Lieutenant

Role overview

This position sits within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and is responsible for leading, coordinating, and directing correctional security operations in a state adult correctional facility. The role focuses on shift-level supervision, emergency readiness, incident response, and maintaining facility security standards.

Core duties

• Oversee correctional security activities during an assigned shift or unit, either as a shift supervisor or as the top security lead in a smaller facility.
• Lead or command a correctional emergency response team and plan training drills and related team activities.
• Investigate special incidents, especially those occurring during a shift.
• Manage security procedures related to riots, escapes, inmate counts, and searches for contraband or escape tools.
• Create daily schedules for security staff and maintain records for employees and residents.
• Inspect staff at shift start for readiness and proper attire, check posts periodically, and prepare operational reports.
• Work with local law enforcement, share relevant information and file updates, and coordinate court appearances.
• Take part in institutional leadership work, including helping shape policies, rules, and regulations.

Level details

At this grade, the lieutenant may supervise first-level supervisors on an assigned shift or unit in a minimum-security facility or hospital security unit. The role can also include oversight of special units in medium or maximum security settings such as central control, gun gang operations, detention or restrictive housing, mental health units, and related functions. In some cases, the position may serve as the commander of the Correctional Emergency Response Team.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

The job calls for a solid understanding of supervision, staffing patterns, scheduling, inmate discipline, inmate behavior, firearm handling and care, restraint techniques, English usage, basic math, and report writing.

Applicants should be able to build effective working relationships, follow directions, document facts clearly, react quickly in emergencies, communicate security procedures, maintain firearms proficiency, and help resolve conflicts within the inmate population.

Education and experience

Candidates need at least three years of correctional or security experience with a government agency or private corrections organization. Statutory requirements also apply: the minimum age is 20 years, and the Director may set a maximum age for correctional officers entering service.

In addition, applicants must either have 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university, or hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent and complete a Department-approved training course certified by CLEET either before hiring or within the first six months of employment. GED equivalency is based on Oklahoma Department of Education standards.

Special requirements

Applicants must be of good moral character, complete an approved correctional officer training program before working alone, and pass an annual physical that matches the job's demands and Department of Corrections guidelines.

A valid driver’s license is required at the time of appointment for travel duties. Drug testing is part of the hiring process.

Candidates must be ready to work any shift or day of the week. Some positions in this job family may be designated as peace officers and must meet training and screening standards approved by CLEET.

Employment eligibility restrictions apply. A person is not eligible if they have a sex offense registration conviction or plea, a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude without a full pardon, any felony conviction without a full pardon where applicable, a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction without pardon or expungement, a disqualifying restraining order, or a dishonorable military discharge.

Some roles in this job family are considered safety-sensitive under Oklahoma law.

Additional job information

This opening is for Joseph Harp Correctional Center. It is a non-remote role and must be performed on site.

Equal opportunity statement

The State of Oklahoma provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Internal application note

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

Support contact

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