Correctional Officer

Effective July 1, 2026, the wage for this position increased by 5%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase.

The Department of Corrections is recruiting for multiple Correctional Officer 2 positions. This is a continuous recruitment posting; if you have already applied for a Correctional Officer position, there is no need to reapply.

Correctional Officers earn up to 16 days of paid leave in the first two years of employment, increasing based on years of service, and receive 12 paid holidays annually. This recruitment is for an 84‑hour work week, with a week‑on/week‑off schedule that alternates day and night shifts.

Embark on a career in corrections with numerous training and promotion paths. As a correctional officer, you will play a vital role in reforming those in custody and helping them positively contribute to society.

New Correctional Officer 2s undergo 12–14 months of structured field training and attend a seven‑week Correctional Officer Academy. After completing training, you will receive certification as a Correctional Officer from the Alaska Police Standards Council.

The mission of the Alaska Department of Corrections is to promote public safety. Our division provides secure confinement, access to reformative programs and offender management planning that promotes successful community reentry.

In addition to paid leave and holidays, you will receive professional development opportunities, including specialized training programs exclusive to the Alaska Department of Corrections and the chance to advance in a supportive environment.

Our facilities operate 24/7, 365 days a year, offering dynamic work environments with opportunities for career advancement. We house unsentenced, sentenced, and Federal inmates and have a diverse staff that includes medical professionals and acute psychiatric personnel.

To be successful in the position, a candidate will need the following core competencies:

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, knowledge of business software, and effectively communicate required information.
• Ability to learn and apply techniques of self‑defense, firearms, appropriate force to protect oneself and others, and act quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to read and comprehend statutes, regulations, and procedures, apply them to specific situations, and explain procedures and requirements to the public, others, and the inmate population.

To truly excel in this position, a candidate will have or develop the following competencies:

• Assist with maintaining order and discipline, operate the security control room, learn and apply techniques of handling unruly and violent prisoners, using the minimum force necessary, and conduct routine security checks and inspections.
• Assist in creating and maintaining an atmosphere conducive to the rehabilitation of prisoners.

• Bethel
  - Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center
• Eagle River
  - Hiland Mountain Correctional Center
• Fairbanks
  - Fairbanks Correctional Center
• Juneau
  - Lemon Creek Correctional Center
• Kenai
  - Wildwood Correctional Complex
• Ketchikan
  - Ketchikan Correctional Center
• Mat‑Su Pretrial
  - Mat‑Su Pretrial
• Palmer
  - Palmer Correctional Center
• Seward
  - Spring Creek Correctional Center
• Wasilla/Pt. Mackenzie
  - Goose Creek Correctional Center

Applicants must have:

• Successful completion of the Alaska Correctional Officer Academy (or equivalent program accredited by the Alaska Police Standards Council).
• One year of experience learning and performing duties that support the custody, security, and rehabilitation of prisoners in an adult correctional institution.
• Be 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen or U.S. National, and possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Possess a valid driver’s license issued in the United States at the time of appointment; a Commercial Driver’s License may be required for some positions.
• Be willing to work shift assignments and on‑call availability may be required.

Appointment to Correctional Officer 2 is conditional upon successful completion of a thorough background investigation, psychological evaluation, drug screening, and medical examination.

The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer and complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation are encouraged to contact the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations for assistance.