Correctional Officer

Final date to receive applications

6/28/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

Job

Position:
Correctional Officer

Salary: $39,127.68 Annually

Locality Premium – $5.23 per hour
Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour
Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour

Executive Branch | Full Time | Eligible for Overtime Pay | 18A | 40.0 hr/week

Creating a Better, Safer Kentucky

Do you want to kick-start your career in Criminal Justice? Look no further! The Kentucky Department of Corrections is seeking motivated individuals who are up for the challenge.

Correctional Officers fill a critical role within correctional institutions by working together as a team to maintain safety and control of offenders.

• Maintains control of the institution to provide safety and security of the facility inmates, staff, and general public by enforcing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Supervises inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas.
• Attends to the medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of the inmates.
• Inspects and patrols the grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and for other security risks.
• Completes required reports and daily logs.
• Conducts inmate counts, security rounds, and searches.

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.

This position has an approved Locality Premium of $5.23, based on the organizational structure and work county it is currently assigned to, in compliance with 101 KAR 2:034 Section 9(1).

• Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour
• Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
• Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour

Education: High school graduate.

Experience, Training, or

Skills:

None

Substitute Education for

Experience:

None

Substitute Experience for

Education:

None

Special Requirements (Age, License, Regulation, Etc.): Must be twenty years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to qualify for employment in this job classification. 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.

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 while providing transportation services.

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D