Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua County) is encouraging local residents to take the new correction officer trainee examination. The deadline to apply to take the exam is February 25, 2013. The examination will be held on April 13, 2013. Due to the size of the candidate population for the examination, testing times and locations will be determined by the Department of Civil Service and each applicant’s individual testing time and location will appear on their admission notice.

“State correctional personnel provide our residents with an invaluable service,” said Goodell. “Correction officers serve our community in a very important capacity. It is a tremendously fulfilling career, compensated at a competitive salary. I encourage qualified residents to apply as soon as possible before next month’s deadline.”

To qualify you must be 21 years or older, a U.S. citizen, resident of New York and possess a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also have passed medical and psychological screenings, as well as a background investigation. A felony conviction automatically disqualifies anyone from eligibility, while misdemeanor convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

According to Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), a correction officer trainee’s starting salary is currently $39,014 per year. After six months, the salary increases to $41,037. After successful completion of the one-year correction officer traineeship, the salary increases to $46,990 per year.

The exam for this position is designed for both English- and Spanish-speaking applicants, and will be given statewide on April 13, 2013.

Those interested may apply online or download examination information and applications at the Department of Civil Service website at www.cs.ny.gov/exams. Additional information about the position of correction officer is also available on the Department of Corrections website at www.doccs.ny.gov, or picked up at all Department of Labor offices and New York State correctional facilities.