CORRECTIONAL OFFICER 1* - 08252026-80324

Opening: 08/25/2026 12:00 AM – 09/07/2026 11:59 PM Central Time

Pay

• Monthly salary: $3,631.00 – $5,434.00
• Annual salary: $43,572.00 – $65,208.00
• Hiring rate: $4,267/month, increasing to $4,374 at 6 months, $4,937 at 12 months, and $5,060 at 18 months
• $5,000 sign-on bonus payable over 18 months

About the role

The Correctional Officer 1 is responsible for correctional work of average difficulty and performs related duties. This is the entry-level position in the Correctional Officer sub-series, involving the custody, transport, and rehabilitation of inmates. Employees may be assigned to any shift. After successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period, incumbents are reclassified to Correctional Officer 2; inadequate performance may result in demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Supervise inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation, and work areas; attend to medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of inmates
• Inspect and patrol grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and other security risks
• Process new inmates by assigning accommodations, searching for contraband, issuing clothing, and storing personal property
• Observe inmate behavior; counsel inmates and families; evaluate inmates on hygiene, attitudes, and interactions; report evaluations to counseling department
• Attend staff meetings, disciplinary board meetings, and training for riot control, escape prevention, and first aid
• Prepare reports including daily logs, disciplinary reports, inmate job/pay records, daily inmate counts, and supply requisitions
• Operate equipment such as two-way radios, firearms, mace, electronic gates, television cameras, and motor vehicles
• Ensure resident safety by supervising daily activity and intervening in fights or dangerous situations using persuasion or physical force
• Communicate and enforce existing policies and procedures

Requirements

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school
• Must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen
• Good moral character, as determined by investigation
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form and agree to release all criminal records to the appointing authority
• Submit fingerprints for a TBI criminal history records check
• No felony convictions or dishonorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces
• Pass a physical examination and psychological evaluation consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Pass a pre-employment drug screening test
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license (required for some positions)
• Successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Correction Academy
• Willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons

Most correctional security employees can expect to be assigned to any of three work shifts and various post assignments. While preferences are considered, there is no guarantee of remaining on a specific shift or post.