CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I - Sterling Facility

Colorado Department of Corrections; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team making a difference in public safety at a correctional facility. This role offers a unique opportunity to maintain safety and security while supporting inmates in their reentry into society. With a focus on integrity and teamwork, you will engage directly with a diverse population and work in a dynamic environment. Enjoy distinctive career advancement opportunities, flexible retirement benefits, and a strong commitment to equity and diversity. If you are looking for a meaningful career in public service, this position could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Distinctive career advancement opportunities

Strong retirement benefits

Medical and dental health plans

Paid life insurance

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Training opportunities

11 paid holidays per year

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas.
• Conduct searches for contraband and maintain safety standards.
• Respond to emergency situations and assist in inmate transport.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Accountability

Integrity

Dependability

Effective interpersonal skills

Customer service

Ability to work under stress

Physical ability to perform duties

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Security equipment

Communication tools (email)

Job description

This Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) posting will be used to fill vacant positions at our Sterling location. There are endless opportunities with the CDOC.

Sterling Correctional Facility (SCF) is located in the northeast corner of Colorado, approximately 120 miles northeast of Denver. The facility covers 100 acres of the 765-acre site. The interior perimeter covers 80 acres. The facility officially opened in June of 1999.

SCF’s capacity is 2,488. The custody levels include Minimum, Minimum-Restricted, Medium, Close (general population), and Close (Management Control Comprehensive – MCC).

Current CDOC CO I employees are encouraged to apply for transfers through the posted Central Transfer Process job announcement.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government, as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services to make state government more effective and efficient.

In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system;
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans. Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits;
• Medical and dental health plans;
• Short and long term disability coverage;
• Paid life insurance;
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities, and more.

Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits for more information.

The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision, and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry.

Correctional Officers communicate respectfully with inmates and their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers, and the public; presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions require cooperation with other staff members and working as a cohesive team, while managing a diverse inmate population.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work directly with inmates in a locked facility;
• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas;
• Operate a variety of mechanical doors, security devices, equipment, and alarms;
• Control movement of inmates throughout the daily schedule;
• Escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles;
• Monitor visiting areas;
• Conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts;
• Conduct searches for contraband (including canine, metal detector, perimeter, strip, and vehicle searches);
• Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards;
• Respond to emergency situations such as fights, medical emergencies, fires, and escapes;
• Follow established tool and key control protocols;
• Attend roll call and document incidents using established reporting practices;
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

Positions may require working additional hours and/or shifts to maintain safety and security, as facilities operate 24/7.

Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED certificate.

Required Competencies:

• Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity, and dependability;
• Sound judgment, reasoning, and decision-making skills;
• Self-control and ability to work under stress;
• Effective interpersonal skills and teamwork orientation;
• Excellent customer service and attention to detail;
• Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate effectively in English;
• Ability to observe and hear to detect changes, hazards, or security breaches;
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems, including relevant statutes and regulations;
• Intermediate computer skills and ability to communicate via email;
• Ability to document events clearly and comprehensively;
• Willingness to apply correctional methods to prepare inmates for reentry;
• Respectful communication with inmate families and the public;
• Ability to work with diverse populations and in various situations;
• Alertness and observance throughout shifts;
• Ability to conduct searches and operate security equipment safely;
• Willingness to learn and operate firearms, restraints, and security devices;
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and use physical force when necessary;
• Physical ability to perform duties, including climbing stairs and working outdoors in inclement weather;
• Willingness to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

  Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual skills; mentoring and volunteer experience.

  Conditions of Employment: Applicants must acknowledge and agree to conditions, including legal eligibility to work in the U.S., valid driver’s license, background checks, health screening, and successful completion of Basic Training modules.

  Applicants must also pass physical and tactical assessments, including handling chemical agents and operating security equipment, and be able to work in a correctional environment with fluctuating noise and temperature.

  Additional Information: The application review involves a comparative analysis, and use of AI tools during assessment may disqualify applicants. Ensure your application details your qualifications thoroughly. Rehired or reinstated employees will return at their previous pay rate or based on their class series tenure. Transcripts and relevant documentation should be uploaded. All new employees must pass a drug screening and TB test.

  The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. All facilities are tobacco-free. We encourage protected classes to apply.