Correction Officer

An Oneida County Correction Officer is a sworn Peace Officer as prescribed under New York State Criminal Procedure Law section 2.10. These uniformed members of the Sheriff's Office have the primary responsibility of the enforcement of rules and regulations governing the security, conduct, discipline, safety, and general well-being of inmates of the county correctional facility. To accomplish these tasks, a Correction Officer must master many skills:

• Make periodic rounds, supervise the movement and activities of inmates, and maintain jail security at an assigned post, cell, or tier.
• Lock and unlock cells and access doors using mechanical, electrical, and electronic devices.
• Watch for unusual incidents or activities on the part of inmates involving a violation of facility rules, and report these to a supervisor either verbally or in writing.
• Check cells and corridor areas for faulty bars, gates, etc., and make routine fire and safety checks.
• Issue clothing and bedding and instruct inmates in proper care.
• Book inmates by preparing appropriate records and taking fingerprints and photo identification.
• Mediate minor incidents and take direct action to break up fights or other disturbances between inmates (SERT).
• Supervise inmates assigned to work details, advising them of what is expected, and of the rules and regulations of the work areas, including possible safety hazards.
• Listen to inmate problems, inform them of rules and regulations, and when the problems cannot be resolved, make referrals to appropriate staff.
• Use chemical agents, weapons, or restraining devices and protection equipment in case of fights or other disturbances.
• Prepare a variety of records and reports related to the care of inmates and the security of the facility.
• Escort and maintain watch over inmates during recreation, trips to the library, church, or other areas.
• Escort inmates for interviews with attorneys, relatives, and law enforcement agencies.
• Assist in transport of inmates to state prisons, courts, medical appointments, etc.
• Accept and record clothing and property.
• Receive and inspect legal papers for the release of inmates.
• Perform clerical duties connected with the receiving, booking, searching, and release of inmates.
• Arrange for clothing and records for the transfer of persons to courts, penal institutions, and hospitals.
• Direct the serving of meals and keep count of all eating utensils.

Applications for full-time and part-time Correction Officer positions are accepted on a continual basis. All applications must be submitted to the Oneida County Personnel Department.

Those interested in full-time employment must take a Civil Service test.

Those interested in part-time employment, Civil Service testing is not required.

2023 Starting Salary:

• $45,351*
• $50,390* Upon successful completion of basic corrections training or after successfully completing six (6) months of employment in the bargaining unit.

Benefits:

• Full salary and benefits during entire training period
• Longevity pay increments upon reaching certain number of years of service.
• Two to four weeks vacation depending on number of years service.
• Fourteen paid holidays annually.
• Four Personal leave days annually.
• Ten sick days annually, four may be used for family sick leave, accruable up to 180 total days.
• Night shift differential pay.
• All uniforms and equipment supplied by the agency.
• 25-year retirement plan at 50% of salary, at any age.
• Promotional opportunities for the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, and captain.
• Reimbursements for overtime meal allowances.
• Specialty schools by assignment. 

Age Requirement:

• Minimum age of eighteen (18) prior to appointment.
• Maximum age - currently no limit.

Education Requirements:

• Graduate of a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma recognized by the New York State Department of Education.

License Requirement:

• Must have a valid New York State operator's license at the time of appointment.

Citizenship Requirement:

• Must be a New York State resident and a United States citizen at the time of appointment.

Residency Requirement:

• Must be a legal resident of Oneida County for at least one month immediately prior to the date of examination and must maintain residency throughout appointment.

Written Examination:

• Candidates who attain a passing grade on the written examination may be called for the following qualifying tests and evaluations: Medical, Psychological, Physical fitness.

Background Investigation:

• Candidates are required to undergo criminal history and fingerprint investigations prior to appointment.