Correctional Officer

Salary: $52,657.00 - $60,121.00 Annually
Location : Towson, MD
Job Type: MERIT
Job Number: 10.114 02-2026
Department: CORRECTIONS
Opening Date: 02/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Pay Schedule I, Grade 3C, Regular Schedule: 40 hours per week

This job announcement may close at any time anytime with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

You MUST meet the following requirements before you can be hired as a Correctional Officer:

• High School diploma or an appropriate equivalent;
• At least 18 years old by the time you are hired;
• A citizen or resident alien of the United States;
• Successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation;
• Successfully complete a psychological evaluation and polygraph examination;
• Successfully complete a physical and medical examination

Application Process A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the information listed below.

Applicants will automatically receive a system-generated email confirmation when their applications have been successfully submitted.


Once applicants are deemed eligible by meeting the minimum qualifications, they will be invited to take a written exam with Baltimore County's testing vendor to continue on in the process.

Make sure to review the Written Examination section below for additional information on this process.

Examples of Duties
Under general supervision, maintains care and custody of inmates, security, and order on and off the property of the Baltimore County Department of Corrections.

• Assists in the receiving or discharging of inmates;
• Assures that inmates are searched, bathed, clothed, and assigned to cells;
• Confines and releases inmates from cells;
• Monitors inmate activities;
• Drives a County vehicle to transport and escort inmates to and from medical facilities and other locations;
• Supervises inmates on work details;
• Patrols, on foot, the internal and external perimeters of the institution, making periodic inspections of conditions;
• Enforces rules and regulations governing the conduct of visitors;
• Examines packages to be received by inmates;
• Maintains discipline and orderly conduct;
• Breaks up fights among inmates, restrains disorderly inmates;
• Uses appropriate self-defense tactics to deflect assault by inmates;
• Administers CPR and first aid;
• Investigates and handles emergencies and disorders within the Department of Corrections;
• Operates radios, telephones, and other communication equipment;
• Prepares routine reports and records;
• Keeps inventory of various items;
• Attends State mandated training to achieve and maintain correctional officer certification.

Examples of Other Duties

• Performs general clerical duties.
• Assists in training new officers.
• Performs other related duties as required.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Qualifications
Training and Experience Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent.

To become a Correctional Officer, you must:

• Have a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent;
• Be at least 18 years old by the time you are hired;
• Be a citizen or resident alien of the United States;
• Successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation;
• Successfully complete a psychological evaluation and a polygraph examination;
• Successfully complete a physical and medical examination.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)
Ability to count, to read, write, and speak the English language, to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, to operate a motor vehicle safely, to cope with situations in a firm and tactful manner with respect for the rights of others, to respond quickly and effectively, to make proper decisions under pressure, to learn from experience and apply knowledge gained effectively.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)
Knowledge of human relations, inmate character and habits, supervision of inmates, disciplinary, security, emergency, and safety policies and procedures, departmental rules and regulations, location of routine and emergency equipment, and appropriate terminology.

Skill in record keeping and report writing, using effective verbal and non-verbal communication, CPR, first-aid, riot control equipment, restraining devices, fire extinguishers and other security and safety equipment, and driving a County vehicle while monitoring inmates.

Ability to protect oneself and others, to handle hostile inmates with minimum amount of force, to observe and note unusual occurrences, to be aware of surroundings, to supervise inmates, to perform duties according to established policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Age Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.

Citizenship Requirements
All applicants must be citizens or resident aliens of the United States at the time of application.

Character Requirements
All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally and mentally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, a psychological examination, and a drug test. Persons appointed to this classification are subject to random screening.

Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others, as determined by a test of physical ability. In addition, after accepting an appointment to a position within this classification, all candidates will be required to pass a physical examination.

Licenses and Certificates
Some assignments may require possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial Class C Maryland driver's license.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on the requirements, qualifications and answers to the supplemental questions. Once eligibility is established, candidates must pass a written examination to continue on in the hiring process.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Once prospective Correctional Officer applicants submit their application and are deemed eligible, they will receive an invitation from the National Testing Network (NTN). This invitation will include instructions for first-time users on how to create an NTN account and register for the written exam. Applicants with existing NTN accounts will receive guidance on how to re-submit a previous exam. Additional information is available upon request for candidates who require a physical testing location.
Continue to monitor your e-mail spam folder to ensure you do not miss your NTN invitation.

PLEASE NOTE: The written exam should be scheduled and taken within 10 days of receipt of the NTN invitation. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, as failure to follow them will result in you being responsible for the cost of the second exam.


Make sure to read the test instructions prior to taking the test due to the minimum computer requirements you must have like reliable internet connection, a camera, a certain type of internet browser, etc. You also must log into the test 10 minutes early before your exams starts. If you are late, you will be denied entry.

AGILITY TEST:

Applicants who pass the written exam will be invited to participate in the physical agility testing, at a later date. You will be contacted about the physical agility test date, time, and location by the Baltimore County Department of Corrections Office of Human Resources.


The physical Agility Test includes:

1. Timed Shuttle Run - Must run 300 yards in 75 seconds or less.
2. Body Drag - Lift a 180-pound weight of dummy to shoulder height and drag 50 yards.
3. Body Lift and Hold - Lift a 180-pound weight dummy by wrapping arms around the dummy and interlocking fingers under the buttocks, and lift. Examinees will be required to hold in this position for 60 seconds.
4. Must successfully complete ALL above three (3) tasks to receive a passing score at the scheduled Agility Test.

Conditions of Employment
Personnel appointed to this position will be required to work an average scheduled workweek of 40 hours, which will includes Saturday, Sunday, and holidays . Employees in this classification will be required to work any of three shifts in order that twenty-four hour coverage is maintained.

All employees are subject to call to duty and to overtime in emergencies with little or no notice.


During the first year of employment, the employee must receive certification as a correctional officer from the Maryland Correctional Training Commission.

Employees must pass retraining requirements as mandated throughout employment.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification entails frequent walking and standing. The work involves frequent interaction with an inmate population at the detention center. Some assignments may entail the operation of a motor vehicle.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.
Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance
General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.
Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave
Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave
Vacation Leave
Personal Leave
Holidays
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance
70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer
This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.
01


The purpose of the supplemental questions listed below is to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this job classification. Answer each question accurately and thoroughly.

• I have read and acknowledge this statement.

02


Do you possess a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you currently 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

04


If you are not currently 18 years of age at the time of this application, will you become 18 years of age within the next three months?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you a citizen or resident alien of the United States at the time of this application?

• Yes
• No

06


If you are a resident alien of the United States, have you been in the United States of America for at least 5 years?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable. I am a United States citizen.

07



Driver's License: Select the type of driver's license you currently hold that is valid (not expired). Be sure you have provided your driver's license number, class and state in the previous section of this application.

• Commercial Driver's License equivalent to a Commercial, Class A Maryland Driver's License.
• Commercial Driver's License equivalent to a Commercial, Class B Maryland Driver's License.
• Commercial Driver's License equivalent to a Commercial, Class C Maryland Driver's License with a Passenger Endorsement.
• Non-Commercial Driver's License equivalent to a non-Commercial, Class C Maryland Driver's License.
• Provisional Non-Commercial Driver's License equivalent to a Provisional Non-Commercial, Class C Maryland Driver's License.
• Driver's License Learners Permit
• I do not have a Driver's License

08


Were you referred by a Baltimore County Department of Corrections Employee?

• Yes
• No

09


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide the first and last name of the Baltimore County Department of Corrections employee who referred you. If you answered "No" to the previous question, respond N/A to this question.
10


How did you hear about this position? Select all that apply.

• WMAR ABC TV
• WJZ CBS
• Job Fair (specify) below where)
• Bounce TV Station
• FOX 45 News
• Other (please explain)

11


If you selected "Job Fair" or "Other" to the previous question, please explain .
12


Positions in this class require applicants to be of good moral character and emotionally and mentally stable as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, a psychological examination, polygraph examination, and a drug test. Persons appointed to this classification are subject to random drug screening. Are you willing to submit to all of the above testing?

• Yes
• No

13


Do you have a felony conviction?

• Yes
• No

14


Have you used, tried, or experimented with Marijuana or Hashish at least once in the last one (1) year?

• Yes
• No

15


If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, provide the last date of use. (Month and Year: MM/YYYY) If you answered "No" to the previous question, respond N/A to this question.
16


Have you ever used, tried, or experimented with Mushrooms, Ecstasy or Peyote?

• Yes
• No

17


Have you ever used, tried, or experimented with PCP, LSD, Mescaline and/or their derivatives?

• Yes
• No

18


Persons hired as Correctional Officers will work an average workweek of 40 hours, which may include Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Persons in this classification may be assigned to any of three shifts in order that twenty-four hour coverage is maintained. Are you willing and able to accept these conditions of employment?

• Yes
• No

19


The work of a Correctional Officer entails frequent walking and standing. The work involves frequent interaction with an inmate population at the detention center. Some assignments may entail the operation of a motor vehicle. Are you willing and able to perform the physical activities of this position in these environmental conditions?

• Yes
• No

20


During the first year of employment, persons hired in this classification must receive certification as a Correctional Officer from the Maryland Correctional Training Commission. Persons must pass retraining requirements as mandated throughout employment. Are you willing to accept these conditions of employment?

• Yes
• No

21


Do you have verifiable employment, that was United States of America based, within the last five (5) years?

• Yes
• No

22


Are you willing to provide a Personal, Co-Worker/Supervisor, AND Residential Neighbor reference during the process of recruitment?

• Yes
• No

23


I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my email address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information, visit click on the "career seekers" link, and then follow the prompts.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

24


Communication with applicants will be sent to the email address you provided to complete this application. You are advised to check your email and spam folder regularly.

• I have read and acknowledge this statement.

Required Question