CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SERGEANT (Canine Dog Handler)
Quick Summary
�� High School diploma or high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Correctional Training Commission regulation.
Introduction
If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DPSCS team today!\r\nThe Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.\r\nAs a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.\r\n�\r\n\r\n
GRADE
CORR 0005\r\n
LOCATION OF POSITION
Be advised this reposting is for Baltimore and Jessup Region only.\r\n
Main Purpose of Job
To enhance the security of State Correctional Facilities by operating a specialized, trained K-9 dog work team. Teams shall provide a psychological and physical presence. Detect contraband and controlled dangerous substances.\r\n
POSITION DUTIES
\r\n\r\nTeams shall patrol areas, conduct security checks, deter\r\nand track escapees, disband mass disturbances, control inmates, break up fights,\r\nrespond to calls for service and conduct building searches. Enhance the\r\nsecurity of State Correctional Facilities by operating a K-9 drug detector dog\r\nwork team.� Teams shall provide a\r\npsychological and physical presence. Conduct area, vehicle and person searches\r\nusing the dog to detect drugs and contraband. Conduct building searches using\r\nthe dog to detect human scent as a way of locating possible escapees or other\r\npersons who may be hiding. Assist in monitoring inmate movement and monitor\r\nyard activities by positioning the dogs in key location so that they are\r\navailable to assist with problems. Train the dog on a regular basis to include\r\nnon- work hours to maintain their effectiveness. Report deficiencies,\r\ndiscrepancies and issues as appropriate. To provide public education and\r\npromote zero tolerance and Break the Cycle campaign goals. Conduct\r\ndemonstrations, school outreach programs and assist allied agencies in Task\r\nForce operations. Be on call 24 hours daily for emergency responses to\r\ndisturbances, riots, escapes, searches or other needs for all State\r\nCorrectional Facilities and State emergencies.\r\n
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:�� High School diploma or high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Correctional Training Commission regulation.\r\nExperience: Three years of experience as a Correctional Officer involving the custody and security of adult inmates. \r\nNotes: \r\n1. The above educational requirement is set by the Correctional Training Commission in accordance with Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209. \r\n2. Candidates may substitute additional education at an accredited college or university at the rate of sixty credit hours for one year of the required experience provided that a minimum of 15 credit hours are in the field of criminal justice or related social sciences. \r\n3. Candidates may substitute equivalent State experience in other classifications within the correctional field which involve daily contact with and custody of inmates for the required experience. Qualifying experience must be in a classification where the salary is comparable to that of Correctional Officer II.\r\n4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience in correctional classifications or correctional specialty codes in the criminal justice field of work equivalent to a Correctional Officer II on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.\r\n
LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION
This position is limited to current Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services employees who hold the requirements for this classification, and are currently on the Sergeants eligibility list.\r\n
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n2. Employees in this classification may be required to operate busses for the transportation of inmates. Employees assigned such duties will be required to acquire a Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger and air brakes endorsements valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Employees who have not already done so must meet the selection standards required and successfully complete the training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission for a correctional officer during their probationary period, (Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209). Selection standards for correctional officer training are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations Title 12, Subtitle 10, Chapter 01 and include the following: \r\nU.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status \r\nMust be at least 21 years of age \r\nA completed background investigation \r\nOral interview \r\nPhysical examination. \r\n2. Employees in this classification hired or reinstated on or after July 1, 2016 shall successfully complete the Entrance Level Firearms Training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission (Code of Maryland 12.10.04.04 and 12.10.04.05) and demonstrate practical knowledge and proficiency in the safe use and care of firearms on a periodic basis.\r\n3. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, must provide the employing agency with a telephone number where they can be reached. \r\n4. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs. \r\n
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on\r\nyour application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All\r\ninformation concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing\r\ndate. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful\r\ncandidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and\r\nplaced on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.�\r\nCandidates advancing beyond the interview phase will be required to participate in an Orientation Day. This assessment period is designed to evaluate each candidate’s ability to work effectively within a K-9 environment while providing an introduction to program standards, expectations, and operational procedures. During Orientation Day, candidates will participate in hands-on activities, including kennel operations, canine interaction and handling, as well as cleaning and sanitation responsibilities. Successful participation is required for continued consideration in the selection process.\r\n
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education,\r\ntraining, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is\r\nimportant that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.\r\nPlease report all experience and education that is related to this position to\r\ninclude job duties.\r\n
BENEFITS
As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.\r\nCLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n� Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)\r\n� Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year\r\n� Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year�\r\n� Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child�\r\n� Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year\r\n� Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension\r\n
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application, supplemental questionnaire, and required documents may be emailed to Luwanna.Barber@Maryland.gov. Emailed application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.\r\n\r\nIf you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850.\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\n\r\nPeople with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.\r\n\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n�\r\n
Location & Eligibility
Listing Details
- First seen
- June 8, 2026
- Last seen
- June 8, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 63%
- Scored at
- June 8, 2026
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