Correctional Officer - Department of Corrections

Howard County

Howard County: Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government: Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards.

NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

Performs correctional work at the full performance level under supervision from a technical superior and is responsible for maintaining security and the custody and care of incarcerated persons in the Howard County Detention Center and Central Booking Facility.

Performs full performance level technical corrections operations work under supervision from a technical superior. Work includes maintaining care and custody of inmates in a local, adult detention facility; and maintaining security and order on and off the property of the Howard County Detention Center. Employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of one year. Successful completion of a background investigation, psychological and medical examinations, and drug screening.

Subject to random drug screening.

$28.14 hourly / $58,535 annually

Applications received will be retained on file for a period of six (6) months and may be used to fill future openings. Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintains security over inmates; observes inmate behavior and refer for services as appropriate; supervises the work assignments, recreational activities and housing activities of inmates; search inmates for contraband; inspects and searches inmate living areas; work spaces, recreational areas, program areas for cleanliness and/or contraband.
• Conducts and records security rounds, formal and informal counts and inspections.
• Writes incident reports for inmate misconduct, use of force, etc.
• May process the intake and discharge of inmates; receives and reviews legal; court, and all official documents pertaining to an inmate; receive and issue clothing, property and funds under the supervision of a superior.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff and inmates.
• May contact other departments to address inmate concerns; this includes, but is not limited to medical, mental health and classification.
• May transport inmates; provide security of inmate while outside the confines of the detention center.
• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 21 years at time of application
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status

• Computer and word processing skills.
• Prior military, security, counseling, or public safety experience.
• Excellent…