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Prison Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prison Officer

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$21.25/hr

Investigo Government Solutions are looking for experienced Prison Officers to work on the Island of Guernsey. This is a temporary role for 3 months with potential extension. We can only accept ...

Jane Kahn Legal Fellow

Berkeley, CA ยท On-site +1

$107K - $134K/yr

Prison Law Office is a nonprofit public interest law firm that strives to reduce incarceration and demands fair and humane treatment for people who remain in prisons, jails, immigration detention ...

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Prison information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$43.1K

$58.2K

How much do prison jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison in California is $43,113.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $50,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are different types of prison jobs?

Prison jobs refer to the various roles and responsibilities performed by incarcerated individuals within a correctional facility. These jobs can include tasks such as food service, laundry, janitorial work, maintenance, and manufacturing goods. Prison jobs help facilities run smoothly, provide inmates with work experience and skills, and may offer small wages. Participation in prison jobs can also contribute to rehabilitation and improve chances of successful reentry into society after release.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in a prison environment?

Correctional officers often face challenges such as managing high-stress situations, maintaining personal safety, and ensuring the safety of inmates and staff. The role requires effective communication and conflict resolution skills, as officers may need to de-escalate confrontations and enforce rules consistently. Additionally, balancing security protocols with humane treatment of inmates can be demanding, and officers must remain vigilant to prevent incidents while fostering a respectful environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prison officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prison Officer, you need a comprehensive understanding of security protocols, conflict resolution, and basic law enforcement, usually supported by a high school diploma and specialized training. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong communication, resilience under pressure, and sound judgment are essential soft skills for managing inmates and maintaining order. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, enforcing rules, and supporting rehabilitation within correctional facilities.

What is the difference between Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectPrisonCorrectional Officer
DefinitionA facility where individuals are incarcerated for crimes.A professional responsible for supervising inmates within prisons or jails.
Required CredentialsVaries by facility; often includes security training and background checks.High school diploma or GED; security training; sometimes certifications.
Work EnvironmentSecure prison facilities, often indoors with security protocols.Prison or jail settings, patrolling, monitoring inmates, enforcing rules.
Industry UsagePrisons are the physical facilities; correctional officers are staff working inside them.

Prisons are the facilities where inmates are held, while correctional officers are the staff responsible for supervising and maintaining order within these facilities. Understanding this distinction helps clarify roles within the criminal justice system.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prison jobs in California?

The most popular types of Prison jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Prison jobs?

Cities in California with the most Prison job openings:

Infographic showing various Prison job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,113 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Prison Canteen Manager II

Kern Valley State Prison

Delano, CA โ€ข On-site

$5.7K - $7.1K/mo

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Under the supervision of the Procurement and Services Officer II, the Prison Canteen Manager II is responsible for the operation of the Incarcerated Population Canteens; selects and orders merchandise offered for sale to the incarcerated population; maintains accurate records of sales; supervises canteen staff and incarcerated workers; manages the budget for the canteen operation.
All other duties as required
Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Individuals must specify on their application that they are applying for a Training and Development assignment.
CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their application.
This advertisement is for a Prison Canteen Manager position, located at Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) in Delano, CA (Kern County). Please indicate the position number on your application: 916-700-1576-201.
Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented. PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027.
Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.
Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure to have a valid email address on your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to check their email inbox, to include junk emails, for any correspondences regarding their application status.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
About the location - Kern Valley State Prison is located in Delano, the heart of California's Central Valley. With a diverse population, Delano thrives as a melting pot of cultures, each adding its own unique flavor to the community. From lively festivals celebrating the area's Filipino, Mexican, and other heritage groups, to the local farmers' markets showcasing the bountiful produce of Kern County, Delano is a city that embraces its diversity making it an ideal place to live, work, and play.
Delano's thriving business environment provides numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs, retailers, and corporations. The city's strategic location, connected by major highways and rail lines, makes it an attractive hub for commerce and innovation. Local initiatives foster a business-friendly climate, driving growth and prosperity in the region.
For those seeking leisure, Delano offers a plethora of recreational activities. Parks, theaters, museums, and more beckon residents and visitors alike. Annual events like the Harvest Holidays parade and the Cinco de Mayo celebration provide entertainment for all ages, while the city's amenities cater to a modern, fulfilling lifestyle.
Whether you're looking to establish roots, launch a business, or simply experience the warmth of a tight-knit community, Delano awaits. Join us in this city of promise, where the past informs a bright future.
KVSP is a Level IV facility consisting of four semi-autonomous 180 designed facilities and two stand-alone Administrative Segregation Units, all surrounded by a Lethal Electrified Perimeter Fence.
This is a Correctional Institution open 24 hours/7 days a week, all positions will be office centered.
This is a Correctional facility; you will come in contact with incarcerated persons.
There is also a Level I Minimum Support Facility. It is on 600 acres. KVSP received Level I's in June 2005 and Level IV's in July 2005.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • PRISON CANTEEN MANAGER II
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528209
Position #(s):
916-700-1576-201
Working Title:
Prison Canteen Manager II
Classification:
PRISON CANTEEN MANAGER II $5,772.00 - $7,162.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Kern County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.
Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
Commitment
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.
CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.
CDCR/CCHCS values all team members. We work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population, which includes medical, dental, nursing, mental health, and pharmacy. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR/CCHCS mission.
Human Resources Contact email address:
m_KVSP.Personnel_HiringRecruitment@cdcr.ca.gov
Special Requirements
Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
https://www.naces.org/
Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.
When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.
CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to http://www.e-verify.gov/ .
This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/25/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Kern Valley State Prison
Postal
Attn: Personnel
PO Box 1810
Delano , CA 93216-1810
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Kern Valley State Prison
Drop-Off
Personnel
3000 W. Cecil Avenue
Delano , CA 93216
Drop Box is not available on weekends, holidays, and after 4 pm from Mon-Fri
07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Shall create and promote an inclusive workplace that empowers employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, www.calhr.ca.gov , and the CalPERS website, www.calpers.ca.gov .
Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx .
Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Training/Pages/performance-management-merit-system-principles.aspx .
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx .
This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Alexzandrea Medel
(661) 721-6300 ext: 5621
m_KVSP.Personnel_HiringRecruitment@cdcr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Cassie Palos
(661) 721-6300 ext: 5602
m_KVSP.Personnel_HiringRecruitment@cdcr.ca.gov
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