Correctional Officer Certificate, you will be promoted to Correctional Officer 2.

Our Mission, Values, and Culture:

The mission of Spring Creek Correctional Center is to provide a secure environment for staff and offenders that promotes public safety and provides an opportunity for staff development, and reformative offender programming to ensure safety and efficient resources management.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

Correctional Officers receive up to 16 days of paid leave in their first two years of employment, which increases based on years of service. Additionally, they receive 12 paid holidays annually.

This recruitment is for an 84-hour work week, with a "week on/week off" schedule that alternates between day and night shifts.

Moving and relocation incentives may be available to the selected candidates.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

Spring Creek Correctional Center is a maximum-security, state-operated adult correctional institution with a capacity of over 500 male inmates and approximately 200 staff. While many inmates serve long-term sentences, we also house those serving shorter sentences.

Who We Are Looking For:

To be successful in the position, a candidate will need the following core competencies:

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, knowledge of business software, and effectively communicate required information;
• Ability to learn and apply techniques of self-defense, firearms, appropriate force to protect oneself / others and act quickly in emergencies, including diffusing conflicts by utilizing sound judgment; and
• Ability to read and comprehend statutes, regulations, and procedures, apply them to specific situations, and explain procedures and requirements to the public, others, and the inmate population.

To truly excel in this position, a candidate will have or develop the following competencies:

• Assist with maintaining order and discipline, operate security control room, learn and apply techniques of handling unruly and violent prisoners, using the minimum force necessary, in resolving situations, and routine security checks and inspections; and
• Assist in creating and maintaining an atmosphere conducive to the rehabilitation of prisoners.

For job seekers unfamiliar with the Seward area, the following are a few highlights about some of the features of our area:

• The community of Seward is nestled against a backdrop of peaks and passes sculpted by Ice Age glaciers; Seward’s ice-free harbor has long served as a natural gateway to the vast scenic and resource riches of Alaska’s huge interior.
• Residents enjoy outstanding outdoor recreation including the Kenai Fjords National Park, which is dominated by glaciated landscapes. Exit Glacier is one of the many glaciers in the park and is only a short drive from downtown Seward.
• Seward is located on Resurrection Bay, a fickle body of water teeming with an abundant species of fish and frolicking marine mammals.
• Seward is home to the Mt. Marathon Race which is run every July 4th. The race totals 3.1miles and climbs 3022 feet. Top finishers cross the finish line in about an hour.
• Seward schools are second to none, with the Seward Elementary School being selected as a 2008 “No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School.”
• The region offers fantastic marine boating, fishing and hunting, cross-country skiing, bird watching, hiking, kayaking, running and biking, and much, much more

Please see the Chamber of Commerce's website at http://seward.com/

For more information, visit the following sites:

• http://www.cityofseward.us
• http://sewardcitynews.com
• www.alaskasealife.org

At the time of employment: be 21 years of age and a United States citizen or a United States National; have a high school or home school diploma recognized or certified by a state or a local school district within a state as having met that state's graduation requirement; or have a General Educational Development certificate.

Special Note:

Appointment to Correctional Officer 1 is conditional, pending successful completion of a thorough background investigation, psychological evaluation, drug screening, and medical examination.

This class series is considered technical/paraprofessional for purposes of evaluating minimum qualifications.

Possess a valid driver's license issued within the United States at time of appointment.

Employees must be willing to work shift assignments and on-call availability may be required.

Individuals not continuously employed since February 9, 1991, by the State of Alaska Department of Corrections in a "correctional officer," "probation officer," or "parole officer" position, as defined by 13 AAC 85.900, are subject to requirements established by Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC). As a condition of continued employment, these individuals must obtain a basic correctional officer certificate issued by the APSC within 14 months of hire.

Any employment action that resulted in discharge, resignation in lieu of discharge, or discipline, must be disclosed at the time of application to vacancies within this classification. Applicants who fail to provide this information will be deemed to be ineligible for interview or further consideration. Applicants with an employment action that makes them ineligible for certification under APSC regulations will be ineligible to receive an interview or further consideration.

For purposes of the minimum qualifications for this job class, "misdemeanor" means:

1. 1) A crime classified as a misdemeanor in Alaska at the time the crime was committed.
2. 2) A crime committed in another jurisdiction for which there was a conviction in that jurisdiction by a civilian or military court is a "misdemeanor" conviction if the crime has elements similar to those of a misdemeanor under Alaska law at the time the offense was committed.
3. 3) An offense punishable as a misdemeanor in Alaska or under the law of another jurisdiction, that results in a completed suspended imposition of sentence, expungement of record, or a pardon, is considered a "misdemeanor" conviction unless the offense was committed by the person before the age of 21.

A qualified applicant may not:

• Have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence by a civilian court of Alaska, the United States, another state or territory, or by a military court.
• Have been convicted during the past ten (10) years by a civilian court of Alaska, the United States, another state or territory, or by a military court of a crime of dishonesty or moral turpitude, of a crime that resulted in serious physical injury to another person, or of two or more driving under the influence offenses.
• Have illegally manufactured, transported, or sold a controlled substance during the past 10 years, provided you were under 21 years of age at the time.
• Have illegally used a Schedule IA, IIA, IIIA, IVA, or VA controlled substance during the past 5 years, provided you were at least 21 years of age at the time.
• Have used marijuana during the last year, provided you were at least 21 years of age at the time.
• Have been denied certification by the Alaska Police Standards Council or the responsible certifying agency in any other issuing jurisdiction unless the denial, revocation, or surrender has been rescinded by the council under 13 AAC 85.270 or by the responsible certifying agency of the issuing jurisdiction.
• Have ever used a controlled substance while employed as a certifiable municipal, state, federal peace officer, correctional officer, adult probation officer, or military law enforcement officer.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

A full criminal history check is required for all applicants.

YOU WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE PROCESS WITHOUT COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING YOUR NOTARIZED F-3 PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT FORM.

The F-3 Personal History Statement Form and Background Packet can be downloaded at: https://doc.alaska.gov/admin/docs/Background%20Packet%20and%20Instructions.pdf?022223

Once completed and notarized return to: [e-mail]

As part of the personal history, applicants will be required to submit copies of the following documents:

• Certified Highschool/GED transcripts (must be received directly from certifying institution and show date of graduation)
• Birth certificate or validpassport
• HS Foreign Equivalency Evaluation, if applicable
• Naturalization certificate, if applicable
• DD-214 form, if applicable (must show date and type of discharge and reason for separation narrative for all periods of service in each branch of the military, such as the DD-214 Long Form and NGB-22 Form)
• Military Evaluations, if applicable

Upon successfully passing screening criteria, qualified candidates will receive a job offer that is conditional. The conditional job offer is contingent upon the applicant completing and passing: a background investigation, drug screening, medical examination, and psychological evaluation.The medical examination requirement will be coordinated and paid for by the Department.All job offers are conditional pending successful completion of these requirements.

The Department also recognizes that recruiting efforts by Correctional Officers is an effective tool for new recruits. Under the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement, current officers may be credited with Recruitment Incentive Leave for proactively participating in recruiting efforts for Correctional Officer 1/2 positions. Correctional Officers who recruit a new officer, who successfully completes probation and the academy, are eligible to be awarded an additional 60 hours of personal leave to be credited to their leave account.

Correctional Facilities are located in various Alaska communities and during the application process, applicants will be allowed to select their preference for consideration and may select more than one location; however, successful applicants will be offered positions based upon total number of vacancies and the needs of the department.

RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES

Starting salary may be approved up to Step D - $33.81, if criteria are met.

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT

The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.

EDUCATION

If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

WORK EXPERIENCE

If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.

PREA NOTIFICATION

• Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institutions.
• Convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or
• Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.

CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS/APSIN/ACOMS

Please be aware – this position requires the use of the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN). A security clearance issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is necessary to use APSIN. DPS will deny security clearance for any applicant who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in this state or another jurisdiction, or who may be a fugitive from justice. Additionally, security clearance will be withdrawn if DPS discovers that material information was falsified or omitted at the time of the initial application for security clearance.

FINGERPRINT NOTICE

All Department of Corrections employees are required to be fingerprinted. The successful candidate must pass a criminal history check.

MULTIPLE VACANCIES NOTICE

This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.

FIREARMS

This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.

A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.

If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.

EEO