Corrections Officer - Experienced (Lateral)

Note: The salary range listed reflects 2024 rates of pay. These rates will be increased by 2.5% effective January 1, 2025.

Why Work for Kirkland?
Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!
If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they'll tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive management and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!
Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome Benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional service providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Job Summary

Perform all Care and Custody functions associated with a detention facility, to include; transporting inmates to court and regional jail facilities, assist officers in the field with prisoner transports, provide security to the Kirkland Municipal Court, conduct fingerprinting as needed and assist the Kirkland Municipal Court with probation adherence. Corrections officers are specially commissioned by the Chief of Police and are required to comply with all agency policies and able to qualify and maintain the ability to carry department issued firearms in the course of performing their job functions.

Special Note
This is a continuous recruitment. Applications will be screened as openings occur and hiring will be staggered throughout the year.

Note: Starting monthly salary is dependent upon relevant experience for this position. The City of Kirkland also offers an education and fitness incentive to those employees who qualify.

• Knowledge of the Department mission and roles of officers and support personnel.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and associated terminology.
• Knowledge of Department policies and procedures, relevant laws, and limits of own authority.
• Ability to communicate effectively in all situations, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively with hostile or aggressive persons and apply physical restraint techniques on persons in custody.
• Ability to obtain accurate, complete, descriptive information by telephone, and translate information taken into required form and format.
• Ability to relate to community members' needs in a positive professional manner.
• Skill in noticing important details.
• Skill in operating a computer with associated hardware and software and maintain appropriate keyboard proficiency.

Minimum Qualifications
Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be at least 21 years of age. Must be able to read, write, and speak fluently in English and have excellent inter-personal skills. Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License. Must possess sufficient strength and physical capacity to perform essential job functions, including application of physical restraint techniques, participation in defensive tactics training, and other required physical activity. Applicant history must be free of adult Felony arrests. Other history will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must successfully pass the Physical Fitness and Abilities Test and have a corrected vision of at least 20/20.

All lateral applicants must possess a valid Corrections certification from the Washington Basic Academy or other acceptable and qualified academy certified by the Washington State Law Enforcement Training Commission.

Preferred Qualifications
Twelve or more months of post Corrections academy experience is preferred.

Hours of Work
Must be available to work rotating shifts. Corrections staff currently work a combination of 8 and 12 hour shifts.

Working Conditions & Physical Activities

Corrections Officers schedule consists of varied shifts to include days, swings, or graveyards. Work is performed in and around the City of Kirkland Jail, City vehicles, regional facilities, training scenarios, various courts, and the greater Puget Sound community. The employee will be required to wear a uniform, carry weapons and tools associated with the job function, and maintain the ability to testify with credibility during legal proceedings.

Union Affiliation
The Kirkland Police Guild represents the Corrections Officer - Experienced position.

Selection Process
To apply, complete a short application and attach a short cover letter that covers: 1) How you heard about this opportunity, 2) Why you would like to work for the City of Kirkland, and 3) Name of your corrections academy with dates attended, and your current or former corrections experience.

The selection process will include an application review, interview process, physical fitness testing. Successful candidates will undergo a background check. Once a conditional offer of employment is made, an applicant will have a medical examination to include a drug screening, a psychological evaluation, and a Polygraph.

AUTHORIZATION FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK: Pursuant to RCW 10.97, all finalists for positions are required to complete an authorization for the City of Kirkland to conduct a criminal history check. This may include additional fingerprint-based checks if deemed necessary to obtain the appropriate clearance for this position. Note: A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify you for employment unless such a record would reasonably affect your fitness for the job for which you have applied.