Senior Correctional Officer - K-9

State of Iowa; Newton (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Iowa's Newton facility seeks a Senior Correctional Officer (K-9) to maintain facility safety, conduct contraband searches, respond to emergencies, and oversee the custody and transport of incarcerated individuals.

This role requires leading junior staff, working across shifts, and caring for an assigned K-9 unit 24/7, including weapons qualification and a valid driver’s license; E-Verify and Right to Work compliance are stated expectations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent is required.
• Two years of full-time work experience as a law enforcement officer is an alternative.
• Eighteen months of relevant state executive branch experience with leadership/security duties is also acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain facility safety and security.
• Conduct contraband searches and emergency response.
• Supervise incarcerated individuals and handle custody/transport duties.

Skills

Security procedures

Emergency response

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Weapons qualification

Job description

Newton, Iowa is a progressive, family friendly community, a shining star of Central Iowa and a place to call home. Whether you’re raising a family, starting a business or building a home, you’ll want to get to know Newton. The community has many great amenities aside from excellent schools. Unique entertainment, beautiful art displays and parks, and great attractions for families to enjoy.

Centrally located in Iowa just off I-80, Newton, www.newtongov.org, boasts a diverse array of shopping, recreational and dining choices, both locally and within short driving distances. Des Moines is just 35 miles west, Ames is 62 miles NW, and Iowa City is 87 miles east. “America’s Dutch Treasure”, Pella, www.pella.org, lies just 23 miles to the southeast. Enjoy camping, boating, fishing and swimming activities at nearby Lake Red Rock, www.redrockarea.com, 20 miles south. Take in some fast-paced action at an Indy Car or NASCAR race at the Iowa Speedway, www.iowaspeedway.com, or visit the Sprint Car Capital of the World, www.knoxvilleraceway.com, just 25 miles south in nearby Knoxville.

At Newton Correctional Facility, we offer a wide range of career opportunities in various departments: Security, Treatment, Medical, Administrative, Business, Records, Maintenance/Trades, Warehousing, Food Service and other support areas. Join our team of dedicated professionals who provide an environment that facilitates change for incarcerated individuals as they prepare for release. Come be a part of creating opportunities for safer communities. You’ll find an exceptional workplace where mutual respect and support are part of the culture.

Why Us? In a demanding high-security environment, we actively seek a skilled professional to fill a crucial K-9 handler role. As a Senior Correctional Officer, you play a pivotal role in maintaining facility safety, contraband detection, and active threat response alongside your working dog in a challenging yet highly rewarding atmosphere.

As a State of Iowa Employee, you will also receive a robust benefits package including: Paid time off, Excellent health, dental and vision packages. IPERS retirement package and an option for deferred compensation plan that has a state match, Flexible spending account both medical and dependent care, free life insurance, employee assistance programs and employee discount programs. The hours would be 1p-11p however different schedule can be discussed with the Supervisor.

The Senior Correctional Officer (K-9) maintains facility safety, security, and discipline through direct supervision, contraband searches, emergency response, and the custody and transport of incarcerated individuals.

Operating across all shifts and environmental conditions, this role oversees daily activities, enforces facility regulations, guides junior staff, and handles administrative reporting.

Additionally, the officer is responsible for providing full-time care, housing, and operational handling of an assigned K-9 unit, requiring weapons qualification, a valid driver's license, and an inline kennel facility.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency, and experience equal to one year of full-time work as a correctional officer.
2. Two years of full-time work experience as a law enforcement officer.
3. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Correctional Food Service Coordinator, State Industries Technician, or position whose duties included leading/directing incarcerated individuals and security work (e.g., conducting shakedowns, escorting incarcerated individuals, quelling disturbances, etc.)

Designated positions assigned to the Canine (K-9) Unit require the employee to establish and maintain an in-home kennel facility and provide care for the dog as needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year around as determined by the Department of Corrections.

Employees assigned to the Canine (K-9) Unit work irregular days and hours and travel to all prisons and community based corrections facilities.