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State Prison Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

CO · On-site

$4.8K - $6.7K/mo

Knowledge of criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination ...

$4.8K - $6.7K/mo

The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the ...

New

CO · On-site

$5.0K - $7.1K/mo

Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. for more information. This position is compensated on a ... prison facility Position oversees the production of meal services for an inmate population which ...

CO · On-site

$5.0K - $7.1K/mo

Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. for more information. This position is compensated on a ... prison facility. Position oversees the production of meal services for an inmate population which ...

Showing results 21-40

State Prison information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$51

$88

How much do state prison jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for state prison in Colorado is $51.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $80.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a state prison?

State prisons are correctional facilities operated by state governments to house individuals convicted of violating state laws. These facilities typically hold inmates serving sentences longer than one year, often for felonies. State prisons differ from federal prisons, which are run by the federal government for those convicted of federal crimes. Inmates in state prisons may participate in rehabilitation, education, and work programs during their incarceration.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work as a correctional officer in a state prison?

To thrive as a State Prison Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, knowledge of criminal justice procedures, and physical fitness to manage security and inmate interactions. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and incident reporting tools is typically required, and some states may require completion of a correctional officer training academy. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and stress management skills are essential for maintaining order and safety. These capabilities are crucial to ensure the secure, humane, and effective operation of correctional facilities.

What challenges do correctional officers face in a state prison, and how can they manage them?

Correctional officers in state prisons often encounter challenges such as maintaining safety in a high-stress environment, managing conflicts between inmates, and adapting to changing schedules or mandatory overtime. Building strong communication skills, practicing situational awareness, and participating in ongoing training can help officers manage these challenges effectively. Additionally, seeking support from colleagues and utilizing employee assistance programs can be valuable in coping with the demands of the role.

What is the difference between State Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectState PrisonCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; background check; training programHigh school diploma or GED; training academy; background check
Work EnvironmentSecure prison facility, often large and complexInside prison facilities, supervising inmates
Employer & IndustryState government correctional departmentsState correctional facilities, federal or private prisons
Job RoleManage inmate behavior, enforce rules, maintain securitySupervise inmates, monitor activities, ensure safety

While a State Prison refers to the facility itself, a Correctional Officer is the professional responsible for maintaining security and order within that facility. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the correctional industry, but the prison is the environment, and the officer is the personnel ensuring safety and compliance.

What are popular job titles related to State Prison jobs in Colorado?

For State Prison jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching State Prison jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for State Prison jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for State Prison jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most State Prison job openings:

Infographic showing various State Prison job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,222 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

CDOC Correctional Officer I - Ark Valley Correctional Facility

State of Colorado

CO • On-site

$4.8K - $6.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


State Of Colorado rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states


Job description

Department Information Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF) opened in August 1987. The facility is located just off of Highway 96 four miles west of Ordway and 40 miles east of Pueblo. AVCF is a Level III facility that manages a diverse population of medium custody inmates.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.

In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer: Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system; Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined; Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans. Member Contribution Rates. Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits; Medical and dental health plans; Short and long term disability coverage; Paid life insurance; 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave; Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more; Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits.

for more information. A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

The resulting eligibility list may be used to fill future vacancies at this location. Work Location: 12750 CO-96 #13, Ordway, CO 81063, USA Description of Job The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections' (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry.

Correctional Officers respectfully communicate with inmates and their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers and the public; presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions must cooperate with other staff members and work as a cohesive team, while managing a diverse inmate population. Positions maintain the safety and security of the general public, staff and inmates.

Duties include, but are not limited to: Work directly with inmates in a locked facility; Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas; Man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification); Monitor facility perimeter, detain unidentified pedestrians and/or vehicles; Operate a variety of mechanical doors, security devices, equipment and alarms; Control movement of inmates throughout the daily schedule; Escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles; Monitor visiting areas; Conduct formal, informal and emergency counts; Cross check and maintain movement logs; Conduct searches for contraband (this may include canine, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip and vehicle searches); Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety and sanitation standards; Inspect inmate mail and property; Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations, such as fights, medical emergencies, fires and escapes; Follow established tool and key control, ensure proper storage and documentation; Attend roll call; Document incidents utilize established reporting practices; Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors. Positions are subject to working additional hours and/or shifts to maintain safety and security of facilities that are open 24/7. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or a GED certificate.

Be advised: In accordance with State Personnel Rule 4-39 (C)(9), acceptance of a Correctional Officer I (CO I) position may result in your removal from consideration for all other CO I vacancies. Additionally for transfers per Administrator Regulation (AR) 1450-09 IV (A) (5) (a). When an employee has completed one year at their current facility/office and/or classification, the employee is eligible to request a transfer.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity and dependability; Sound judgment, reasoning and decision making skills; Self control, strong sense of ability to work in stressful situations; Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively cooperate with other staff members and inspire teamwork; Excellent customer service and attention to detail; Ability to read and comprehend the English language; Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing; Ability to visually observe and audibly hear in order to observe changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breeches and verbally communicate pertinent information; Ability to visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas; Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully; Knowledge of criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines; Ability to perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email; Ability to study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method; Ability to incorporate the CDOC mission statement while completing daily job duties; Knowledge of and willingness to apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry; Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with inmate families and the public; Ability to effectively communicate and work with inmates through daily monitoring in a variety of situations; Ability to control, direct and instruct inmates individually and in groups; Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population; Ability to remain alert and observant throughout shift; Ability to conduct searches (canine, general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle); Ability to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment; Ability to safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors; Ability to learn about and utilize firearms, restraints and security devices in a safe and professional manner; Ability to use and be exposed to chemical agents (e.g. pepper spray); Ability to learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone switchboard, public address equipment); Ability to seize, hold, grasp and turn objects; Willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols; Ability to quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes); Ability to use physical force to control a situation; Ability to climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift; Willingness and ability to work outside during inclement weather; Willingness and ability to adhere to the CDOC Drug Deterrence Program Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations; Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift; Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction. PREFERRED QUALIFICATION Bilingual Mentoring others and/or volunteer work IMPORTANT INFORMATION The Assessment Process: Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's)

Applicants that meet MQ's will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, Online Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration. Be sure the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above.

Resumes and "see resume" statements will not be accepted in lieu of the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants. Employees who are rehired or reinstated within six months of their separation will return at either their previous pay rate if hired into the same class level or based on their time in the class series, whichever is higher.

Those rehired or reinstated after six months' separation will be calculated using the same formula for new hires and promotions. Please note that while this change in role may constitute a change in title and/or responsibility, salary adjustments are not guaranteed and may be influenced by factors such as internal pay equity, budget constraints, market benchmarks, or the individual's current compensation level. Any changes to compensation will be determined separately and communicated accordingly.

If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application. If an unofficial copy of transcripts is being submitted at the time of application, transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service

This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process. Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.

In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years. Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process. Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g

uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it. **You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records** CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC's consideration of application for employment. Must be 21 years of age Possess a valid driver's license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver's license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.

State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards. Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria. Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years.

All State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet vehicle. Possess a high school diploma or GED Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination are required to: Disclose the details of the prior termination or resignation on the application. Explain why the circumstances of the prior separation should not disqualify them from the current position.

Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDOC. Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C

301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609

The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents

Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time. Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics

Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist Stabilize another pers...


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