Thomson prison jobs come with tough hiring process

FULTON - The federal Bureau of Prisons has yet to begin large-scale hiring for jobs at the Thomson Correctional Center in northwestern Illinois, but when it does, applicants will face an intensive hiring process.

Bureau of prisons officials spoke about the process Wednesday at a forum sponsored by the Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

Illinois built the prison in 2001, but budget troubles kept it from fully opening. The federal government bought it for $165 million in 2012, and it's expected to employ about 1,000 people.

Elizabeth Pottios of the bureau told the audience that salaries for entry level correctional officers start at about $32,000.

Applicants must pass a physical exam, and background checks could include interviews of neighbors.

The (Moline) Dispatch reports that candidates are also sent to firearms training.