Description
Most people never see the inside of a correctional facility. You'll go to work there every day, and the stability, structure, and purpose you bring to that environment matters more than most people realize.
As a Correctional Officer with Respond Capture Department of Corrections, you'll maintain safety and order inside one of the most demanding institutional environments in public safety. It takes composure, consistency, and the ability to read people and situations before they escalate. If you have those qualities, this career will reward them.
What the work looks like
You'll supervise incarcerated individuals, manage daily operations within housing units, respond to emergencies, conduct searches, write incident reports, and coordinate with case managers, medical staff, and other departments. No two days are identical. You'll develop sharp situational awareness, de-escalation skills, and an understanding of human behavior that few careers can match.
Compensation and benefits
Starting pay ranges from approximately $48,000 to $62,000 annually, with step increases tied to tenure and performance. Full medical, dental, and vision coverage, PERS retirement, paid training, shift differentials, and clear advancement pathways into supervision, investigations, transport, and specialized units make this a career with real long-term potential.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
U.S. citizen or permanent resident authorized to work in the U.S.
18 years of age or older at time of appointment
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history
Must pass a comprehensive background investigation
Must pass a physical fitness evaluation
Must pass a medical evaluation
Must pass a psychological evaluation
Must pass a drug screening
Normal color vision required
Certifications
Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Corrections Officer Basic Certification required prior to solo assignment, or must be obtainable within the academy training period
CPR and First Aid certification required (or obtainable upon hire)
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) provided during academy; ongoing recertification required
Use of Force certification per department standards
NIMS/ICS 100 and 700 required within first year
Lateral candidates with active DPSST Corrections certification and documented experience may qualify for expedited placement
Experience
No prior correctional experience required for entry-level candidates; full academy and on-the-job training provided
Military service, security, law enforcement, social work, and behavioral health backgrounds are all strong assets
Lateral candidates with 2+ years of documented corrections experience and current DPSST certification may qualify for accelerated placement and higher starting pay
Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply and may be eligible for additional compensation
Candidates with experience in mental health, substance use, or trauma-informed care bring valuable skills to this role