Corrections Vocational Instructor

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Pewee Valley (KY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Corrections, Division of Education, is seeking a Corrections Vocational Instructor to provide horticulture instruction to eligible offenders and support educational planning within the correctional environment.

The ideal candidate will deliver NCCER-based lessons, adhere to ACA/NCCER/OSHA curriculums, and maintain accurate records in KOMS and NCCER databases while supervising inmate staff and ensuring a safe, productive classroom.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate's degree from a college or university.
• Experience: Three (3) years of trade-related experience.
• Substitution rules: Additional education can substitute for up to two years of experience.
• Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Additional field experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted vocational instruction (classroom and performance based) in horticulture to eligible offenders.
• Adhere to supporting curriculums, expected learning outcomes, and program requirements (Kentucky Department of Corrections, ACA, NCCER).
• Prepare lesson plans using current instructional methodologies for NCCER Core Curriculum and OSHA content.
• Deliver instruction through multiple modalities (distance, virtual, tablets, smartboard, etc.).
• Record student attendance daily into the Kentucky Offender Management System (KOMS); enter student information into the NCCER database; adhere to policies of DOC, ACA, NCCER, OSHA.
• Maintain inventories and submit monthly reports; ensure records are accurate and secure.
• Directly responsible for scheduling and daily operation of the classroom; supervise inmate staff and tool room clerks.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organization

Technology skills

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree

Job description

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10/14/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job Title

Corrections Vocational Instructor

Pay Grade

13

Salary

$62,855.52 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

3000 Ash Avenue
Pewee Valley, KY 40056 USA

Description

At the Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC), the Division of Education plays a crucial role supporting the Department and the reentry of offenders back into the community. The mission of the Division of Education is to prepare every offender through the advancement of academic achievement and work ready skills for successful reentry.

As education corrections professionals, it is our job to assist in the rehabilitation and reentry of offenders by working within the Department, with community partners, and state agencies to increase community safety and reduce recidivism rates. The corrections vocational instructor will provide direct instruction in horticulture, and support in planning, facilitating, and coordinating educational opportunities to offenders within the correctional environment.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide targeted vocational instruction (classroom and performance based) in horticulture, general and construction industries to eligible offenders.
• Adhere to supporting curriculums, expected learning outcomes, and program requirements (Kentucky Department of Corrections, American Correctional Association [ACA], National Center for Construction and Educational Research [NCCER] etc.).
• Prepare lesson plans using current instructional methodologies for NCCER Core Curriculum, NCCER YourRole in the Green Environment, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Construction, OSHA General Industry, Work Ready Certificate.
• Deliver instruction through multiple modalities using a variety of technology platforms i.e., distance, virtual, tablets, smartboard, etc.
• Record student attendance daily into the Kentucky Offender Management System (KOMS); enter student information (demographics, test scores and completion dates) into the NCCER database; adhere to all policies and procedures of DOC (correctional and institutional), ACA, NCCER, OSHA and other collaborating agencies; submit DOC Student Transcripts as required
• Ensure program completion requirements are met, submit monetary incentive forms; maintain appropriate record keeping according to policies; review all work for accuracy; maintain accurate inventories (tool, computer, classroom supplies); submit monthly reports and other documents as needed.
• Directly responsible for record keeping, scheduling, and daily operation associated with classroom.
• Maintain accurate and time-sensitive student records and other school-related documentation; NCCER and KOMS database entries daily; supervises teacher's aides and tool room clerks (inmate supervision) along with providing an orderly, positive, secure, and safe learning environment.
• Progress monitor student achievement; proctor online and written assessments NCCER, The National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI).
• Performs general maintenance services on classroom and shop equipment; responsible for toxic-caustic supplies, tools, and sanitation.
• Performs other assigned duties as required.

The ideal candidate should possess strong verbal and written communication skills, organization skills, technology skills, and have displayed the ability to complete work related activities in a professional manner. The ideal candidate should be able to multitask with the ability to plan, pay attention to detail, think critically and analyze data to forecast positive outcomes. This candidate should possess the ability to work well in a team-oriented environment and adapt to the ever-changing needs of the Department, facility, and Division.

Minimum Requirements

• EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with an associate's degree.
• EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Three (3) years of trade-related experience.
• Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: Additional education will substitute for up to two (2) years of the trade-related experience.
• Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Additional experience in a trade-related field will substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in a classroom/shop setting within a correctional institution.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Equal Opportunity Statement

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D