Correctional Sergeant

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Corrections in Lexington, KY is seeking a Correctional Sergeant to lead operations within a correctional facility. The role involves supervising officers, managing inmate counts, conducting searches, responding to emergencies, and ensuring proper reporting and investigations.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, with the ability to work under pressure and promote teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school graduate required.
• One year of experience in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work dealing with rehabilitation of offenders, or supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in relevant settings.
• For the Department of Juvenile Justice, completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy or equivalent may substitute for one year of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervises correctional officers in maintaining custody and control of inmates.
• Supervises and conducts periodic inmate counts.
• Conducts searches of inmate persons, packages, and cells for contraband.
• Responds appropriately in emergency situations.
• Completes investigations including disciplinary reports, grievances, theft reports, or other assigned investigations.
• Ensures reports are completed in a timely manner.
• Completes evaluations on employees.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Advertisement Closes 9/8/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2604631

Correctional Sergeant

Pay Grade 11

Salary $43,046.16 Annually

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 3111 Spurr Rd Lexington, KY 40511 USA

Creating a better, safer Kentucky.

Do you want to advance your career in Criminal Justice? Look no further! The Kentucky Department of Corrections is seeking applicants who are up for a new challenge. The Correctional Sergeant is essential to the operation of a correctional institution. Providing training and direction to Correctional Officers and inmates by utilizing experience with custody, security, and safety measures.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To The Following

• Supervises correctional officers in maintaining custody and control of inmates
• Supervises and conducts periodic inmate counts
• Conducts searches of inmate persons, packages, and cells for contraband
• Responds appropriately in emergency situations
• Completes investigations to include disciplinary reports, grievances, theft reports, or any other investigation assigned
• Ensures reports are completed in a timely manner
• Completes evaluations on employees

The ideal candidate for this position will have strong observation skills, strong communication skills, leadership abilities, ability to work under pressure, establish teamwork, and possess decision-making skills. 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: Must have one year of experience in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work dealing with the rehabilitation of offenders, or in the supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in a residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment program or any combination of the above.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: An Associate's degree from a college or university in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related field will substitute for six months of the required experience. A bachelor's degree from a college or university in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related major field will substitute for the year of required experience. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, successful completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy or equivalent training program approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.)

Must be twenty-one 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 when providing transportation.

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 Shayla Durham at [e-mail]

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D