Correctional Officer I / K-9 Officer

Agency

Adult Correction

Division

COO - OPS - Institutions Operations

Job Classification Title

Correctional Officer I (S)

Position Number

60057468

Grade

CR05

About Us

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters!

Description of Work

This COI position works as a Canine Handler and is assigned to the Security Accountability Section. The position will be utilized primarily in the Western Region.

• Responds to emergencies, searches for escaped offenders.
• The position will be responsible for the training and utilization of all canines.
• The handler will be responsible for the well-being of canines assigned to him/her, including the cleanliness of the canines and the kennels.
• The canine handler is responsible for the daily care and feeding of the canines, ensuring appropriate medical care, and maintaining a record of the canines’ medical history.
• The handler will be responsible for the proper care and maintenance of an assigned vehicle and equipment.
• The handler must participate in annual in-service training and any specialized training required for handler/canine certification.
• This position may be required to coordinate and work with special teams and their missions.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $33,902.00 - $59,327.00

Internal Posting - This is an Internal Posting open only for current North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Employees, and eligible State Government Reduction in Force (RIF) Candidates from North Carolina State Government, or current temporary employees.

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

 

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Demonstrates a minimum of 2 years (specify number) of experience overseeing daily operations within a correctional facility or comparable secure institutional environment.
• Provides documented experience applying and enforcing offender‑management policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in an operational setting.
• Shows verifiable experience participating in or leading emergency preparedness activities, including coordination with special response teams.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the safe use, maintenance, and qualification of firearms, supported by current certifications or documented training records.
• Previous K9 handling experience is preferred but not required.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before the End Date.

About The Division of Institutions:

The Division of Institutions manages the daily operations of all state-operated prison facilities across North Carolina. Facilities are categorized by custody levels (minimum, medium, close) and house individuals serving sentences for felony convictions. The division provides safety, security, and rehabilitative services through trained custody staff, program facilitators, and administrative personnel.

 Compensation and Benefits:

State Benefits Information:
The State of North Carolina offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Health Insurance options
• Retirement Plans
• NCFlex Supplemental Benefits
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Community Service Leave
• Paid Parental Leave

Visit the State Benefits website State Benefits for additional information.

CJ ROLE

To be considered for a Correctional Officer I position, ALL applicants must:

• Meet Criminal Justice Standards requirements (12 NCAC 09G .0302)

• Pass a criminal background check

• Produce a negative drug screening result

• Successfully complete medical and psychological evaluations

• Possess a valid driver’s license.

DAC Contact Information- CJ ROLE

            Supplemental Application Information:

Application Process

NCDAC uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

 

Applicants must complete the application in full. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State application. Applications must include:

•       Complete education history (including high school)

•       Full work experience details

•       Certificates and licenses, if applicable

•       Education must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

•       Information provided must support responses to supplemental questions. Incomplete applications may impact screening and salary determination.

If multiple applications are submitted, only the most recent application received before the closing date will be considered.

 

Criminal Justice Certified Positions

If applying for a position certified through the NC Dept. of Justice - Criminal Justice Standards Division, click this link for specific certification requirements: Correctional & Probation/Parole Officer Certification.

ALL applicants must:

•       Meet Criminal Justice Standards requirements (12 NCAC 09G .0302)

•       Pass a criminal background check

•       Produce a negative drug screening result

•       Successfully complete medical and psychological evaluations

•       Possess a valid driver’s license

 

Education Equivalency Verification

The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.

•       For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members.

 

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

•       Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.

•       Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 

•       Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

PREA Requirement

The NC Dept. of Adult Correction must adhere to the US Dept. of Justice Final Rule on the "National Standards to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Prison Rape." Click this link for information on hiring and promotion prohibition requirements for all positions in the NC Dept. of Adult Correction: PREA Hiring and Promotion Prohibitions

 

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), NCDAC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

Must be eligible for certification by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Dora Chancellor

Email:

DACWorkday@dac.nc.gov