Correctional Officer

Security Controls/Control Center Operations

Monitor keys, radios and other security equipment, fire system alarm systems, distress calls, and control of interior and exterior door locks. Operates electronic doors, telephone systems, two-way radios, intercom, alarm systems, closed circuit TV systems, personal data assistants, computer terminals and uses weapons/incarcerated individual control devices.

Facility Patrol

Patrol facilities and makes security checks, conducts rounds and incarcerated individual counts; inspects all areas of the institution and grounds for safety/security deficiencies. Conducts searches of incarcerated individuals, vehicles, packages, equipment, and incarcerated individuals' cells and property for contraband items.

Perimeter Patrol

Patrol perimeter on a periodic basis assuring perimeter security, assuring fences are secure, monitoring vehicle traffic, and radio communication with other staff; search vehicles entering or leaving grounds; provide security, safety and fire watch for all buildings on grounds. This position is considered a weapons post.

Transportation/Escort Services

Transport inmates on grounds and off-grounds. Escorts incarcerated individuals, visitors and staff inside/outside of the institution and verifies possession of appropriate passes or legal documents. Interacts with the general public, visitors and victims in person or via phone in a professional and courteous manner. Provides information, security, and assistance.

Interpersonal Interactions and Core Correctional Practices

Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding and utilization of skills of core correctional practice. Continuously interacts with incarcerated individual, utilizing behavioral techniques to assist in the development of problem solving skills, facilitating behavior change, role playing, effective disapproval, providing positive reinforcement when appropriate, and instituting corrective measures through the effective use of disapproval. Through behavioral modeling and interactions, serve as a change agents when working with incarcerated individuals to prepare them for successful community reentry.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.

Additional Qualification Requirements

All applicants must be able to successfully pass the following:

• Psychological tests
• A background investigation check.
• A post-offer health screen administered by an institutional physician.
• A urinalysis screen for drugs.
• All new employee training during the probationary period, including local orientation, new employee orientation, and emergency preparedness training.
• Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain a Commercial Driver's License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.