Correctional Officer I - Ark Valley Correctional Facility
Salary
$4,839.00 - $6,775.00 Monthly
Location
Crowley County, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
AVCF CO I 08/2026
Department
Department of Corrections
Division
Prison Operations
Opening Date
08/19/2026
Closing Date
9/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address
12750 CO-96 #13, Ordway, CO 81063, USA
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
CO I Hiring Team Email: DOC_COIHIRING@state.co.us or Phone: 719-723-3447
Type of Announcement
A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
Hiring Pay Rate
Starting salary is $4,839 per month plus any earned shift differential and/or overtime. (Swing shift differential- 7.5%, Graveyard shift differential- 14%, Weekend shift differential - 20%)
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Department Information
Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF) opened in August 1987. The facility is located just off of Highway 96 four miles west of Ordway and 40 miles east of Pueblo. AVCF is a Level III facility that manages a diverse population of medium custody inmates.
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.
In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:
Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system;
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined;
Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans. Member Contribution Rates. Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits;
Medical and dental health plans;
Short and long term disability coverage;
Paid life insurance;
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;
Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more;
Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. for more information.
A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
The resulting eligibility list may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.
Work Location: 12750 CO-96 #13, Ordway, CO 81063, USA
Description of Job
The Correctional Officer I (CO I) position maintains the safety and security of Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) prison facilities throughout the state. Correctional Officers support the CDOC Mission, Vision and Values with integrity and commitment while preparing inmates for community reentry.
Correctional Officers respectfully communicate with inmates and their families, coworkers, supervisors, managers and the public; presenting a professional and dependable workforce. Positions must cooperate with other staff members and work as a cohesive team, while managing a diverse inmate population.
Positions maintain the safety and security of the general public, staff and inmates. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Positions are subject to working additional hours and/or shifts to maintain safety and security of facilities that are open 24/7.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
High School Diploma or a GED certificate.
Be advised: In accordance with State Personnel Rule 4-39 (C)(9), acceptance of a Correctional Officer I (CO I) position may result in your removal from consideration for all other CO I vacancies. Additionally for transfers per Administrator Regulation (AR) 1450-09 IV (A) (5) (a). When an employee has completed one year at their current facility/office and/or classification, the employee is eligible to request a transfer.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Assessment Process: Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants that meet MQ's will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, Online Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.
Be sure the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and "see resume" statements will not be accepted in lieu of the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.
Employees who are rehired or reinstated within six months of their separation will return at either their previous pay rate if hired into the same class level or based on their time in the class series, whichever is higher. Those rehired or reinstated after six months separation will be calculated using the same formula for new hires and promotions.
Please note that while this change in role may constitute a change in title and/or responsibility, salary adjustments are not guaranteed and may be influenced by factors such as internal pay equity, budget constraints, market benchmarks, or the individual's current compensation level. Any changes to compensation will be determined separately and communicated accordingly.
If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.
If an unofficial copy of transcripts is being submitted at the time of application, transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.
In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years. Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process.
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Conditions of Employment: All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidates ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC's consideration of application for employment.
Must be 21 years of age
Possess a valid driver's license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver's license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards. Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria. Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years. All State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet vehicle.
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination are required to:
Disclose the details of the prior termination or resignation on the application.
Explain why the circumstances of the prior separation should not disqualify them from the current position.
Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDOC.
Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.
Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.
Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics.
Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics
Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down
Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows
Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows
Swing a baton in a striking technique
Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions
Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment
Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner
Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders
Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments
Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
Willing and able to travel
Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
Appeal Rights:
As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.
Supplemental Information
After submitting an application, you should receive an email acknowledging your submission. If you do not get the email, please check to ensure you have actually submitted the application and typed the correct email address on the application.
Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked daily as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Dept. of Corrections employee or from this email address: info@governmentjobs.com. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email; if you do not receive correspondence soon after the closing date or if you have questions about this job announcement, please contact Ronnye Goodman, at ronnye.goodman@state.co.us.
SCHEDULED DATES OF POSSIBLE APPLICANT ASSESSMENTS (I.E., EXAMS, ORAL BOARDS, WRITTEN EXAMS) WILL NOT BE MADE UP. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT THE APPOINTED DATE/TIME, MAKE-UPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Employee Relations Specialist, Kristen Lange, at doc_employeerelations@state.co.us or call 719-728-0270.
ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Please acknowledge that you understand you should only select locations where you are willing to work. If you are offered a position and decline it, your application will be removed from consideration for all vacancies and locations listed in this job announcement.
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This recruitment is for Ark Valley Correctional Complex only. You must be willing and able to work at this location. In addition, your name will be removed from the eligibility list should you decline an offer from this recruitment.
03
MQ: Do you possess a High School Diploma or a GED?
04
The following items are Conditions of Employment. By clicking below, you are acknowledging that Conditions of Employment (COE) are required for this position and that you will be removed from the process if you are not willing or able to meet any of the items in 5-22 below.
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COE: Are you legally eligible to work in the United States? New employees must provide documentation to support E-Verify requirements.
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COE: Are you at least 18 years of age when submitting this application?
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COE: Do you have a valid drivers license free from restrictions? Restrictions typically put limits on your driving privileges such as a red license or interlock.
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COE: Correctional Officers work shift schedules, which may include back to back shifts and doubles. It is common for new Correctional Officers to start out working the night shift from 10:00 pm - 6:00 am or something similar. Are you willing and able to work shift schedules?
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COE: Correctional Officers work shift schedules, which may include back to back shifts and doubles. It is common for new Correctional Officers to start out working the night shift from 10:00 pm - 6:00 am or something similar. Are you willing and able to work shift schedules?
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COE: The duties of a Correctional Officer may include the use of physical force or the use of a firearm to control an incident. Applicants may need to use physical force or fire a potentially lethal discharge from a firearm to provide safety and security to other employees, offenders and/or the public. Are you willing and able to use physical force or a firearm to control an incident?
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COE: Are you willing and able to report for work during periods of inclement weather, even when other State Offices and the CDOC administrative office may be closed?
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COE: Employees must follow prescribed procedures and policies even if they conflict with your personal preferences, religion or philosophy. Are you willing and able to follow all policy and procedures?
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COE: Are you willing and able to work in a correctional institution that is secured?
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COE: Are you willing and able to work with inmates who display confrontational, manipulative, violent and/or assaultive behavior?
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COE: Are you willing and able to seize, hold, lift, control, pursue, and/or otherwise subdue inmates when necessary?
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COE: Are you willing and able to perceive (by visually seeing and audibly hearing) and react to an altercation within a 50 ft. radius?
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COE: Are you willing and able to work with staff and clients of all social, economic and ethnic backgrounds?
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COE: Are you willing and able to climb 30 stairs within 15 seconds?
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COE: Are you willing and able to possess a telephone or immediate access to one off-duty for the purpose of emergency call backs?
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COE: Are you willing and able to work with inmates who may have a contagious disease?
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COE: Are you willing and able to work in a para-military setting which includes rank and structure with the intent to rehabilitate incarcerated individuals within our care?
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COE: Are you willing and able to utilize and be exposed to chemical agents during training and on the job (this includes capsicum oleoresin)?
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This position requires you to work in your assigned shift a minimum of six months. While we may not be able to accommodate your preference, please let us know which shift would work best for you:
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Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status, including but not limited to H-1B or F-1 student visa status?
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I acknowledge that the Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that I am applying for. This information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. "See resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the "work experience" section of the application. After the job application has been submitted, additional work experience will not be accepted. Employees who are rehired or reinstated within six months of their separation will return at either their previous pay rate if hired into the same class level or based on their time in the class series, whichever is higher.
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Applicants must possess the following core competencies: - Exceptional self-control and the ability to operate effectively in high-stress or potentially volatile environments. - Sustained alertness, emotional stability, and mental resilience throughout challenging shifts. - A high degree of tolerance for confined settings and professional composure during high-stakes interactions.
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The following are Essential Functions for the position of Correctional Officer I. You must be able to perform these essential functions to be considered. Please read through each function and acknowledge that you have read and understand each of these functions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS MEDIUM: Exert up to fifty (50) lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20 lbs.) of force frequently, and/or up to ten (10 lbs.) of force constantly to move objects VERY HEAVY: Exert in excess of one hundred (100) lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty (50) lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to twenty (20) lbs. of force constantly to move objects CLIMBING: Ascending or descending using feet and legs, and/or hands and arms (body agility is emphasized) BALANCING: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; or maintaining body equilibrium when performing feats of agility STOOPING: Bending body downward and forward; this factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles KNEELING: Bending legs at knees to come to rest on one (1) knee or knees CROUCHING: Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine CRAWLING: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet REACHING: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction HANDLING: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand or hands (fingers are involved only to the extend that they are the extension of the hand) FINGERING: Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling FEELING: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture, by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips TALKING: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word;
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The following are physical standards for this position: Standard: Stair Climb Measures: Endurance, coordination, balance, flexibility Essential Functions: Walking to post, towers, tiers, and movement to upper and lower levels of facilities and offices; walking on roofs. Physical Requirement: Forty (40) continuous repetitions of step up, step down, or climb forty (40) stairs and descend forty (40) stairs without stopping; walk on uneven surfaces. Standard: Fine Motor Skills Measures: Finger dexterity, use of hands and arms. Essential functions: Firearms, handcuffing, use of keys with lock sets, manipulation of control knobs. Physical Requirement: Arms fully extended with palms forward; touch each finger to the thumb on both hands; arms extended to the sides; rotate palms down, up, and facing out to the side. Standard: Sit and Stretch Measures: Spinal flexibility Essential Functions: Defensive Tactics; firearms; cell, vehicle and pat searches; forced cell entry; applying full restraints. Physical Requirement: Arms fully extended with palms forward; touch each finger to the thumb on both hands; arms extended to the sides; rotate palms down, up, and facing out to the side. Standard: Squats Measures: Range of motion Essential Functions: Perform CPR and first aid; shakedowns; pat and vehicle searches; application of leg restraints. Physical Requirement: Fifteen (15) squats (knee bends) in two (2) minutes; squats must break the ninety (90) degree angle of the body. Standard: Push-ups Measures: Upper body strength Essential Functions: Pushing carts of laundry and property; carrying trays; able to effectively use firearms; subduing inmates Physical Requirements: Twenty (20) push-ups in two (2) minutes.
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Are you a former employee of the Colorado Department of Corrections?
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If you are a former employee of the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC), were you disciplinary terminated or did you resign in lieu of termination? If so, you may not be eligible for employment at CDOC.
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If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please provide your explanation here. If you answered "No" please type N/A.
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If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you will be notified via email of the next step in the process. Time sensitive correspondence will be sent via email from the Office of Human Resources and/or the Background Investigation Unit throughout the application process. YOUR APPLICATION MAY BE ELIMINATED FROM THE PROCESS IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND BY DEADLINES; YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO CHECK YOUR E-MAIL DAILY.
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By clicking below you acknowledge that all job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory health screening completed by a health care professional, certifying candidates ability to perform the essential functions of the position without any restrictions. If a separate medical screening is required by the applicants health care provider, it will be at the applicants expense.
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Certification and Confidentiality Statement I certify that: --I understand that this, my completed Application, the attached Supplemental Questions, and my responses are confidential and that I have neither consulted with others nor received assistance in the preparation, writing, or editing of my responses and the information contained herein is in my own words and was prepared and completed solely by me and only me. --All the information I have provided herein is true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and is made in good faith. --I have not communicated the confidential information of this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions in any way to other candidates or potential candidates. --I understand that if the confidential information in this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions and/or my responses, are found to have been falsified, plagiarized, or shared in any way, I may be disqualified or removed from the position if appointed.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE Throughout the application, assessment and hiring process, candidates will be automatically disqualified for the following reasons: - Falsifying identity on an application and/or during any on-line screening/assessments; - Using unauthorized material such as any communication device, internet, notes, books, or other outside materials during the suitability screening and assessment process; - Communicating the content of any screening/assessment to other candidates or potential candidates; - Saving/sharing assessment materials from the assessment site, including sending it electronically.
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I understand that since the Department of Corrections typically has more applicants than jobs, I may not be hired.
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Please indicate if you have signed up to attend one of our Application Processing Blitz events (also known as Fast Track Hiring Events). For more information on our Application Processing Blitz events please visit CDOC.Jobs to schedule a time; walk-ins welcome!
Required Question
Employer State of Colorado
Address See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website https://careers.colorado.gov/
| Location | Crowley County, CO |
| Salary | $4,839–$6,775 |
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