CDOC HVAC Supervisor Trainee (Correctional Officer I) - Buena Vista

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) HVAC Supervisor Trainee Program trains interested and qualified individuals in correctional-facility HVAC operations. Classified as a Correctional Officer I, the trainee receives on-the-job training while helping maintain the safety and security of the assigned facility. The program provides relevant experience toward potential promotion to a Correctional Support Trades Supervisor I (CSTS I) position in Facilities Physical Plant HVAC Maintenance Operations. Advancement is not guaranteed and requires meeting the CSTS I qualifications, including specified trade and HVAC experience and EPA 608 certification within one year of obtaining a CSTS I position. Under the supervision of Facilities Physical Plant General Maintenance staff, the trainee performs hands-on work alongside inmate crews. The role involves HVAC and refrigeration system installation, adjustment, diagnostics, repair, and maintenance; technical oversight of Direct Digital Control and microprocessor-based HVAC controls; coordinating with other trades; and ensuring work is safe, compliant, efficient, and properly documented. The trainee also leads, trains, and supervises inmate workers, monitors work quality and progress, assigns tasks, and supports work-readiness and community reentry. The position also carries correctional-officer duties, including maintaining facility and work-site security, enforcing procedures, conducting searches and counts, escorting and transporting inmates, responding to emergencies, and completing required reports. The role may involve callbacks, additional hours or shifts, weekends, outdoor work in inclement weather, and working near industrial equipment and in high, tight, or confined spaces. The position is at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex and is open only to Colorado residents.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 18 years of age under the stated minimum qualifications; the announcement also lists a condition of employment requiring the applicant to be at least 21 years of age.
No felony convictions or domestic violence history as specified in the conditions of employment; additional restrictions on hiring candidates with certain convictions or adjudications related to sexual abuse are stated.
Valid, unrestricted driver's license is listed under minimum conditions; the announcement also states that a driver's license is not required for this position, but transportation to the facility is mandatory. State-vehicle driving requires meeting applicable Colorado license and driving-record requirements.
Strong work ethic, integrity, and dependability.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Proficiency in commercial or industrial washer and dryer operations.
Ability to maintain inventory, monitor and track supplies and clothing, and control chemicals.
Ability to monitor equipment use, follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance, and arrange prompt repairs.
Understanding of safe cleaning-supply and chemical use and sanitation processes.
Ability to communicate effectively with inmates individually and in groups, provide verbal or written instructions, monitor progress and quality, and follow reporting and record-keeping requirements in a regulated environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to cooperate with staff and inmates and encourage teamwork.
Ability and willingness to train, coach, and mentor inmate workers for community reentry.
Self-control and ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations; remain alert, emotionally stable, resilient, and observant under pressure.
Ability to respond effectively to emergencies, including fights, fires, medical emergencies, and escapes.
Ability to work in close proximity to industrial equipment; read and comprehend English; communicate fluently in spoken and written English; and create accessible, plain-language documents and technical content.
Valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; CDOC does not provide H-1B sponsorship.
Successful completion of all modules of the six-week CDOC Basic Training, including reading-comprehension and competency assessments and written and practical defensive-tactics exams.
Physical ability to complete defensive-tactics training and duties, including lifting arms overhead, kicking to waist height, controlling another person in a takedown, striking, using a baton, turning, kneeling and standing repeatedly, and withstanding impact from strikes or blows.
Ability to see and hear to observe and respond to safety and security issues; control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others; demonstrate limb strength and agility; and walk and climb stairs consistently.
Ability to work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control, and restraints; interact tactfully with people of varied moods and behaviors, backgrounds, and needs; and communicate by speaking, listening, or signaling.
Willingness and ability to travel and work varied shifts, including days, afternoons, nights, and rotating schedules.
Successful TB screening upon hire, background investigation, medical screening, and drug testing; employees are subject to random drug screening.
Ability to work in environments with fluctuating noise and temperatures, including outdoors in inclement weather and in concrete-floor or wall settings.
Applicants must provide complete work history information in the application; resumes or “see resume” statements are not accepted in place of the work-experience section.

Nice To Haves

Experience installing, repairing, and maintaining building or facility HVAC and refrigeration systems.
Experience in light building construction or preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance in residential or commercial facilities, using trades such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work.
EPA 608 Type II, Type III, or Universal Certification.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on instructional work alongside inmate crews to complete HVAC and refrigeration projects safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable requirements.
Design, install, adjust, diagnose, repair, and maintain new and existing facility HVAC and refrigeration equipment.
Provide technical expertise and oversight for Direct Digital Control (DDC) and microprocessor-based HVAC control systems.
Coordinate logistical support with other trades and maintenance shops; assist other maintenance areas as needed.
Monitor project progress and quality, complete required documentation, and ensure safe refrigerant handling and compliance with applicable regulations and testing standards.
Maintain the safety and security of the facility and work sites; communicate procedures and guide inmates in the proper use of controlled items, keys, tools, equipment, and chemicals.
Enforce security procedures, conduct work-site searches and shakedowns, monitor inmate behavior, supervise and escort inmates, perform counts and transportation, and respond to emergencies according to agency policy.
Use verbal reprimands or, when necessary, appropriate restraints and use-of-force techniques; write and submit required reports.
Provide work-lead duties for assigned inmate workers, setting performance standards and modeling professional, ethical conduct.
Train and instruct inmate workers in HVAC operations, work procedures, tool use and care, blueprint reading, project planning, and safe work practices, including use of personal protective equipment.
Participate in inmate work-crew interviews and placement; assess training needs, monitor work, inspect results, and support timely completion of tasks.
Complete inmate evaluations, track and calculate inmate hours and pay, create schedules, assign tasks, and resolve informal grievances according to policy.
Create productive work opportunities that help reduce inmate idleness and prepare inmates for community reentry.

Benefits

Career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.
Retirement benefits through the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans; Correctional Officers I–IV qualify as Safety Officers and are eligible for increased PERA benefits.
Medical and dental health plans.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid life insurance.
11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
Wellness program.
Tuition reimbursement.
Training opportunities.
Potential employee housing assistance through Fading West Development LLC in the Buena Vista area; housing is not guaranteed and is not operated by CDOC.