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Senior Correctional Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Correctional Officer II

Middleton, MA · On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

Works under the direct supervision of senior correction officers or a correction employee of higher rank who provide instruction and guidance, assign work and review performance through oral and ...

Corrections Officer

Austin, TX · On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

As a Senior Corrections Officer, you are eligible to apply to be part of one of our specialized units. If you are an experienced corrections officer, please review salary information below: 5+ years ...

Corrections Officer

Austin, TX · On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

As a Senior Corrections Officer, you are eligible to apply to be part of one of our specialized units. If you are an experienced corrections officer, please review salary information below: 5+ years ...

... Sr. High School. Outdoor recreation areas include fields, courts, and a running track. The ... As a Correctional Officer at the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, you will be responsible ...

... Sr. High School. Outdoor recreation areas include fields, courts, and a running track. The ... As a Correctional Officer at the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, you will be responsible ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Correctional Officer information

See salary details

$34.5K

$80.8K

$125.5K

How much do senior correctional officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior correctional officer in the United States is $80,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior correctional officer?

Senior Correctional Officers are experienced professionals who oversee the safety, security, and order within correctional facilities such as prisons or jails. They supervise both inmates and junior correctional staff, enforce facility rules, and respond to incidents or emergencies. Their responsibilities often include conducting inspections, managing inmate behavior, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. Senior Correctional Officers also play a key role in training new officers and may be involved in administrative tasks. Their work is critical to maintaining a secure and orderly environment within the correctional system.

What are some common challenges faced by senior correctional officers in managing both inmates and junior staff?

Senior Correctional Officers often encounter the challenge of balancing security protocols with effective leadership. They are responsible for supervising junior officers, ensuring adherence to procedures, and maintaining order among inmates, which can be stressful and require strong decision-making skills. Additionally, they must address conflicts, provide mentorship, and foster teamwork while maintaining a safe environment. Effective communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution are essential to navigate these daily responsibilities successfully.

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

To thrive as a Senior Correctional Officer, you need thorough knowledge of correctional facility operations, security procedures, and relevant legal regulations, generally supported by several years of correctional experience and completion of specialized training programs. Familiarity with incident management systems, surveillance technologies, and report-writing software is typically required. Leadership, sound judgment, and strong interpersonal skills help you effectively supervise staff, manage conflicts, and maintain order. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, compliance, and a secure environment within correctional institutions.

What is the difference between Senior Correctional Officer vs Correctional Officer?

AspectSenior Correctional OfficerCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, correctional training, experienceHigh school diploma, correctional training
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, manages inmate activitiesSupervises inmates, enforces rules
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, policy enforcement, staff oversightInmate supervision, security duties

The main difference is that a Senior Correctional Officer has additional responsibilities such as supervising staff and managing inmate programs, while a Correctional Officer primarily focuses on inmate supervision and security. The senior role requires more experience and often involves leadership duties within correctional facilities.

What jobs can I do after being a senior correctional officer?

After serving as a senior correctional officer, individuals can transition into roles such as law enforcement officer, probation officer, security manager, or criminal justice trainer. These positions often require knowledge of security procedures, report writing, and sometimes additional certifications or training. Career advancement may involve pursuing further education or specialized certifications in criminal justice or law enforcement.
More about Senior Correctional Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Correctional Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Correctional Officer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional Officer jobs?

The most popular types of Correctional Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Correctional Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Correctional Officer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Correctional Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,781 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

$52K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

**If interested in applying, please go to:  www.essexsheriffma.org to apply or contact Craig Koulopoulos at 978-750-1900 ext. 3476

General Statement of Duties:

The basic purpose of this position is to maintain order and security in a correctional institution.  Incumbents of positions in this area maintain care and custody of inmates detained or sentenced to the Essex County Correctional Facility, ensuring that established policies and procedures are followed; supervise their occupational, vocational, and recreational activities; patrol correctional facilities; observe conduct and behavior of inmates; investigate suspicious inmate activity; and perform related work as required.  Other duties performed are under somewhat undesirable working conditions and may require intermittent moderate physical effort and potential risk of injury typically associated with working with inmates.  Incumbents hold the sworn office of Correctional Officer.

Supervision Received:

Works under the direct supervision of senior correction officers or a correction employee of higher rank who provide instruction and guidance, assign work and review performance through oral and written reports for adherence to policy and conformance with rules and regulations.

Supervision Exercised:

Exercises direct supervision over, assign work to, and review performance of correctional officers and other personnel on behalf of his/her immediate supervisor.  Oversee activities of inmates assigned to various work crews

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

- Maintain custodial care and control of inmates detained or sentenced to the Essex County Correctional Facility by escorting them under restraint; patrolling facilities; making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks of building, grounds and inmate quarters.

- Monitors inmate movements and whereabouts.

- Supervises and directs inmates during work assignments in order to maintain order and security.

- Observes conduct and behavior of inmates, noting significant behavioral patterns, to prevent disturbances, violence, escapes, or other crises such as suicides.

- Notes and investigates suspicious inmate activity relative to contraband by searching individuals, packages, mail and inmate quarters for weapons or other forbidden devices, objects, and material.

- Develops working relationships with inmates by referring individuals to appropriate supportive services (medical, psychiatric, vocational, etc.) as needed to aid in rehabilitation and to foster an atmosphere of cooperation between inmates and staff.

- Prepares written reports on such occurrences as fires, disturbances, accidents, security breaches, etc.

- Makes entries into unit log of daily activities and reviews daily activity reports to have accurate and uptodate information.

- Perform related duties such as screening visitors; operating twoway radios; carrying and operating firearms, serving food to inmates, etc.

- Assist in transporting inmates outside of facility.

- Prepare disciplinary, informational, and confidential reports.

- Uses physical force in a lawful manner, in accordance with the Essex County Sheriff's Department policies and procedures, to maintain or restore order.

- Carries and uses firearms when authorized in a safe and lawful manner.

Qualifications

- 19 years of age or older.

- High School diploma or GED certificate. 

- Must successfully pass an extensive personal interview and background check.

- Ability to qualify in all phases of testing (written, medical, physical, and psychological).

- Must not have been convicted of a felony or served a sentence in a Jail or House of Correction.

- Some knowledge of correctional procedures.

- Ability to instruct, counsel, and advise inmates having in mind their rehabilitation and return to society.

- Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator's License. 

- Regular and predictable work attendance.

- Ability to act calmly, make decisions and act quickly in emergency and dangerous situations.  Ability to adapt to varying work situations.

- Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.

- Ability to establish and maintain rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds

- Ability to motivate others and to understand, explain and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.

- Ability to maintain accurate records and follow fairly complex written and oral instructions.

- Ability to lift or carry inmate or fellow officer in time of need.

- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of times.  Possess reasonable physical stamina and endurance.

- Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, analyze and determine the applicability of data, draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.

- Ability to determine proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.