How to Apply for Jobs
For employment consideration with the Department of Corrections (DOC), individuals must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia state application.Some job postings with the DOC require individuals to submit applications electronically through the Department of Human Resource Management’s Recruitment Management System (RMS) at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov. Others require hard paper copy submission via mail, e-mail, fax or hand delivery to the agency noted in the job announcement. Instructions for each method are below. Please refer to the specific job announcement for instructions on how to submit an application for a particular vacancy.
Consideration for an interview will be based solely on the information on the application. A resume will not substitute for a complete state application.
The application must be complete. An incomplete application may eliminate individuals from consideration for a position; therefore, there should be an explanation of any gaps in employment.
DOC will only consider applications received by the close of normal business on the deadline stated in the job announcement.
State Application
To access and complete the Commonwealth of Virginia state application, click the link below:
State Application
Online Application: If the job announcement states online applications only, individuals must submit applications electronically through the RMS website at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov. Applicants must create an RMS user account to apply. Once users create an account, they may create a state application and apply for the vacancy. Applications saved on RMS will be available for future use. There is a tutorial available on the RMS website to assist users.
Paper Application: If the job announcement does not state online applications only, individuals must create a state application online as noted above, print a copy of the application, write the position number and position title on the application, and submit it via mail, e-mail, fax or hand delivery to the agency using the contact information within the job announcement.
To print the application:
- Log on with your username and password
- Click view application
- Select file and print
General Employment Criteria
Individuals applying for jobs with DOC should:
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent.
- Possess at least the minimum qualifications for the specific job announcement.
- Have a generally clean criminal record.
Specific Employment Criteria
Before beginning employment with DOC, individuals:
- Must sign an authorization permitting a background investigation that may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
- Must submit to a drug test with negative results.
Additional Employment Criteria – Security Positions
Before beginning employment in a security position with DOC, individuals:
- Must submit to a medical examination to determine fitness for duty.
- Must be eligible to carry a weapon.
Note: Individuals with felony convictions who have not had rights restored are ineligible for employment in security positions.
Additional Employment Information
Some positions with DOC may require:
- An advanced degree(s) and training.
- Certification or licensure.
Note: Applicants with disabilities may contact DOC Human Resources if accommodation is necessary to apply or interview for a job announcement.
The Virginia Department of Corrections is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia that employees of the Commonwealth and applicants for employment shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of personnel management without regard for race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sex or age. All department and agency heads are requested to communicate their support for this policy to their subordinates (view the Equal Employment Opportunity Statement).