Department Information

The Buena Vista Correctional Complex is comprised of two separate facilities – Buena Vista Correctional Complex (BVCF) and Buena Vista Minimum Center (BVMC). The Buena Vista Correctional Facility was opened in 1892 under the name of Colorado State Reformatory. The Buena Vista Minimum Center was opened in 1999.

BVCC has a capacity of 934 inmates at the medium custody level. BVMC has a capacity of 300 inmates at the minimum restrictive custody level.

The assessment scores may be used for future announcements.

• 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.
• Swing shift differential- 7.5%, Graveyard shift differential- 14%, Weekend shift differential - 20%

Description of Job

• Work directly with inmates in a locked facility;
• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas;
• Man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification);
• Monitor facility perimeter, detain unidentified pedestrians and/or vehicles;
• Operate a variety of mechanical doors, security devices, equipment and alarms;
• Control movement of inmates throughout the daily schedule;
• Escort and transport inmates in authorized state vehicles;
• Monitor visiting areas;
• Conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts;
• Cross-check and maintain movement logs;
• Conduct searches for contraband (this may include canine, metal detector, pat, perimeter, stri,p and vehicle searches);
• Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards;
• Inspect inmate mail and property;
• Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations, such as fights, medical emergencies, fires and escapes;
• Follow established tool and key control, ensure proper storage and documentation;
• Attend roll call;
• Document incidents utilize established reporting practices.
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Applicants must acknowledge and agree to the Conditions of Employment within the application process.
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.
• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Possess a valid and unrestricted 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 (Download PDF reader). 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.
• 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 their previous State employee number. Absent extraordinary circumstances, failure to provide this information or a history of disciplinary termination/resignation in lieu of termination will result in disqualification from future employment with the 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.
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Should applicant’s background reveal criminal charges, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Department of Corrections with written/official disposition of any charges.
• All job offers are contingent upon a successful health screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's 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.
• Successfully pass all modules of the 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 willing and able to work all shifts, doubles, weekends and holidays. Must be able to report to work during inclement weather. New Correctional Officers will not be given their shift schedule until completion of Basic Training.
• Willing and able to use physical force (as trained) to control a situation. This includes the training and use of a firearm and includes the ability to see/hear/react to situations.
• Willing and able to work in a locked correctional facility or 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 and/or transport inmates in a state vehicle;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

• Strong work ethic, accountability, integrity and dependability;
• Sound judgment, reasoning and decision making skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively cooperate with other staff members and inspire teamwork;
• Excellent customer service and attention to detail;
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to visually observe and audibly hear in order to observe changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breeches and verbally communicate pertinent information;
• Ability to visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas;
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully;
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines;
• Ability to perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email;
• Ability to study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method;
• Ability to incorporate the CDOC mission statement while completing daily job duties;
• Knowledge of and willingness to apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry;
• Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with inmate families and the public;
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with inmates through daily monitoring in a variety of situations;
• Ability to control, direct and instruct inmates individually and in groups;
• Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population;
• Ability to remain alert and observant throughout shift;
• Ability to conduct searches (canine, general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle);
• Ability to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment;
• Ability to safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors;
• Ability to learn about and utilize firearms, restraints and security devices in a safe and professional manner;
• Ability to use and be exposed to chemical agents (e.g. pepper spray);
• Ability to learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone switchboard, public address equipment);
• Ability to seize, hold, grasp and turn objects;
• Willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols;
• Ability to quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes);
• Ability to use physical force to control a situation;
• Ability to climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift;
• Willingness and ability to work outside during inclement weather;
• Willingness and ability to adhere to the CDOC Drug Deterrence Program
• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift;
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction.

• Bilingual
• Mentoring others and/or volunteer work

Supplemental Information