Becoming a Correctional Officer in Nevada

The Nevada Department of Corrections is divided into three types of state facilities depending on the needs and offences of the incarcerated offenders. Inmates can be placed in various jurisdictions in order to best serve the needs of inmates, employees, and communities throughout the state. State correctional facilities like Ely State Prison, Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center, and High Desert State Prison have more secure facilities for violent or long-term offenders. Conservation Camps like Carlin Conservation Camp, Ely Conservation Camp or Three Lakes Valley Boot Camp, are less restrictive; offenders live dormitory style. Restitution Centers like the Northern Nevada Restitution Center have a more holistic approach to justice. Transitional housing such as the Casa Grande Transitional Housing also exists for inmates who are transitioning back to life in their community. Currently, Nevada has 13,056 inmates incarcerated throughout the state. Because of the burgeoning population with diverse needs, state economists forecast that the demand for qualified personnel will continue to rise b 5% over the next decade to reach 2,799 officers. As such, the state Department of Correction is recruiting men and women for front line correctional officer positions. Those persons interested in applying must meet the department's hiring criteria, and be prepared for intensive on-the-job training. Read further on this page about how correctional officers can make a difference in the lives of offenders and local communities.

ProgramWebsite

College of Southern Nevada

6375 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146-1164
Phone: (702) 651-5000

Western Nevada College

2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV 89703-7399
Phone: (775) 445-3000

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

4505 S Maryland Pky, Las Vegas, NV 89154
Phone: (702) 895-3011

Nevada State College

1125 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV 89002
Phone: (702) 992-2000

Great Basin College

1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV 89801
Phone: (775) 738-8493

Truckee Meadows Community College

7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512-3999
Phone: (775) 673-7000

Nevada Correctional Officer Certification Requirements

The Department of Corrections in Nevada has an ongoing need for motivated and professional candidates who are interested in serving the public through the role of corrections officer. Due to the challenging nature of the role and the prison environment, the Nevada state DOC is committed to hiring only those candidates who meet or exceed the basic minimum job requirements. Doing so ensures the safety of self, others, and surrounding communities. The initial employment application must be accompanied by the following eligibility documentation:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
  • Valid Louisiana driver's license
  • Proof of age (21+ required)
  • No felony or domestic violence convictions

With the eligibility requirements satisfied, recruits can expect to be contacted with regard to the second phase of the hiring process. The assessments during this phase will include:

  • POST physical fitness test
  • Extensive background investigation
  • Drug test
  • Physical examination
  • Psychological examination
  • Structured Interview
  • Evaluation of the entire application and results to date

The most qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for interview and pending a successful interview may be posted to training camp on conditional employment terms. Additionally, classroom work will teach the state DOC's policies and procedures as they are applicable to a corrections role. Successful completion of this final tier in the hiring process will allow candidates to be known as certified corrections officers.

Nevada Department of Corrections

5500 Snyder Ave, P.O. Box 7011
Carson City, NV, 89701
Phone: (775) 887-3285
http://www.doc.nv.gov/

Nevada Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook

Correctional Officer Salary: Nevada vs National Salary Comparison

Source: BLS State Cross-Industry Estimates 2011

Nevada's State Department of Justice is committed to ensuring growth and development for the state's correctional officer field. Median income for this role throughout the state is $49,100 compared to the national median income level of $39,800, or significantly higher. According to the employment profile for the state, published by CareerInfoNet.org at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=32&x=61&y=12 state and national trends predict a 6% increase and 5% increase respectively in correctional jobs by the year 2022. In Delaware, this translates to 90 jobs per year, in both newly created roles and existing vacancies.

Occupational Employment Statistics for Correctional Officers (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm)

Nevada Correctional Officer Salaries By Area

The table below lists career information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for correctional officers in Nevada. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Las Vegas, Paradise1,720$28.71$59,730