Salary: $6,452.00 - $8,671.00 Monthly
Location : Mason County - Shelton, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Prisons - WCC
Opening Date: 10/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionCorrectional Sergeant (Corrections and Custody Officer 3)Washington Corrections Center - Shelton, WAFull Time - PermanentInternal - DOC Only**Note: This recruitment may be used to fill more than one vacancy**
The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for a permanent Corrections and Custody Officer 3 position at the Washington Corrections Center.
Washington Corrections Center is located 35 miles northwest of Olympia, the state capital. WCC is predominantly a Reception and Diagnostic Center, a close, medium and long-term minimum custody facility. The facility has a primary responsibility to process, test and classify all adult male incarcerated individuals sentenced to prison in Washington State. The facility has seven living units, comprised of 5 close custody reception units, and 3 medium and long-term minimum units. WCC houses approximately 1,800 incarcerated individuals. There are approximately 500 incarcerated individuals screened and processed each month. WCC also serves as a major transportation hub responsible for the transfer of incarcerated individuals to and from facilities throughout the state.
This position plays a crucial role in advancing the department's commitment to public safety by providing operational supervision to custody staff and ensuring the secure and orderly management of incarcerated individuals at the Washington Corrections Center. As a supervisory role, the Corrections and Custody Officer 3 is responsible for promoting safety and security through the oversight of lower-level staff, directing and monitoring the activities and movements of adult incarcerated individuals.
By upholding the security of the institution and regulating movement into, out of, and within the facility in accordance with established departmental protocols, the Corrections and Custody Officer 3 ensures the safety of staff, incarcerated individuals, and the public.
How to ApplyTo be considered for this position, please submit a complete application packet containing the following:
- Cover Letter: Detail how your experience and qualifications align with the requirements of this role.
- Resume: Provide a detailed, chronological breakdown of your professional history.
- Professional References: Include contact information for at least three (3) professional references.
- Note: A professional reference should be someone who has supervised your work and can attest to your performance and skills. If you have limited supervisory references, you may include non-related professional associates, such as educators or colleagues.
Application Review Process Our initial screening is based entirely on the completeness and content of your submitted materials. Please review your application carefully before submitting, as incomplete packages will not move forward in the selection process.
We review all materials for evidence of the experience, skills, and abilities outlined in this posting. Applicants whose qualifications most closely match our needs will be invited to interview. Please note that all information is subject to verification, and official documentation may be requested.
Supplemental InformationVision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
Our Core Values:
- Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
- Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
- People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
- Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
- Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.
Duties - Monitoring and assisting Field Training Officers (FTO's), CO2's and CO1's participating in the Correctional Officer Field Training Program (COFTP).
- Evaluate employee performance and prepare performance appraisals.
- Provides guidance on policy adherence and implements corrective action plans to resolve conduct issues.
- Recognize contributions and foster professional growth via actionable feedback.
- Equip staff with the resources and training necessary for safe, secure operations.
- Maintain comprehensive surveillance of incarcerated individuals' activities and movements, conducting both close-range observation and wide-area security checks.
- Actively support and participate in safety and security practices, exercises and drills.
- Investigate and respond to incarcerated individuals' complaints.
- Direct or conduct inspections and searches of incarcerated individuals, incarcerated individuals' property, incarcerated individuals living and program areas, and other areas of the facility.
- Seize or direct seizure of dangerous items, evidence, contraband, and or controlled or unauthorized substances. Ensure proper evidence handling is maintained.
- Brief appropriate personnel on pertinent information to make aware of current and potential situations that may require action.
- Direct officers in the preparation of infractions, logs, and other reports and review for accuracy and completeness.
- Effectively communicate with incarcerated individuals, staff and visitors in routine and emergent situations.
- Utilize electronic security devices such as radios and body alarms as appropriate and as necessary to mitigate the risk of danger or harm to self or others.
- Proactively manage team capacity and scheduling to maintain efficient staffing levels in response to fluctuating workloads.
- Strictly adhere to established staff safety practices and maintain personal accountability for the safety of others.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
High School Diploma or equivalent
and three (3) years as a Correctional Officer in adult corrections.
ORTwo (2) years of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult corrections
and successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of accredited college-level course work.
*Note: Corrections experience means the focus of the work is dealing directly with incarcerated individuals a majority of the time.
In addition to at least one of the above, this position requires:
Training - Experience training, mentoring and coaching staff.
Ability to -
- Write clearly, factually and concisely.
- Analyze and interpret data, weigh the risks and make decisions or recommendations to address staff and incarcerated individual's needs.
- Identify and address incarcerated individuals' behavior/needs.
- Organize and prioritize work.
- Apply conflict resolution skills.
Observation - Observes and strategizes personal action based on environmental conditions and human behavior.
Technology - Learns and utilizes computer-based applications in the performance of their job duties.
Stress Tolerance - Remains calm and rational while handling difficult situations to include, but not limited to, volatile, threatening, or other crisis/emergency situations. Expertly intervenes in response to threats.
Professional Standards - Knows and applies relevant law, policy, procedure and practice. Adheres to established productivity standards and timelines. Identifies own training needs and proactively seeks training opportunities.
Adaptability - Incorporates new information into an existing framework of understanding. Accepts change and supports the agency through changes in law, policy and procedure.
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