Correctional Officer

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $30.75 - $39.27 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Crystal Haywood | chaywood@utah.gov | 801-545-5532
Application Deadline – 5/31/2026

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Key Responsibilities

With a career in Law Enforcement as a Correctional Officer, you can earn a total possible compensation package valued up to $92,298.90 in the first year. The Utah Department of Corrections is seeking individuals who can balance compassion with accountability while supervising offenders in our care and custody at the Utah State Correctional Facility and various correctional centers in Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties, correctional center job locations are dependent on availability. (This recruitment is not hiring for the Central Utah Correctional Facility - Gunnison). 

• With a two year commitment as a Correctional Officer at UDC you will receive a $6000 Signing Bonus.
  -Utah Department of Corrections Bonus Parameters: If hired by the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) as a correctional officer, you will receive a $3,000 hiring bonus upon successful completion of the correctional officer training academy. On the 1 year anniversary of your hire date, you will receive a second $3,000 hiring bonus, for a total of $6,000. Acceptance of one or both of these bonuses requires you to commit to remain employed within the area of UDC that hired you throughout your 18-month probationary period.
• Paid training through POST certification.
• An amazing benefits package including health, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and retirement plans.
• No prior experience required.
• Maintain safety and security of facilities as well as may career path opportunities in various areas like training, transportation, programming, CIRT, investigations, etc.
• The department offers a contract buyout of up to $20,000 to qualified applicants that are currently working for another law enforcement agency in the state of Utah. Contact the recruitment team for more info at https://corrections.utah.gov/about-us/join-our-team/

UDC now offers 1 for 1 years of service credit on our certified pay plan. The entry pay rate will increase for each prior year of Corrections or Law Enforcement experience. Please see our current pay plan rates below:

Job Title Step 1   2   3   4  5  6  7  8  9  10 Correctional Officer  $30.75 $31.60  $32.47  $33.36  $34.28 $35.22  $36.19  $37.19 $38.21  $39.27
 
Initial testing consists of a physical fitness test. You will receive additional information about testing date, time and location from the recruitment team after you apply.

The minimum requirements for the physical fitness test are as follows:
- Vertical Jump of 14.5" or higher
- Push-ups, 14 continuous (military style)
- Plank, 30 seconds
- 1.5 Mile Run within 16 minutes 11 second or less

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Meet SFO Standards
• Meet POST Standards
• New hire employees in certified positions, shall not have any tattoos above the shirt collar line, which includes anywhere on the neck, head and face. For more information please visit: https://corrections.utah.gov/about-us/join-our-team/
• Preference may be given to those who are currently in Public Safety.
• Must be at least 19 years old before the Academy start date.
• For more detailed information about the Utah Department of Corrections; we invite you to browse our website.

About the Role

Location –
1480 N 8000 W
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – A comprehensive background investigation, which may include a polygraph, may be required.
Drug Test Required – Yes
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization. 
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals. 
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more detailed information about the Utah Department of Corrections; we invite you to browse our website.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.