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Correctional Firearms Instructor - Maine Correctional Center, Windham.
Pay Grade 20: $48,422.40 - $65,478.40 (Rate includes $2.00/hr Correctional Career Stipend & $0.60/hour Institutional Stipend)
Job Class Code: 5341
03600.1878
Open: July 23, 2026
Close: August 6, 2026
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CURRENT VACANCY INFORMATION
The Maine Department of Corrections has a current vacancy for a Corrections Firearms Instructor. This position will report to the Chief Firearms Instructor and will be headquartered at the Maine State Prison in Warren, Maine. The position does not have scheduled overtime, but overtime is anticipated. Statewide travel, as it pertains to training and equipment inventory, is required.
This position is open to current Department of Corrections employees & all external applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION
This is investigative and protective services work involving the implementation of firearm handling, marksmanship, qualifications, and associated training courses of instruction for correctional facilities, central office, and community corrections staff . Work entails conducting training; evaluating student proficiency; assisting in developing and modifying curriculum; performing armory related duties such inspecting, cleaning, and repairing firearms to ensure safe operating condition; and maintaining adequate armory and training inventory/supplies to support the agency mission. Responsibilities include providing functional supervision over assistant instructors and other individuals during training events. Work is performed under limited supervision.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned.)
- Delivers statewide firearms training in order to certify and re-certify staff iin the use and maintenance of firearms and to achieve agency firearms training goals.
- Instructs employees individually and in groups using various methods and techniques such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in order to ensure different learning needs are addressed.
- Reviews instructional content, methods, and individual evaluations to assess strengths and weaknesses
in order to recommend course revisions, needs, or lesson elimination.
- Confers with other instructors and agency staff in order to plan and schedule lessons, and to ensure cost effective training events.
- Attends professional meetings, conferences, and workshops; and networks with others in order to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Maintains accurate and complete records as required by administrative policy.
- Evaluates trainee performance in order to suggest improvements; issue certifications/re-certifications; and ensure individuals satisfy course standards and achieve training objectives.
- Performs armory inspections on all equipment and recommends suitability for continued use in order to monitor and maintain sufficient firearms and related inventory.
- Researches, identifies, and recommends purchases of equipment based on testing and evaluation of product performance, cost, and durability in order to maintain adequate inventory.
- Reviews training curricula, operations, and range locations in order to verify compliance with applicable laws, rules, policy, procedures, and standard requirements.
- Evaluates potential problems as well as emergency situations during training or on the range and takes corrective action in order to maintain order and security.
REQUIREMENTS: (In order to be successful in this field you will need to have knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:)
- Knowledge of applicable Departmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of adult learning principles.
- Knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices related to basic and advanced training in the application and use of firearms.
- Knowledge of security programs, operations, techniques, use of force, less lethal munitions, and civil liability related to firearms and response tactics.
- Knowledge of health and safety standards for firearm ranges and training facilities.
- Knowledge of firearm operations, inspection, maintenance, and requisite levels of proficiency in all duty-related techniques and procedures.
- Ability to evaluate trainee performance and determine successful completion of course curriculum.
- Ability to establish, coordinate, and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to identify safety hazards, evaluate threat, and take corrective action in compliance with applicable laws, rules, policies, procedures, and standards.
- Ability to compile and analyze training data to recommend program improvements and identify future training needs.
- Ability to operate a wide variety of equipment ( g. audio-visual, simulator, skeet launchers, trauma pac, etc. ).
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to write clearly and effectively.
- Ability to use and maintain all firearm systems used by the Department.
- Ability to interpret and enforce correctional rules, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures.
- Ability to complete work requiring regular and recurring physical exertion such as long periods of standing, occasional heavy lifting, exposure to inclement weather, and irregular hours.
- Ability to make decisions and act quickly in emergency and dangerous situations.
- Ability to model appropriate behavior, attitude, ethics, and morals.
- Ability to acquire and retain all necessary certifications.
- Ability to provide basic first aid.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
- Graduation from high school or equivalent; and (3) three years full-time experience as either a law enforcement officer, corrections officer, military, or equivalent.
Preference will be given to candidates who possess the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Firearms Instructor Certification.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).
- Certification of completion of the 80-hour Basic Corrections Training Course.
- Possession of a valid Maine driver's license.
- Certification of completion of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Firearms Instructor Training Course.
BENEFITS :
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28 - $12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .
- Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
- Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 19% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office .
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness.
We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodation is provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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