CORRECTIONAL MAINTENANCE OFFICER I Refrigeration Mechanic Statewide

If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, consider joining the DPSCS team. The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is one of the largest departments in Maryland, with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. We are committed to promoting safety through increased security at our institutions and innovative restorative justice projects to help offenders reintegrate into society.

Locations: Eastern Correctional Institution (Westover, Maryland) and Roxbury Correctional Institution (Hagerstown, Maryland).

About the Role

A Correctional Maintenance Officer I Refrigeration Mechanic is an entry-level position involving the custody, security, and supervision of adult inmates in maintenance and repair work within a correctional environment. This role focuses on the installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, as well as the instruction and supervision of incarcerated individuals assigned to the shop. Employees receive close supervision from a Correctional Maintenance Officer Supervisor and may be subject to call-in during emergencies or staffing shortages.

Work is performed in and around a correctional facility, exposing employees to incarcerated individuals who may be abusive or hostile. The role may involve exposure to potentially dangerous tools, equipment, and all types of weather conditions. Physical demands include the ability to move objects weighing over 25 pounds and to subdue and restrain incarcerated individuals during incidents.

Responsibilities

• Incarcerated Individuals Supervision:
  • Maintain control and discipline among incarcerated individuals performing maintenance and repair work.
  • Conduct searches for contraband items and enforce safety, sanitary, custody, and security rules.
  • Physically restrain incarcerated individuals during fights, riots, or escape attempts.
  • Maintain a continual count of incarcerated individuals assigned to work details.
  • Assign installation, maintenance, or repair tasks to incarcerated individuals based on proficiency levels.
  • Train and instruct incarcerated individuals on methods, techniques, tool use, and equipment care.
  • Inspect and approve or disapprove work performed by incarcerated individuals for quality adherence.
• Administrative Functions:
  • Estimate time, materials, and supplies needed for maintenance or repair tasks.
  • Order supplies and materials, keep records of usage, and inventory tools and materials on hand.
• Trade-Related Functions:
  • Perform installation, maintenance, or repair tasks on refrigeration infrastructure.
  • Plan and implement appropriate procedures, operate hand and power tools, and maintain records of time, supplies, and materials.
  • Escort third-party vendors and inspect completed work assignments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) from an accredited institution, as recognized by the Maryland State Board of Education.
• Experience: Two years of refrigeration mechanic experience. U.S. Armed Forces military service experience in correctional or criminal justice fields may substitute at a rate of two years of military experience for the required experience.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • Valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license (required for positions involving vehicle operation).
  • Maryland Correctional Training Commission certificate (obtained by completing the Entrance Level Correctional Training Course during the probationary period).
  • EPA Section 608 technician certification (required for positions involving servicing or disposing of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment).
• Special Requirements:
  • U.S. citizenship or Resident Alien status.
  • Minimum age of 21 years.
  • Successful completion of a background investigation, oral interview, and physical examination.
  • Availability for call-in during emergencies or staffing shortages (24/7).
  • Subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Maryland regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience ensuring compliance with standard trade practices and codes for air systems in heating, ventilating, and refrigeration.
• Experience troubleshooting and performing repairs on air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including systems using Freon, chilled water, or air/water for condenser means.
• Ability to utilize diagnostic equipment to control and measure air flow, room air changes, and room pressurization.

Selection Process

Candidates must complete the Entry Level Training Program at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) Academy. Upon successful graduation, individuals will be assigned to facilities throughout Maryland. Candidates should indicate on their application all Maryland counties where they are willing to accept employment. The eligible list for this recruitment remains active for two years.

Common Disqualifiers

• Prior Drug Use: Unlawful use of natural cannabis or cannabinoids within 12 months preceding the hire date.
• Arrest Records:
  • No felony convictions.
  • No misdemeanor convictions within five years.
  • No probations before judgement or parole and probation within five years.
  • No current parole or probation.
  • No civil drug convictions within three years.
• Driving Records: No convictions or probations before judgement on any 12-point violation within five years (e.g., DUI, fleeing/eluding police, driving with a suspended/revoked license).
• Academy: Must meet certification guidelines set by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.
• Military Records: No separations less than honorable.

Benefits

• Health and Insurance: Low-cost health, dental, and vision plans.
• Leave:
  • Personal Leave: Six days annually (prorated based on start date).
  • Annual Leave: Ten days of accumulated annual leave per year.
  • Sick Leave: Fifteen days of accumulated sick leave per year.
  • Parental Leave: Up to sixty days of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
• Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: State pension plan with credit earned toward retirement.
• Additional benefits include membership in the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.