Correctional Officer I / K-9 Officer
About The Position
The Correctional Officer I serves as a canine handler assigned to the Security Accountability Section, primarily in the Western Region. The role involves responding to emergencies, searching for escaped offenders, and training and utilizing canines. The handler is responsible for the well-being and daily care of assigned canines, including feeding, cleanliness, appropriate medical care, and maintaining medical records. The position also requires care and maintenance of an assigned vehicle and equipment, participation in annual in-service and required specialized handler/canine certification training, and possible coordination and work with special teams and their missions. This is an internal posting open only to current North Carolina Department of Adult Correction employees, eligible North Carolina State Government Reduction in Force candidates, or current temporary employees. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and eligibility for certification by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission. Applicants must also meet criminal justice standards, pass a criminal background check, produce a negative drug screening result, successfully complete medical and psychological evaluations, and possess a valid driver's license.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must be eligible for certification by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission.
- Must meet Criminal Justice Standards requirements (12 NCAC 09G .0302).
- Must pass a criminal background check and produce a negative drug screening result.
- Must successfully complete medical and psychological evaluations.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Nice To Haves
- At least two years of experience overseeing daily operations within a correctional facility or comparable secure institutional environment.
- Documented experience applying and enforcing offender-management policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in an operational setting.
- Verifiable experience participating in or leading emergency preparedness activities, including coordination with special response teams.
- Proficiency in the safe use, maintenance, and qualification of firearms, supported by current certifications or documented training records.
- Previous K9 handling experience; preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Respond to emergencies and search for escaped offenders.
- Train and utilize canines.
- Ensure the well-being and cleanliness of assigned canines and kennels.
- Provide daily care and feeding for assigned canines, ensure appropriate medical care, and maintain their medical-history records.
- Care for and maintain an assigned vehicle and equipment.
- Participate in annual in-service training and specialized training required for handler/canine certification.
- Coordinate and work with special teams and their missions when required.
Benefits
- Health insurance options
- Retirement plans
- NCFlex supplemental benefits
- Paid vacation leave
- Paid sick leave
- Paid community service leave
- Paid parental leave
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
