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Correctional Officer 1 (CO2), Washington State Penitentiary, Walla Walla, WA

Description

Correctional Officer 1 (CO2), Washington State Penitentiary

Full- time and on-call positions available

Washington State Penitentiary (WSP), Walla Walla, WA

SAVE THE DATE!

Qualified candidates will be invited to an in Person Hiring Event to interview

Date: Thursday, April2, 2026

Successful candidates for this recruitment would attend the earliest Training Academy available.

About Prison Facilities

The Washington legislature has established a comprehensive system of corrections for convicted law violators within the state of Washington to accomplish a primary objective of ensuring public safety. The system is designed and managed to provide the maximum feasible safety for the persons and property of the general public, the staff, and the inmates (RCW 72.09.010).

The Department of Corrections (DOC) has 11 prison facilities with custody levels ranging from minimum to maximum security.

Salary Information

Corrections & Custody Officer 1 (TEAMSTERS Range 45 Step J-M)

  • Full-time - $6,046 - $6,512
  • On-call/Hourly - $34.75 - $37.43

Corrections & Custody Officer 2: (TEAMSTERS Range 48 Step J-M)

  • Full-time - $6,512 - $7,013
  • On-call/Hourly - $37.43 - $40.30

To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 2 (CO2) level you must meet the following qualifications:

  • One year of experience as a Department of Corrections (DOC) Corrections and Custody Officer, which includes successful completion of the CORE (Academy) and the Correctional Officer Field Training Program.

OR

  • One year of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult or juvenile corrections where security functions equivalent to DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2 were performed.

On-Call Positions

On-call staff may have the opportunity to work an average of 32-40 hours per week, although the positions have no minimum hour guarantee. Incumbents will be required to attend 6 weeks of full-time paid training immediately upon hire and will be considered for full-time permanent and/or temporary vacancies as they occur. All correctional officers, including those in on-call positions, are provided with a benefits package including medical, dental, vision and retirement as well as paid sick leave, holiday pay and paid vacation; provided they work at least 20 hours or more each week.

Please note: if you recently applied to this location within the last 90 days, there is no need to reapply.

Facility information: Washington State Penitentiary

1313 North 13th Avenue Walla Walla, WA 99362

The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking highly motivated and talented individuals for the positions of Correctional Officer 1 and/or 2, at the Washington State Penitentiary, Walla Walla, WA . WSP is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The on call/intermittent positions have no minimum hour guarantee.

Custody Level: Maximum, Close, Medium, Minimum

Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) is a 2.439- bed multi-custody facility. WSP opened in 1886 and has changed over its years of operation. WSP is the oldest standing prison in Washington State. WSP structures its operations and programs around practices that show sustainable reductions in incarcerated individuals returning to prison while also enhancing security for the facility and safety for communities across Washington.

To learn more, click on the link: Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) | Washington State Department of Corrections

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.

Click here to learn more about the Correctional Officer hiring process.

Duties

This job class is designated as in-training. The employee will advance to CO2 after satisfactory completion of the CO1 training requirements.

In an adult correctional facility, Correctional Officers provide safety and security, and assist in controlling, directing, and monitoring the activities and movement of incarcerated individuals. This includes maintaining security of the institution and controlling movement into, out of and within the institution in accordance with established department methods and procedures.

Correctional Officers are expected to be a positive role model and work with the incarcerated individuals to help them become productive members of society from the day they arrive under supervision. Correctional Officers use interpersonal skills and good communication skills to correct and counteract criminal thinking while maintaining safe confinement environments for the individuals to pursue a successful re-entry into communities. The successful candidates for Correctional Officer 1 will possess creative thinking, self-confidence, strong role-modeling and good physical and mental conditioning.

Overtime is an essential function of this position.

Correctional Officers must successfully complete Correctional Worker Core (CWC), a six-week academy for all correctional workers employed in DOC prison facilities. We know that managing difficult people takes more than force. It takes observation, knowledge, skills, and continual practice. Every DOC employee is provided with initial training designed to help assure safe working conditions and will continue to get on-the-job training throughout their employment.

Click here to learn more about Training & Development at DOC.

Qualifications

  • Graduation from high school or GED
  • Valid Driver's license
  • The legal (Constitutional) right to carry a firearm

Note: Pre-employment process includes drug testing and psychological evaluation.

To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 2 (CO2 ) level you must meet the following qualifications:

  • One year of experience as a Department of Corrections (DOC) Corrections and Custody Officer, which includes successful completion of the CORE (Academy) and the Correctional Officer Field Training Program.
  • One year of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult or juvenile corrections where security functions equivalent to DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2 were performed.

Supplemental Information

  • The work of a Correctional Officer, and the required training, can be physically demanding at times. Click here to review a description of the training you'll receive, and the associated requirements.
  • Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. 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 in close proximity to 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 will 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 will 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 may also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
  • This position is included in a union shop.
  • Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to step L in your permanent salary range.
  • Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.

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:

  • Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
  • 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
  • 12 paid holidays a year
  • Generous retirement plan
  • Flex Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Assistance
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Visit our benefits page to see more!

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:

  • Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.
  • Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
  • Promote inclusiveness.
  • Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
  • Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

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.

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 May Retire Under Two Different Systems/plans

  • 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.

OR

  • 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.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email: anne.krueger@doc1.wa.gov or call 509-954-0790.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

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.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information .

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Do you have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have the right under the law to possess and use a firearm? To have this right you must be: An individual who is a U.S. citizen and is not prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm for reasons such as criminal history or being subject to a domestic violence protection order. An individual who is a lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) and is not prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm for reasons such as criminal history or being subject to a domestic violence protection order. An individual who is a nonimmigrant alien who is lawfully admitted to the United States without a visa (e.g. Visa Waiver Program), is not prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm for reasons such as criminal history or being subject to a domestic violence protection order AND meets Washington state requirements for lawful possession of a firearm. An individual who is a nonimmigrant alien who has obtained a waiver from the prohibition on possessing a firearm from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) and 922(y)(3)/27 CFR 478.11 and

  • Yes, I have the right under law to possess and use a firearm
  • No, I do not have the right to possess or use a firearm and understand this disqualifies me from moving forward in the process

03

Please select the answer that best describes your highest level of education:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
  • High School diploma/GED with Some College
  • Associate of Arts Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher
  • I do not have any of the above-mentioned education options

04

Have you applied for a Correctional Officer position with Washington State Dept. of Corrections within the last 6 months?

  • Yes
  • No

05

How did you hear about the opportunity that you are applying to?

  • careers.wa.gov (WA State careers page)
  • Diversityjobs.com (or other diversity job board)
  • doc.wa.gov (DOC website or jobs page)
  • DOC social media (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc.)
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Job/Career fair
  • Online job board (Indeed, Monster, Careerbuilder, Craigslist, etc.)
  • Veteran Source (Job board, Social Media, Military Organization, etc.)
  • WorkSource HIRING event
  • Referral from current DOC employee
  • Other

06

If you were referred by a current DOC employee, please provide their first and last name below, otherwise type “N/A”.

07

If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents)

  • Yes
  • No

08

If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Required Question

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