Correctional Officer - Maine Correctional Center, Windham.

Department of Corrections; Scarborough (ME); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Maine Correctional Center in Windham, ME is recruiting a Correctional Officer through the Maine Department of Corrections. Training includes a six-week paid Basic Corrections Training Program with state certification.

No prior experience is required, and you will begin a robust program to safeguard staff and residents. The facility operates on a 7-on/7-off style schedule with 12-hour shifts and opportunities for overtime and career growth.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (HiSET, GED, etc.).
• Hold a valid driver's license.
• Background check is required.
• Must have no serious criminal or extensive motor vehicle records.
• Not all infractions are automatic disqualifiers. See official standards for automatic disqualifiers.

Responsibilities

• Observe, monitor, direct, oversee, and evaluate the activity and movement of residents within a specified area.
• Participate in the development and implementation of residents’ treatment strategies.
• Ensure observance of institutional rules, security, and safety.
• Counsel, support, and advise residents regarding personal matters, institutional rules and regulations, health and safety standards, and treatment strategies.
• Assist residents in adjusting to institutional life.
• Evaluate potential problems and emergencies through intervention and behavior management.
• Utilize pro-social communication, de-escalation techniques, and other methods to maintain safety and security.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent (HiSET, GED, etc.)

Job description

Correctional Officer - Maine Correctional Center, Windham.

Pay Grade - 16: $26.06 - $31.28/hr. (This rate includes $1/hr. institutional stipend) $54,204.80-$65,062.40 annually not including Shift Differentials or Premium Overtime Rate.

Job Class Code: 5207. Open: October 1, 2025. Close: Posted until filled.

We're hiring moral, ethical, and dedicated individuals to join our team as Correctional Officers at Maine Correctional Center in Windham, ME. Through the Maine Model of Corrections, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and residents. We believe that hiring dedicated individuals with a strong sense of compassion and professionalism is crucial to achieving this goal. No experience necessary. Paid training with State Certification provided. Lateral credit considered for experienced Correctional Officers. Work/Life Balance: A base schedule of working 7 out of 14 days per pay period ADDS UP TO HALF OF THE YEAR OFF! We're a 24/7/365 secured facility with 12-Hour shifts, Night, Weekend, and Shift Differentials, Premium Overtime Pay, and Merit and Longevity Increases. The workweek in a two-week pay period includes: 3 days on and 4 days off one week 4 days on with 3 days off the next week NO MANDATED OVERTIME ON YOUR SCHEDULED DAYS OFF unless in extremely rare, emergency cases.

Minimum Requirements to Apply

• The State of Maine benefits no matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"- as they provide essential services to Mainers every day.
• At least 18-years-old.
• Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (HiSET, GED, etc.).
• Hold a valid driver's license.
• Background check is required.
• Must have no serious criminal or extensive motor vehicle records.
• Not all infractions are automatic disqualifiers. Find Automatic Disqualifiers at https://www.maine.gov/dps/mcja/attending/training/basic-corrections/standards.

Duties

• Observe, monitor, direct, oversee, and evaluate the activity and movement of residents within a specified area.
• Participate in the development and implementation of residents’ treatment strategies.
• Ensure observance of institutional rules, security, and safety.
• Counsel, support, and advise residents regarding personal matters, institutional rules and regulations, health and safety standards, and treatment strategies.
• Assist residents in adjusting to institutional life.
• Evaluate potential problems and emergencies through intervention and behavior management.
• Utilize pro-social communication, de-escalation techniques, and other methods to maintain safety and security.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of resident motivation and psychology, problems associated with institutional life, and rehabilitation and treatment programs.
• Knowledge of correctional institution rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions and interpret and enforce correctional center rules.
• Ability to perform strenuous duties such as climbing stairs and escorting residents.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations.
• Ability to read and perform basic math functions.
• Ability to observe situations and behavior in detail, make decisions, and act quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to model appropriate pro-social behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals.
• Ability to utilize standard desktop computer technology (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Internet, e-mail) is also required.

Paid Education, Training, & State Certification

Successful Correctional Officers come from all walks of life. Bring your desire and commitment to be a positive role model and we will provide you with the best training and education to begin a stable and rewarding career. Six-Week paid "Basic Corrections Training Program" (BCTP) w/State Certification. Classroom instruction and hands‑on scenario training in the secured facility. BCTP held at Maine Correctional Center in Windham.

Learn More: How to Become a Correctional Officer: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/co

Preparing for Your Interview: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/interview

Basic Corrections Training Program (Video): https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/bctp

About Maine Correctional Center

The brand new, $147 million, state-of-the-art Maine Correctional Center opened in June 2023 on its expanded campus in Windham, ME. We are a Medium/Minimum Security facility that houses both male and female adult residents, as well as a Minimum and Community custody facility for women called the Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center. Maine Correctional Center recognizes the indispensable service, commitment and valuable contributions of its outstanding security, program, and support staff, and is dedicated to the ongoing development of a professional and skilled workforce with high ethical standards. We offer a variety of careers in security, education, social services, mental health, substance and abuse services, vocational trades and instruction, warehouse and logistics, law enforcement, and more. Windham is the gateway to Maine’s Sebago Lakes Region and White Mountains and is part of the Greater Portland Metropolitan area. It's a community filled with diversity and character in its people, restaurants, and businesses. Windham has a small village feel while being minutes from the bustling Westbrook community and Portland’s Old Port.

About Maine Department of Corrections

Maine Department of Corrections is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the 'Maine Model of Corrections', we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training. We are committed to rebuilding lives and are searching for great team players, with a professional attitude and well‑developed integrity and ethics, to join us in this mission.

State of Maine Benefits

• Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes 19% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/living-resources
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child - including fathers and adoptive parents - receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/.

About Us

Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community. If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.