Home Careers Current Openings Becoming a Correctional Officer

Becoming a Correctional Officer

Now hiring Correctional Officers at $20.25/hour!!

Are you interested in an exciting career in corrections with competitive pay, great benefits, retirement and opportunity for advancement and professional growth? Become a Correctional Officer now! 

The Department is offering a one-time $1500 sign-on bonus for newly hired Correctional Officers, as well as a potential $1500 yearly retention bonus for the first 5 years* of employment!

  *Retention bonus program criteria must be met


Current Openings:

 

Check out this VIDEO for a look at a career as a Correctional Officer.

 

Click the categories below to learn more about the correctional officer position, the hiring process and what it is like to work for the Idaho Department of Correction. 

The Steps to Becoming A Correctional Officer

STEP 1: Apply online! Click on the current openings above to apply 

 

STEP 2: Complete and submit a background investigation questionnaire (BIQ).  The questionnaire can be located at www.idoc.idaho.gov/content/careers/background_investigation_questionnaire  --> Once completed, submit your BIQ by:

  • Emailing it to careers@idoc.idaho.gov
  • Drop it off in person at 1299 N. Orchard Ste. 110 Boise, ID 83706
  • Or fax it to 208-327-7402

For more detailed instructions on how to complete the background and what additional documents you may need click here.

 

STEP 3: Interview. If you are selected to move forward in the process you will be contacted to be scheduled for an interview by a human resource representative.

 

STEP 4: Complete the Physical Readiness Test (PRT). The PRT is comprised of 5 activities designed to simulate the physical requirements of the correctional officer position. After your interview you will be scheduled to complete that test at one of our correctional facilities. 

 

STEP 5: Conditional Offer and POST Academy Application. If you are selected as a top candidate to move forward and your background is approved, you will be given a conditional offer of employment. At the time of your offer you will complete your application to attend the Peace Officer Standard and Training (POST) Academy. POST is the agency which oversees the training and certification of law enforcement officers in Idaho.

 

STEP 6: Correctional Officer Training. Once hired, employees are provided with all of the tools needed to succeed as Correctional Officers. We offer 10 weeks of paid training including New Employee Orientation, Job Shadowing, POST Academy and Field Training. 

What does the 10 weeks of training include?

 

Week 1 - New Employee Orientation

Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday 8am to 5 pm

Location: Varies, you will be notified via email.

  • Overview of IDOC policies and procedures, benefits and other employment information
  • New hire paperwork and facility tours
  • Basic idea of security practices and offender interaction

 

Week 2 - Job Shadowing (can last longer than 1 week depending on academy start date)

Schedule: As determined by institution

Location: Assigned institution

  • Shadow an experienced field training officer
  • Hands-off perspective of Correctional Officer job responsibilities
  • Experience working in an institutional setting with offenders

 

Week 3-6 - Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy

Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm

Location: POST 700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian, Idaho

Academy Coursework includes:

  • Arrest Techniques
  • Con Games
  • CPR and First Aid 
  • Report Writing
  • Effective Communication
  • And Much More!

Academy attendees are tested weekly. Completion of POST Academy and Certification is required for continued employment of all security personnel.

 

Week 7-10 - Field Training Program

Schedule: As determined by institution

Location: Assigned institution

  • Work with an experienced field training officer to expand and enhance training received at the POST Academy
  • Perform duties of a Correctional Officer according to training and IDOC Policy with feedback from a Field Training Officer
  • Complete a field training manual for certification by POST as a Correctional Officer
  • Fire arms certification
What does the Physical Readiness Test entail?

The Physical Readiness Test includes 5 activities:

1. 880-Yard Walk/Run/Jog in 8 minutes

2. Climb a ladder, dismount onto platform and return down the ladder

3. Bend down to open a locked box and return 4 times

4. Carry 50 pounds for 20 feet and return it

5. Maneuver head first on your back under a 24 inch barrier

Benefits of working for IDOC
What additional documents will I need to provide?

If you have any of the following documents feel free to submit them with your BIQ. They are not required to submit the background. However, they will be needed at a later date in order to move forward with the process.

  • Proof of Education (one of the following): High School Diploma, Official High School Transcripts, GED, Official College Transcripts
  • Proof of Citizenship (one of the following): Birth Certificate, Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Report of Birth Abroad
  • Military Service: DD-214 (if applicable)
  • Court and Police Documents for any misdemeanor charges within the last 10 years
What are the minimum qualifications?
  • Age 18 or older
  • U.S. Citizen
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • No felony convictions
  • No misdemeanors related to deceit, drugs or sex in the last 5 years
  • Successfully pass a background investigation
Steps for Out of State Candidates

STEP 1: Apply online! Click on the current openings above to apply 

STEP 2: Complete and submit a background investigation questionnaire (BIQ).  The questionnaire can be located at www.idoc.idaho.gov/content/careers/background_investigation_questionnaire  --> Once completed, submit your BIQ by:

  • Emailing it to careers@idoc.idaho.gov
  • Mail to 1299 N. Orchard Ste. 110 Boise, ID 83706
  • Or fax it to 208-327-7402

For more detailed instructions on how to complete the background and what additional documents you may need click here.

STEP 3: Interview. If you are selected to move forward in the process you will be contacted to be scheduled for an interview. Interviews can be conducted in-person or over video conference applications such as Microsoft Teams.  

Step 4: Fingerprinting and Physical Readiness Test (PRT). The PRT is comprised of 5 activities designed to simulate the physical requirements of the correctional officer position. If selected to move forward from the interview, you will need to complete the PRT and your fingerprinting. This will require travel to the location you are applying for.  We can be flexible with this step to accomodate your travel needs/schedule. 

STEP 5: Conditional Offer and POST Academy Application. If you are selected as a top candidate to move forward and your background is approved, you will be given a conditional offer of employment. At the time of your offer you will complete your application to attend the Peace Officer Standard and Training (POST) Academy. Your conditional offer and POST application can both be completed remotely. However, we can typically coordinate this step when you travel for the PRT and Fingerprinting. During the conditional offer, your hire date will be determined based on your travel/moving plan. 

STEP 6: Correctional Officer Training. Once hired, employees are provided with all of the tools needed to succeed as Correctional Officers. We offer 10 weeks of paid training including New Employee Orientation, Job Shadowing, POST Academy and Field Training. 

Questions about the selection process or the status of your application? Email us at careers@idoc.idaho.gov or call 208-658-2020.

Print this pagePrint this page