Salary: $8,668.00 Monthly
Location : Walla Walla County - Walla Walla, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Prisons - WSP
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionCorrectional Lieutenant | WSPFull-Time | Permanent | WMS Band 1 Location: Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) | Walla Walla, WAThe Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Correctional Lieutenant at the Washington State Penitentiary.
The Washington State Penitentiary is staffed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
The Washington State Penitentiary is comprised of 4 Close Custody Units, 3 Special Housing Units, 2 Intensive Management Units, 2 Medium Units, 2 Minimum Housing Units and a Hospital. In all, WSP houses approximately 2,200 incarcerated individuals and approximately 1,100 staff.
DOC is an organization that respects individuals for their unique qualities and strives to create a safe environment for individual uniqueness.
A completed application packet will include:- A detailed resume
- A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
- Three (3) professional references
**Note: This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that may occur.**
DutiesUnder the supervision of the Correctional Captain, this position is responsible for the daily operation of the facility in accordance with DOC policies and WSP Operational Memorandums. The daily operation of the facility includes but are not limited to:
- Managing the incarcerated population and accounting for incarcerated individuals institution wide.
- Providing supervision and direction to Sergeants, Correctional Officers, and non-uniformed staff in their area of control.
- Acting as the Superintendent designee for the institution during non-business hours.
- Manage Use of Force situations, utilizing all available resources to include mitigating alternatives such as directing the progressive use of force options. Complete reporting requirements, full review of documentation, and provide recommendations to chain-of-command.
- Other duties as assigned.
The Correctional Lieutenant provides concrete direction and a professional example to all the Correctional Sergeants, Correctional Officers, and other non-uniform staff.
QualificationsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:Education, Experience and Job Specific Competencies:- Graduation from High School or GED equivalent; AND
- Two years' experience in an adult or juvenile correctional facility, law enforcement or related field; AND
- At least two years of supervisor experience (can be gained concurrently with other required experience).
Prior supervisory experience is critical to deliver a full range of services effectively. The lieutenant position directs, monitors, and inspects correctional staff who perform custody work; controls, directs and monitors the activities and movement of adult incarcerated individuals; and is responsible for coordinating and enforcing security regulations and offender disciplinary control throughout the correctional institution. Duties require the exercise of full command authority based on time and circumstances in directing all shift operations of the facility.- Demonstrate skills to communicate clearly, factually, and concisely both orally and in writing, in routine and emergency situations.
- Demonstrated ability to recall detailed information, and maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.
- Remain calm and acts professionally during all emergent conditions.
- Ability to use de-escalation skills to manage stressful situations that involve abuse or hostility.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:- Three years' experience as correctional sergeant in adult corrections.
OR- One year experience as a correctional sergeant with successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of accredited college level course work.
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of correctional administration.
Supplemental InformationIMPORTANT NOTES:- This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
- Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references. - A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
- We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
- Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
- DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
- DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
What We Offer: As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
- Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
- Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
- 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
PSERS: Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email Alicia Phillips at
[email protected] or call us at (509) 526-6313. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
