Senior Correctional Officer - K-9

Senior Correctional Officer - K-9

Salary

$51,979.20 - $77,708.80 Annually

Location

Newton - 50208 - Jasper County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00526

Agency

245 Corrections - Newton Correctional Facility

Opening Date

08/31/2026

Closing Date

9/15/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

John.Hamilton@iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Newton, Iowa is a progressive, family friendly community, a shining star of Central Iowa and a place to call home. Whether you're raising a family, starting a business or building a home, you'll want to get to know Newton. The community has many great amenities aside from excellent schools. Unique entertainment, beautiful art displays and parks, and great attractions for families to enjoy.

Centrally located in Iowa just off I-80, Newton, www.newtongov.org, boasts a diverse array of shopping, recreational and dining choices, both locally and within short driving distances. Des Moines is just 35 miles west, Ames is 62 miles NW, and Iowa City is 87 miles east. "America's Dutch Treasure", Pella, www.pella.org, lies just 23 miles to the southeast. Enjoy camping, boating, fishing and swimming activities at nearby Lake Red Rock, www.redrockarea.com, 20 miles south. Take in some fast-paced action at an Indy Car or NASCAR race at the Iowa Speedway, www.iowaspeedway.com, or visit the Sprint Car Capital of the World, www.knoxvilleraceway.com, just 25 miles south in nearby Knoxville.

At Newton Correctional Facility, we offer a wide range of career opportunities in various departments: Security, Treatment, Medical, Administrative, Business, Records, Maintenance/Trades, Warehousing, Food Service and other support areas. Join our team of dedicated professionals who provide an environment that facilitates change for incarcerated individuals as they prepare for release. Come be a part of creating opportunities for safer communities. You'll find an exceptional workplace where mutual respect and support are part of the culture.

Why Us? In a demanding high-security environment, we actively seek a skilled professional to fill a crucial K-9 handler role. As a Senior Correctional Officer, you play a pivotal role in maintaining facility safety, contraband detection, and active threat response alongside your working dog in a challenging yet highly rewarding atmosphere.

As a State of Iowa Employee, you will also receive a robust benefits package including: Paid time off, Excellent health, dental and vision packages. IPERS retirement package and an option for deferred compensation plan that has a state match, Flexible spending account both medical and dependent care, free life insurance, employee assistance programs and employee discount programs. The hours would be 1p-11p however different schedule can be discussed with the Supervisor.

The Senior Correctional Officer (K-9) maintains facility safety, security, and discipline through direct supervision, contraband searches, emergency response, and the custody and transport of incarcerated individuals.

Operating across all shifts and environmental conditions, this role oversees daily activities, enforces facility regulations, guides junior staff, and handles administrative reporting.

Additionally, the officer is responsible for providing full-time care, housing, and operational handling of an assigned K-9 unit, requiring weapons qualification, a valid drivers license, and an inline kennel facility.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency, and experience equal to one year of full-time work as a correctional officer.
• Two years of full-time work experience as a law enforcement officer.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Correctional Food Service Coordinator, State Industries Technician, or position whose duties included leading/directing incarcerated individuals and security work (e.g., conducting shakedowns, escorting incarcerated individuals, quelling disturbances, etc.)

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Designated positions assigned to the Canine (K-9) Unit require the employee to establish and maintain an in-home kennel facility and provide care for the dog as needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year around as determined by the Department of Corrections.

Employees assigned to the Canine (K-9) Unit work irregular days and hours and travel to all prisons and community based corrections facilities.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?

Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from high school/G.E.D. equivalency? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have as a correctional officer?

• I have not graduated from high school/G.E.D. equivalency
• Less than one year of experience as a correctional officer
• One year or more of experience as a correctional officer

04

How many years of experience do you have of full-time work experience as a law enforcement officer?

• I do not have any experience as a law enforcement officer
• Less than two years of experience as a law enforcement officer
• Two years or more of experience as a law enforcement officer

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months do you have of full-time work for the State of Iowa as a Correctional Food Service Coordinator, State Industries Technician, or position whose duties included leading/directing incarcerated individuals and security work (e.g., conducting shakedowns, escorting incarcerated individuals, quelling disturbances, etc.)?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I am a State of Iowa employee but do not have experience in the identified areas
• Less than 18 months of experience in the identified areas
• 18 months or more of experience in the identified areas

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 245 Corrections - Newton Correctional Facility Address 307 S 60th Ave W

Box 218

Newton, Iowa, 50208

Website https://doc.iowa.gov/find-facility/iowa-doc-districts-and-facilities/ncf