Job Description

Posting number: 2026-09826

Department: Dept. of Corrections

Division: Prisons - OCC

Job classification: CORRECTIONS AND CUSTODY OFFICER 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Corrections

Summary

Correctional Sergeant

Olympic Corrections Center

Forks, WA

Full Time - Permanent

This posting may be used to fill multiple permanent and non-permanent positions.

The Department of Corrections is a seeking highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Correctional Sergeant at Olympic Corrections Center.

Olympic Corrections Center is a 381-bed male facility located near the Hoh Rainforest. This facility houses minimum custody incarcerated individuals and offers treatment, work, and vocational programs to help ready incarcerated individuals to transition back into the community. OCC also has outside work crews to serve the community as well as fire crews that work alongside Department of Natural Resources employees.

Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.

We are looking for clear evidence in your materials that you possess the leadership experience, skills, and abilities required for this position.

A completed application packet will include:

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position
• Three professional references

Examples of duties

The Correctional Sergeant (Corrections and Custody Officer 3) position promotes safety and security by directing lower-level staff in controlling, directing, and monitoring the activities and movement of adult incarcerated individuals. By maintaining security of the institution and controlling movement into, out of, and within the institution in accordance with established department methods and procedures, the Corrections and Custody Officer 3 ensures the safety of incarcerated individuals, staff and the public. Key duties of the correctional sergeant include:

• Plan, assign, and review the work of staff, adjusting assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads.
• Provide on-the-job training and monitor completion of the on-the-job training requirements of in-training Corrections and Custody Officers. Serve as a positive role model for other officers.
• Evaluate employee performance and prepare performance appraisals.
• Resolve staff issues, recognize employees, and counsel employees in work-related activities and career development.
• Ensure security of institution and control movement into, out of, and within the institution in accordance with established department methods and procedures.
• Use appropriate de-escalation skills.
• Advise incarcerated individuals concerning rules, regulations, procedures, institution programs, policies, and behavior standards.
• Effectively communicate with incarcerated individuals, staff and visitors in routine and emergent situations.
• Read, understand, and follow Post Orders. Review regularly with staff and monitor compliance.
• Apply appropriate, constructive, and professional authority working with a diverse population of incarcerated individuals.
• Direct resistive and non-resistive incarcerated individuals to maintain the orderly operation of the facility.
• Direct or conduct inspections and searches of incarcerated individuals, incarcerated individual property, incarcerated individual living and program areas, and other areas of the facility.
• Serve as a positive role model for other Corrections and Custody Officers and assist in providing on-the-job training.
• Monitor the completion of the on-the-job training requirements of in-training Corrections and Custody Officers.
• Communicate information to supervisors and staff regarding issues and areas of concern.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent AND three (3) or more years of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult corrections.

OR

• Two (2) years experience as a correctional officer in adult corrections AND successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of accredited college-level course work.

In addition to at least one of the required qualifications options as listed above, this position requires:

Observations - Observes and strategizes personal action based on environment conditions and human behavior.

Technology -Learns and utilizes computer-based applications in the performance of the job duties.

Stress Tolerance - Remains calm and rational while handling difficult situations to include, but not limited to, volatile, threatening, or other crisis/emergency situations. Expertly intervenes in response to threats.

Professional Standards - Knows and applies relevant law, policy, procedure, and practice. Adheres to productivity standards and timelines established by law and policy. Identifies own training needs and proactively seeks training opportunities.

Adaptability - Incorporates new information into an existing framework of understanding. Accepts change and supports the Agency through changes in law, policy, and procedure.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Write clearly, factually, and concisely.
• Recall detailed instruction.
• Maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.
• Use oral and written communication effectively in routine and emergency situations.
• Develop and promote positive and professional interpersonal relationship skills.

Supplemental information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values:

1. Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
2. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
3. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
4. Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
5. Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• In order to be considered for this position, please attach the following items with your application:
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
• **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• 3 days of paid bereavement per year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

OR

PSERS: Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email dsmcdonald@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 360-640-5117. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.