Warden: Red Onion State Prison - #00001

Job no:
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Wise, Virginia
Categories: Public Safety

Title: Warden: Red Onion State Prison - #00001

State Role Title: Security Officer III

Hiring Range: $113,442.00 - $182,427.00

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Red Onion State Prison

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Corrections is seeking an experienced and dynamic correctional leader to serve as Warden of Red Onion State Prison. This position is responsible for the overall administration, security, operations, programs and leadership of a male correctional institution while promoting a safe, secure, and professional environment for staff, inmates, and visitors.

Reporting to the Lead Warden, the Warden serves as the Unit Head for the facility and provides strategic direction for security operations, inmate management, staffing, compliance, budget oversight, and organizational culture. This role requires a strong commitment to public service, operational excellence, accountability, and leadership development.

Key Responsibilities include:
Direct and oversee all institutional operations, including security, inmate programs, healthcare coordination, maintenance, food service, and administration.
Ensure compliance with VADOC policies, state and federal laws, ACA standards, and applicable regulations.
Lead and develop executive staff and institutional leadership teams to support operational effectiveness and employee engagement.
Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, accountability, and ethical leadership.
Manage emergency preparedness, incident response, and institutional security protocols.
Oversee staffing plans, workforce development, recruitment, retention, and succession planning initiatives.
Monitor institutional performance metrics and implement operational improvements as needed.
Collaborate with central office leadership, community stakeholders, law enforcement partners, and external agencies.
Manage institutional budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of state resources.
Support rehabilitation initiatives and programs designed to reduce recidivism and improve inmate outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

Extensive working knowledge of the criminal justice system, treatment programs for inmates, facility security, and administration/operations support functions. Working knowledge of institutional operations, security, inmate programs and classification. Considerable knowledge of modern corrections methods, policies and practices. Demonstrated human relations skills and excellent communication skills (oral/written), adept to directing and motivating a diverse work force. Demonstrated experience with high level decision making, logic and analytic skills. High school diploma or equivalent. Extensive working knowledge of departmental policies, institutional policies, operating practices, procedures, and inmate programs. Extensive and progressive security management experience in corrections or law enforcement. Extensive experience in the supervision of corrections or law enforcement staff.

Ability to complete the Virginia Ethics Council Conflict of Interest (COI) filing within two (2) business days of hire and annually thereafter, in accordance with the Code of Virginia a7 2.2-3100.
Ability to complete COI training within two (2) months of hire and every other year thereafter, as required by Code of Virginia a7 2.2-3132.

Additional Considerations

Skilled in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook programs. Basic Leadership for the Corrections Professional (LEAD) Graduate or equivalent applicable experience or training. Considerable working experience with Evidence Based Practices.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or re9sume9 is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver's License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or re9sume9 for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or re9sume9s will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or re9sume9.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or re9sume9.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-659-8424

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/Rc9SUMc9S / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 29 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 14 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App