CDCR staff working in different job classifications.

CDCR Careers

We have hundreds of job opportunities

With dozens of locations across the beautiful State of California your next opportunity might be right around the corner.

Upcoming Events

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Plant Operations

We're hiring engineers, building maintenance workers, plant supervisors, and more.

Plant Operations Jobs

Education

Opportunities for teachers, librarians, vocational instructors and education administrators.

Learn more

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Food Service

We're hiring food service professionals who have a passion for cooking.

Food Service Jobs

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Executive Leadership

Were you born to lead? Apply for an executive position today.

Apply Now

CDCR is committed to building and fostering a diverse workplace where cultural diversity, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and unique identities are honored, valued, and supported. We offer job opportunities in both custody and non-custody environments to support our Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals.

CDCR Mission

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Join Our Nationally Recognized Technology Team

With locations across California, your next opportunity might be right around the corner.

Join IT

We’re Recruiting Correctional Officers

Religious Services

Discover the options of working as a Chaplain or Spiritual Leader and help change lives in a positive way.

Learn & APPLY

Fleet Management

Automobile mechanics, equipment operators, and inspectors provide essential services to residents and employees.

Fleet Management

Facility Job Search

CDCR’s Facility Locator page provides links to each adult institution’s web page, where you can view job vacancies, regional information, photos and more.

facility jobs

Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is to find a job title you are interested in. Then take an exam for the classification (job title). To learn more view the CDCR Exams web page.

Check out our job vacancies page. It includes a list of CDCR locations with a link to current job vacancies for that location.

To view job vacancies that support CDCR’s medical, mental, and dental operations check out the California Correctional Health Care Services website.

You can also contact a CDCR Recruiter using the web form below.

Reachable candidates will receive employment inquiries from the department. If you are offered employment that you cannot or do not want to accept, you may waive the opportunity. Candidates on open lists are allowed three waivers, after which their names will become “inactive” on the list for that classification. Failure to respond to an employment inquiry will be counted as a waiver.

For some classifications, CDCR accepts the H1B Visa. Be aware that obtaining an H1B Visa is a lengthy process and you must have a job offer before pursuing this avenue. CDCR does not currently participate as a sponsoring organization in the Exchange Visitor Visa Program (J1 Visa).

Exception: Existing law provides that in order to be appointed to a Peace Officer position, a person must either be a U. S. citizen or a person with permanent resident status who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship at the time of application. Denial of an application for citizenship shall result in disqualification from or termination of employment.

We require that all applicants disclose any convictions of felony crimes, as well as misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. While the existence of history does not automatically disqualify you from applying or receiving a job offer, special approval must be granted by the Department Secretary prior to any appointment.

Exception: Persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to participate in exams for Peace Officer positions.