Corrections Officer (Canine Handler/Detection/Div1/East & Div2/Central) #02039

Title: Corrections Officer (Canine Handler/Detection/Div1/East & Div2/Central) #02039

State Role Title: Correctional Officers and Jailers

Hiring Range: $47,721.00 - $81,093.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: DOC Headquarters

Agency Website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

Provides daily canine support to the unit's security operations. Provides security over adult inmates at the institution and while in transport; supervises the daily activities of inmates while observing and recording their behavior and movement to ensure their safe and secure confinement. Prepares reports and maintains logs. Provides escape prevention duties including supervising inmate movement and activities. Reports on inmate conduct and when necessary, testifies in court or at hearings. Continually maintains and ensures proper readiness of assigned security equipment. In addition to working security post, earns and maintains patrol handler canine certifications; keeps assigned canine in a state of readiness which includes training, exercising and feeding. Conducts patrols in secure perimeter.

Reporting to the Canine Detection Unit, these positions provide K-9 detection services to VADOC locations throughout Division 1/ Eastern Region (eastern half of the state) and Division 2/Central Region (central half of the state) The selected candidates will be required to live within their assigned region. There are twelve (12) positions available. These positions are based out of Canine Detection Unit located in VADOC Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. The selected candidates will be scheduled to attend the Spring Canine School beginning Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable continuous service as a DCJS certified Corrections Officer. Working knowledge of Virginia Department of Corrections practices, policies, and procedures. Demonstrated ability to train and handle canines. Demonstrated skill as a canine handler (training, care and utilization). Working knowledge of the criminal justice system, basic investigatory techniques, and standard methods of evidence gathering, seizure, and control. Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend workplace policies and procedures and to prepare workplace reports and documentation using a computer.

The selected candidate must have the ability (physical) and willingness to work all shifts/posts as assigned. Ability to organize, plan, schedule, and implement detailed and complex assignments. Ability to work effectively with the general public, staff, inmates and other law enforcement agencies. Demonstrated ability to maintain composure in stressful situations, make responsible, honest, fair impartial, ethical and consistent decisions.

Additional Considerations

Considerable experience working as a patrol canine handler.
Formal experience or education on training and/or caring for canines.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé 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 résumé 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 résumés 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 résumé.

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 résumé.

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-357-3445

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RÉSUMÉS / 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.