Job Description

Posting number: CAA CO I - SCF & LCF 07/2026

Department: Department of Corrections

Division: Prison Operations

Job classification: Correctional, Youth or Clinical Security Officer I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Corrections, Law Enforcement, Safety, Criminology

Summary

This Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) posting will be used to fill vacant positionsassigned to both the Sterling Correctional Facility and Limon Correctional Facility in Northeastern Colorado. There are endless opportunities with the CDOC.

Sterling Correctional Facility (SCF) is located in the northeast corner of Colorado, approximately 120 miles northeast of Denver. The facility covers 100 acres of the 765-acre site. The interior perimeter covers 80 acres. The facility officially opened in June of 1999.

SCF’s capacity is 2,488. The custody levels include Minimum, Minimum-Restricted, Medium, Close (general population) and Close (Management Control Comprehensive – MCC).

Limon Correctional Facility (LCF) is located on Highway 71, two miles south of the town of Limon, approximately 80 miles east of Denver. The facility sits on 320 acres, 36 acres of which are enclosed behind a 4,000 foot, double-perimeter fence. LCF comprises 13 buildings that provide offender housing and basic services including educational and work opportunities for the offender population. The physical plant encompasses 377,400 square feet.

LCF is a Level IV facility with a capacity of 938 offenders. LCF houses a population of close custody (33.4%), medium and minimum restricted custody (66.5%). Offenders are housed in one of six general population living units which hold between 154 and 160 offenders. There is a total of 720 general population cells, 218 of which are double bunked. A separate Restrictive Housing Unit has an additional 28 cells.

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Current CDOC CO I employees are encouraged to apply for transfers through the posted Central Transfer Process job announcement.

Applicants are encouraged to review the following series of Administrative Regulations (AR) to prepare for the comparative analysis process: 100's and 300's series. These ARs can be found on DOC's website: https://cdoc.colorado.gov/about/department-policies

The assessment scores may be used for future announcements.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.

In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system;
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans. Member Contribution Rates. Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits;
• Medical and dental health plans;
• Short and long term disability coverage;
• Paid life insurance;
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.
• Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. for more information.
• Swing shift differential- 7.5%, Graveyard shift differential- 14%, Weekend shift differential - 20%

Examples of duties

The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry.

Correctional Officers respectfully communicate with inmates and their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers and the public; presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions must cooperate with other staff members and work as a cohesive team, while managing a diverse inmate population.

Positions maintain the safety and security of the general public, staff and inmates. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Work directly with inmates in a locked facility;
• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas;
• Man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification);
• Monitor facility perimeter, detain unidentified pedestrians and/or vehicles;
• Operate a variety of mechanical doors, security devices, equipment and alarms;
• Control movement of inmates throughout the daily schedule;
• Escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles;
• Monitor visiting areas;
• Conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts;
• Cross-check and maintain movement logs;
• Conduct searches for contraband (this may include canine, metal detector, pat, perimeter, stri,p and vehicle searches);
• Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards;
• Inspect inmate mail and property;
• Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations, such as fights, medical emergencies, fires and escapes;
• Follow established tool and key control, ensure proper storage and documentation;
• Attend roll call;
• Document incidents utilize established reporting practices.
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

Positions are subject to working additional hours and/or shifts to maintain the safety and security of facilities that are open 24/7.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

High School Diploma or a GED certificate.

Be advised: In accordance with State Personnel Rule 4-39 (C)(9), acceptance of a Correctional Officer I (CO I) position may result in your removal from consideration for all other CO I vacancies. Additionally for transfers per Administrator Regulation (AR) 1450-09 IV (A) (5) (a) When an employee has completed one year at their current facility/office and/or classification, the employee is eligible to request a transfer.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must acknowledge and agree to the Conditions of Employment within the application process.
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.
• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license; Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver's license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards. Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria. Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years. All State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet vehicle.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination are required to:
• Disclose the details of the prior termination or resignation on the application.
• Explain why the circumstances of the prior separation should not disqualify them from the current position.
• Provide their previous State employee number. Absent extraordinary circumstances, failure to provide this information or a history of disciplinary termination/resignation in lieu of termination will result in disqualification from future employment with the CDOC.
• Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Should applicant’s background reveal criminal charges, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Department of Corrections with written/official disposition of any charges.
• All job offers are contingent upon a successful health screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC’s consideration of application for employment.
• Successfully pass all modules of the Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics;
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;
• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
• Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
• Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
• Swing a baton in a striking technique;
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
• Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;
• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
• Must be willing and able to work all shifts, doubles, weekends and holidays. Must be able to report to work during inclement weather. New Correctional Officers will not be given their shift schedule until completion of Basic Training.
• Willing and able to use physical force (as trained) to control a situation. This includes the training and use of a firearm and includes the ability to see/hear/react to situations.
• Willing and able to work in a locked correctional facility or environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;
• Willing and able to travel and/or transport inmates in a state vehicle;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity and dependability;
• Sound judgment, reasoning and decision making skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively cooperate with other staff members and inspire teamwork;
• Excellent customer service and attention to detail;
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to visually observe and audibly hear in order to observe changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breeches and verbally communicate pertinent information;
• Ability to visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas;
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully;
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines;
• Ability to perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email;
• Ability to study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method;
• Ability to incorporate the CDOC mission statement while completing daily job duties;
• Knowledge of and willingness to apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry;
• Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with inmate families and the public;
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with inmates through daily monitoring in a variety of situations;
• Ability to control, direct and instruct inmates individually and in groups;
• Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population;
• Ability to remain alert and observant throughout shift;
• Ability to conduct searches (canine, general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle);
• Ability to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment;
• Ability to safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors;
• Ability to learn about and utilize firearms, restraints and security devices in a safe and professional manner;
• Ability to use and be exposed to chemical agents (e.g. pepper spray);
• Ability to learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone switchboard, public address equipment);
• Ability to seize, hold, grasp and turn objects;
• Willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols;
• Ability to quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes);
• Ability to use physical force to control a situation;
• Ability to climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift;
• Willingness and ability to work outside during inclement weather;
• Willingness and ability to adhere to the CDOC Drug Deterrence Program
• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift;
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Bilingual
• Mentoring others and/or volunteer work

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Assessment Process: Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's). Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Be sure the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and “see resume” statements will not be accepted in lieu of the “Work Experience” section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.

In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years. Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records

The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.

Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental information

After submitting an application, you should receive an immediate email acknowledging your submission. If you do not get the email, please check to ensure you have actually submitted the application and typed the correct email address on the application.

Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Department of Corrections employee or from this email address info@governmentjobs.com It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email; if you do not receive correspondence soon after the closing date, please contact the "Department Contact" listed in this announcement. Please contact the CO I hiring team at DOC_COIhiring@state.co.us or by phone at 719-728-0252.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Employee Relations Specialist, Kristen Lange, at doc_employeerelations@state.co.us or call 719-728-0270

ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.