Warden - WEC Detention Facility

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Correctional Services - Agency 46

Location:
McCook, NE

Hiring Rate:
$0.000

Job Posting:
JR2026-00026488 Warden - WEC Detention Facility (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
06-03-2026

Job Description:
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) employs nearly 2,300 team members operating eight institutions and one federal detention center. Under the leadership of a deputy director, wardens serve as chief executive officers of their assigned institution and are responsible for the planning, operation, direction and management of the institution utilizing identified initiatives, strategic plan goals, directives and administrative rules of NDCS. We are seeking a transformational leader who brings performance-based management skills, a commitment to servant leadership and the drive to inspire a culture of trust, creativity and commitment to the critical work of the agency and those it serves.


The current warden opportunity is located at the WEC Detention Facility (WECDF), in McCook, Nebraska. The facility operates under an Intergovernmental Service Agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and houses up to 300 adult male detainees.


Information about the Department can be found at: For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact Megan Jones at View email address on click.appcast.io.

This is an appointed discretionary position. Salary based on experience (range: $115,000 to $125,000).

Job Duties:

• Proactive, visionary leader who incorporates systems thinking and strategic planning to direct the overall institutional operations and services consistent with the Department's mission
• Supports and models evidence based practices, vision points and effective communication
• Successful candidate promotes collaborative teamwork concepts, staff mentoring and recognition, while providing clear expectations and objectives
• Initiative to promote innovative correctional operations, detainee programs and job skill opportunities is essential
• Budget preparation and management
• Adherence to Federal Detention and ACA standards
• Ensure comprehensive security checks and audits
• Establishment of institutional goals and objectives and the means to accomplish them
• Good public relations with detainees and their families, governmental and private sectors, as well as the community

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor's degree in appropriate discipline and related administrative experience with demonstrated administrative ability and leadership OR completion of a career development program including work-related experience, training, or college credits equivalent to the bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications : Ten years of increasingly responsible management experience within a correctional setting, of which two years must be in mid-level management of security, custody, and/or unit management functions. Public relations experience. Prior training/experience performing investigations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of NDCS policies, procedures and strategic plan. Demonstrated mission, vision, values in leading teams and performance outcomes. Must be able to demonstrate sound decision-making skills consistent with current correctional practices and theory.

Other : Transcripts required prior to appointment. Must have valid driver's license. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass the following pre-employment exams in this order: medical exam and, at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test. Once at the Staff Training Academy, must successfully complete the fully paid NE Corrections Training Program.

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit:

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.