Correctional Officer I

Salida, CO
Chaffee County Sheriff

Salary: $4,697.00 – $6,576.00 Monthly

Closing Date: 6/30/2025

Position Summary:
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.
Essential Functions:

  • 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, strip 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.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or a GED certificate.
  • Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDOC uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. CDOC does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age;
  • Possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with 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;
  • Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
  • Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;
  • Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;
  • Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;
  • Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;
  • Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;
  • Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;
  • Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;
  • Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
  • 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.