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Correctional Detective – Central Office/OPR, Long Creek Youth Development Center, South Portland.
*Remote office work located at Long Creek Youth Development Center, South Portland.*
Pay Grade 23: $63,169.60 to $85,425.60 (Rate includes a $1.00/hour Correctional Detective Stipend, $0.85/hour Availability Stipend.)
Job Class Code: 5220
03300.3258
Open: July 27, 2026
Close: August 10, 2026
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This is investigative and protective services work in investigating allegations of violations of department policies, professional practices, and criminal activities occurring within the state correctional system by residents and/or Department of Corrections employees. Work includes conducting criminal and civil investigations, interrogating witnesses, gathering and protecting evidence, preparing reports of investigations, testifying to the facts developed during an investigation, and providing consultation and training to other law enforcement and correctional officials. Work is performed under administrative 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).
- Conduct administrative investigations of alleged violations of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, directives, and/or professional practices to gather evidence.
- Interviews, observes, and interrogates suspects and witnesses to obtain evidence or establish facts.
- Preserves continuity of evidence to allow its use in fact finding and/or prosecution.
- Execute search warrants and effects arrests to gather evidence and bring alleged offenders into custody.
- Conduct investigations of alleged criminal violations under the direction of the Attorney General’s Office to gather evidence and assist in the prosecution of criminals.
- Establishes and maintains an intelligence program to gather, maintain, and coordinate information about inmate affiliation with illegal activities.
- Coordinates and reviews all criminal history record checks for employment, volunteers, visitors, contractors, and contract employees to discover past offenses.
- Uses specialized investigative equipment such as recorders, telephone, fingerprint equipment, and video monitoring systems to record evidence and document conduct of inmates, employees, and visitors.
- Serve legal documents to assist in the prosecution of offenders and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
- Negotiates and establishes plea bargains with offenders, attorneys, and court authorities to assist in the prosecution and sentencing process.
- Prepares and submits reports to the Superintendent, Commissioner, and Attorney General’s Office to provide information and documentation.
- Coordinates investigations involving other facilities and/or agencies to ensure investigations are completed effectively and efficiently.
- Trains law enforcement and correctional agencies and personnel to provide current information involving laws, procedures, mandates, and pertinent changes.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED : (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).
- Knowledge of criminal code, laws, rules, and regulations applicable to and enforced by the Department.
- Knowledge of principles, methods, techniques of criminal and civil investigation and law enforcement.
- Knowledge of judicial system to include legal processes, court room procedures, and rules of evidence.
- Knowledge of departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
- Knowledge of the laws and processes used in obtaining search warrants, arrest warrants, and other legal documents; and governing the arrest and detention of individuals.
- Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in surveillance and developing information sources.
- Knowledge of employee and labor contracts.
- Knowledge of communications and specialized investigative equipment.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and evaluate evidence, records, and data.
- Ability to interview and interrogate witnesses, suspects, and others.
- Ability to conduct in-depth investigations, ascertain facts, and form logical conclusions.
- Ability to establish, coordinate, and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to work independently.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : (Entry level knowledge, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
- Five (5) years’ work experience in law enforcement, correctional institution security, investigative work, or closely related field.
*Cerification as a Full-Time law enforcement officer as issued by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.*
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).
- Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in Maine.
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 welcome 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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