Corrections Officer Trainee - SCI Mercer

Salary

$49,010.00 Annually

Mercer County, PA

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

CS-

Department of Corrections

CR SCI Mercer

09/11/2026

9/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

47200

Multiple positions may be filled through this posting.

PSCOA

H1

CO34

Corrections/Mercer

801 Butler Pike

Mercer, Pennsylvania

16137

Beth Rumberger

Join the Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer Trainee and begin a career that makes a real difference. This role offers hands‑on training and steady support as you learn how to maintain safety and order within a state correctional facility. You will build strong skills, gain confidence, and help support the well‑being of inmates and staff.

If you have a strong dedication to public service and want to help keep the public safe, we encourage you to submit an application for the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mercer.

This position provides training and guided experience in the custody, supervision, and support of inmates in a state correctional facility. The role involves direct interaction with inmates and structured learning in essential security and counseling practices.

As a Corrections Officer Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Inmate Contact: Interact with inmates and visitors in both direct and indirect situations
• Maintain Security: Monitor inmate movement and activities in cell blocks, housing units, work areas, dining spaces, and recreation areas to maintain security
• Observation: Make periodic and unannounced rounds, conduct head counts, complete security checks, and report unusual situations to a Corrections Officer
• Work Schedule: Full-time employment where you will work a 40-hour work week with shifts to be determined, work any shift and work in all areas of the institution as assigned, work overtime as required by operation necessities and emergencies, work on weekends and holidays which occur during your normal work schedule, and report to work under adverse weather conditions
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position
• Training Participation: Participate in formalized instruction in the areas of sociology, psychology, court procedures, self-defense, leadership, custodial responsibilities, and the facility’s organizational structure
• Provide Guidance: Offer advice and guidance to inmates adjusting and participating in correctional processes and agency rules/regulations
• Prepare Reports: Write and complete detailed reports
• Respond to Emergencies: Act quickly and safely during emergency situations
• Uniforms: Wear employer-provided uniforms
• Union Membership: Follow promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum
• Salary: Starting hourly rate is $23.49;
  Shift differential is up to $1.25 per hour
• Retirement: Eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs
  • Benefits Information

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
• Candidates must successfully complete a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and urinalysis screening for drugs.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S.
  * 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans…