Job Posting: Captain (Adult Institution)

Wasco State Prison

JC-510850
-
Captain (Adult Institution)
CAPTAIN, ADULT INSTITUTION

$12,539.00 - $14,350.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 4/6/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction, either (1) to plan, organize, and direct a program and/or the work for the safe custody, classification, discipline, and care and treatment of incarcerated persons within a program unit of a correctional facility; or (2) to perform technical or supervisory duties as a management assistant to a headquarters administrator or CEA; or (3) to direct investigative units in the institutions; to perform peace officer duties in accordance with laws, rules, and regulations; and to do other related work.

In a correctional facility, as the manager responsible for a program unit which may consist of one or more inmate programs that are combined for the purpose of directing and organizing the daily operations of custodial staff including Correctional Lieutenants, Correctional Sergeants, Correctional Officers, Correctional Counselors, and other support staff into a unified program team. Within a single institution or major facility, there may be one or more program units, each headed by a Captain.

Incumbents may direct the daily operations of the investigative services unit in a correctional facility and are responsible for the investigation and referral for prosecution of all criminal matters relative to institution operations. Duties include directing the investigative workload and coordinating investigative tasks among facility investigators.

In a correctional facility, as a manager of a correctional unit, the incumbent plans and assigns work of custodial staff; gives instructions, maintains discipline, and makes determinations on difficult custodial and administrative problems; plans, directs, and oversees an accurate system of inmate count; supervises the movement of employees, inmates, and visitors; supervises custodial procedures for the admission and release of inmates; investigates reported infractions of rules and regulations and irregular or suspicious occurrences and takes or recommends appropriate action; makes tours or inspections at periodic and irregular intervals; participates in classification and disciplinary committee meetings; arbitrates inmate disputes and investigates complaints; is responsible for the inspection of incoming and outgoing vehicles, materials, and supplies for the presence of contraband; supervises all formations of inmates and directs custodial functions during recreational activities; serves as Administrative-Officer-of-the-Day (AOD); confers with other staff members on the conduct and productivity of inmates and recommends changes to work assignments; may participate as a leader in the group treatment program for inmates; keeps records; prepares correspondence and reports; and oversees the tracking of the institution's drug testing.

In a correctional facility as a unit program manager, incumbent plans, organizes, and directs a progressive program for the custody, discipline, classification, treatment, access to health care, employment, and recreation of inmates; interprets and carries out the policies of the Department and of the facility; as Chairperson of the Unit Classification Committee, organizes and conducts classification and other staff meetings for the proper placement of inmates in the appropriate housing, custody, and programs; interviews, counsels, and refers inmates for reviews and consultations by members of the classification committee and treatment staff and refers inmates for reviews and consultations; serves as member of the Institution Classification Committee; reviews the preboard and prerelease reports for the qualitative improvement of case understanding and reporting; oversees the disciplinary process, makes determinations on difficult custodial problems and consults with other facility staff for advice and assistance; establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with internal staff and external entities; secures, trains, supervises, and evaluates the work of subordinates, and takes or recommends appropriate action; supervises the maintenance of safe and sanitary living conditions within the unit; and supervises the preparation of special and regular reports.

In a correctional facility as a manager of an investigative unit, incumbent documents and conducts inquiries and complaints against employees and/or inmates; directs and coordinates internal affairs and other administrative inquiries; directs and coordinates investigations of institution-related crimes; and establishes and maintains liaison with other institutions and officials of other law enforcement agencies.

Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Individuals must specify on their application that they are applying for a Training and Development assignment. 

This recruitment may be used to fill any additional vacancies in this classification for the life of the recruitment. 

CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their job application. 

Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-510850
Position #(s):
180-261-9646-005
Working Title:
Captain (Adult Institution)
Classification:
CAPTAIN, ADULT INSTITUTION
$12,539.00 - $14,350.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Kern County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

Commitment
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen
rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences.
We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the  Department.

CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.

CDCR/CCHCS values all team members. We work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population, which includes medical, dental, nursing, mental health, and pharmacy. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR/CCHCS mission.


Location of Position:
Wasco State Prison-Reception Center
701 Scofield Ave
Wasco, CA 93280


Founded in 1885, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is one of the nation’s largest and most diverse correctional departments in the country. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety through the safe and secure incarceration of individuals in our care, by providing effective parole supervision, and implementing rehabilitative strategies for their successful reintegration into our communities.
Department Website: http://www.jobs.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

 

Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.


Firearm Requirement: Any person prohibited by State or Federal law from possessing, using, having in his/her custody or control any firearm, firearm device, or other weapon or device authorized for use by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is not eligible to compete for, be appointed to, or continue employment in this classification.

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 4/6/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Wasco State Prison
Attn: Hiring & Recruitment
Wasco State Prison-Reception Center
P.O. Box 8800
Wasco, CA 93280

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Wasco State Prison
Drop-Off
Hiring & Recruitment
701 Scofield Ave
Wasco, CA 93280
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other -

    All applicants are required to submit a copy of their Performance Evaluation dated within the last twelve (12) months. If not available, please attach a Letter of Recommendation dated within the last twelve (12) months.

  • Statement of Qualifications -

    A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the "Statement of Qualifications" section below for the specific requirements. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:


Shall create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

AND

Knowledge of: Modern principles and practices of correctional administration and criminology; psychology of criminal behavior and methods of discipline, and the attitudes, problems, and behavior of persons under restraint; supervisory techniques and methods of maintaining discipline, both of staff personnel and inmates; principles and methods used in the custody, control, and adjustment of antisocial persons; interviewing techniques; literature in the fields of correctional administration and criminology; laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to criminal activities, governing State correctional institutions and purposes, activities, regulations, policies, and functions of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the term-setting authorities; State laws pertaining to criminal activities; care and use of firearms; job requirements and work performed by inmates of a correctional facility; principles and practices of business management and problems involved in the administration and supervision of correctional facilities and prison camps; sanitation, health, and safety standards and State laws pertaining thereto; principles and practices of personnel management, supervision, and training; principles of effective verbal and written communication and group dynamics; tactical operational and situational awareness; supervisory responsibilities under the Ralph C. Dills Act; the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; a manager's role in this Program and the processes available to meet Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

Ability to: Interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations, Departmental policies and procedures; plan, assign, and direct the work of a large force of correctional personnel; plan, organize, and administer the custodial operation of a correctional facility; train staff; enforce rules and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality; promote socially acceptable attitudes and behavior among inmates; formulate programs for the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates; interpret and apply provisions of law and rules; understand inmate case histories and interpret them to others; coordinate the custodial functions with the care and treatment program; establish, promote, and maintain confident and cooperative working relationships with staff; communicate effectively; understand and respond to verbal/written instructions; maintain records and prepare reports; analyze situations and take effective action; secure the respect and cooperation of prison officials and inmates; think and act quickly in emergencies; effectively contribute to the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

Special Personal Characteristics: Sympathetic and objective understanding of the problems of persons under restraint; demonstrated leadership ability; tact, emotional stability, and maturity; demonstrated integrity and ethical behavior; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; good personal and social adjustment for correctional work; courage; alertness; compliance with Departmental uniform and grooming standards; and neat personal appearance.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website.

Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website.

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website.

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.jobs.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Jessica Lopez
(661) 758-8400 ext: 5192
jessica.lopez2@cdcr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Shaydee Pinedo
(661) 758-8400 ext: 5191
shaydee.pinedo@cdcr.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Daranee Aviles
(661) 758-8400 ext: 5036
daranee.aviles@cdcr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Minimum Qualifications & Examination Information

Either I

Experience: One year of experience in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation performing the duties of a Correctional Counselor III.

Or II

Experience: Two years of experience in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in custody work performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to the class of a Correctional Lieutenant or in classification and treatment work performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to the class of a Correctional Counselor II (Specialist), Correctional Counselor II (Supervisor), Parole Agent II (Specialist), or a Parole Agent II (Supervisor).

Or III

Experience: Three years of administrative or supervisory experience with responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing a major phase of a correctional rehabilitation program.

(Graduate study in education, psychology, sociology, social work, public or business administration, or a closely related field may be substituted for not more than one year of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for four years of the required education on the basis of one year of experience for two years of education.)

Minimum age for appointment: 21 years, pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(b).

Government Code Section 1029 provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for or be appointed to a position in this class.

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029.1 requires a thorough background investigation be completed prior to appointment date. Persons unsuccessful in the investigation cannot be appointed as a peace officer. Government Code Section 1031(c) provides that a candidate for a peace officer position be fingerprinted for search of local, State, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(d), all persons who are not peace officers with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. Pursuant to Penal Code Section 6056(b)(1), prior to training any peace officer who is selected to conduct internal affairs investigations, the Department shall conduct a complete and thorough background check. This background check shall be in addition to the original background screening that was conducted when the person was hired as a peace officer. Each person shall satisfactorily pass the second background check. Any person who has been the subject of a sustained, serious disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, termination, suspension, or demotion, shall not pass the background check. Government Code Section 1031(f) provides that any physical and psychological suitability examinations administered be completed prior to appointment date. Persons who are not successful in these examinations cannot be appointed as a peace officer. Physical and psychological suitability examinations are conducted prior to appointment. Tests include TB skin test, urinalysis, complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, VDRL, a general physical examination, and other tests if necessary. Any limitation which restricts a person from safely performing the essential functions of the position may constitute basis for removal of the candidate's name from the eligible list.

Under the provisions of Penal Code Section 832, successful completion of training courses in laws of arrest, search and seizure, and in firearms and chemical agents is required by appointment into classification. Existing law provides that peace officers be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. (The drug screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated "Sensitive" class for which drug testing is required under State Personnel Board Rule 213.) Use of hard drugs (e.g., heroin, cocaine, or hallucinogenic) at any time as an adult constitutes basis for disqualification from holding a peace officer classification.

To obtain list eligibility, before applying for the position(s), you must first take and pass the examination: CalCareers

Statement of Qualifications

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the state application. The SOQ must not exceed two (2) pages in length and should address all of the following:

1) Describe the experience you possess that would make you a successful Captain (Adult Institution).

2) Describe your skills and abilities when communicating with all levels of staff, including executive leadership, managers, supervisors, and employee organizations.

3) What is the most important quality for a Captain (Adult Institution)?  Giving examples explain how you embody that quality.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job