Additional requisite competencies include: the ability to read and write the English language, excel in reading comprehension, have good interpersonal skills, and be able to perform all of the essential physical duties of a correctional officer. You will be required to pass a drug screen prior to hire, and willing to submit to random drug testing during employment. A background investigation will be conducted.

To apply, visit CO-Jobs to check for an available position. Your application is a significant means by which applicants are ranked, so it is imperative that you include all of your experience, qualifications, and achievements that might help you get the job. Be sure to include a valid e-mail address, and check it often; you will only be contacted by CDOC through e-mail.

You will receive an e-mail with a date/time for testing. The Phase One test will take about three hours, and will test you on your reading comprehension and observation skills. You will be given a series of words and must put them in proper sentence structure for the reading comprehension aspect. To test your observational skills, you will watch situational videos and choose the best way to handle a situation. The Phase Two test takes about 30 minutes, where you will appear before a three-person panel and be given an oral assessment.

A Functional Capacity/Physical Agility test will be given by CDOC during the hiring process. To pass, you must be able to perform all of the following exercises in specifically allotted time-frames: push-ups (25 in 2 min), sit-ups (30 in 2 min), crouching with a weighted ball from the floor to overhead (3 min), 12” high stepping while arm thrusting (20 cycles per min, 3 min), lift and carry 75 lbs (50 lbs female) from floor to waist (repetitive), grip strength (min 50ppi), hopping on one foot (30 ft, 2 reps), and braiding/grapevine sideways run with weighted ball (30 ft, 2 reps). An oximeter and blood pressure screen will also be completed.

After you pass the assessment, you will receive a letter in the mail with your score. The Background Investigations Unit will conduct a background check, and once it is complete, you are put on an eligibility list for the locations you listed on your application.

Upon hire, you will attend the DOC Basic Training at the Correctional Training Academy (CTA). Basic Training begins on the first Monday of the month and is M-F for 20 days. You will receive Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT) and firearms training and must qualify with both AR-15 and shotgun.

For more information, visit the CDOC website http://www.doc.state.co.us/