Correctional Officer

Introduction

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The Department of Corrections , is currently accepting applications for Correctional Officer vacancies throughout the state.

For a map of all offices and facilities, please review Department of Correction locations .

Position Summary

This position is responsible for ensuring the security, custody, control, and treatment of persons in the care of the Division of Adult Institutions.

These positions supervise residents on institution grounds and escort residents off-site as required.

The Correctional Officer communicates institution information and concerns, maintains record keeping systems, and maintains professional interactions with staff, residents, and the public.

The Correctional Officer will work under the supervision of a Supervising Officer 1 or 2, or Institution Unit Supervisor, and take direction from Correctional Sergeants.

This position requires the ability to legally carry a firearm.

To see a sample of a "Day in the Life of a Correctional Officer", view this video! Correctional Officer Employment Video .

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule and range 05-31 with a starting pay of $34.67/hour. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A probationary period is required.

Employees working in maximum security sites are eligible for a $3.00 per hour add-on for all hours worked. Maximum security sites include: Columbia Correctional Institution, Dodge Correctional Institution, Green Bay Correctional Institution Taycheedah Correctional Institution, and Waupun Correctional Institution.

Employees working in medium security sites are eligible for a $1.00 per hour add-on for all hours worked. Medium security sites include: Fox Lake Correctional Institution, Jackson Correctional Institution, Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution, Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, New Lisbon Correctional Institution, Oshkosh Correctional Institution, Racine Correctional Institution, Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility, Redgranite Correctional Institution, and Stanley Correctional Institution .

Candidates with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past five (5) years may be eligible to accept a sign-on bonus of $3,000. The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1,500 on the first paycheck and $1,500 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee attains permanent status (usually one (1) year). (UW System employment isn't disqualifying). To receive the bonus, a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in the occupational area for one (1) year. If the candidate leaves prior to completing the one (1) year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance : Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan .
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.

To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here .

Job Details

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.

The Department of Corrections will conduct pre-employment drug screening for this role. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.

A medical/drug/fitness screening is required.

The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

As public safety employees, remote work is not an option for this position.

This position has physical requirements, including, but not limited to: walking, twisting, climbing, standing, lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs., etc. This position is also exposed to a variety of temperatures and weather conditions.

Upon hire, candidates will complete a paid six-week training program which includes on-the-job training at a Correctional Institution. The training time will be split between the Corrections Training Center (CTC) in Madison (or at a local training site, if applicable) and the candidate's assigned institution. Training will focus on report writing, human/public relations, supervision of persons in our care, communication skills, and standards of conduct.

Qualifications

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age with no felony convictions without a pardon and no domestic violence convictions.

Correctional Officers will be required to meet firearm standards within first year of employment.

Applicants must have the ability to work up to 16 hours per day and more than 40 hours per week on any shift based on daily operational needs. This may include weekends and holidays.

Applicants will be assessed on relevant education, training, and experience, including the following:

Managing safety and security, including investigating and emergency response

Problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution

Providing information and counseling individuals

Written and oral communication, including documenting and recording information using software

A screening questionnaire will determine if candidates are minimally qualified to continue in the selection process.

How To Apply

To apply, click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Your resume should detail your training and experience specifically related to the qualifications section listed in the job posting and are limited to a maximum of 2 pages each. If you have worked for a confinement entity (e.g. federal or state prison, county or local jail, lockup, juvenile, or community confinement facility), either currently or in the past, that employer must be listed on your resume and reference contact information must be provided at the reference check stage of the process. Your resume must be up-to-date and accurately reflect your employment history.

The Department of Corrections has created extra guidance to assist you in developing your resume, if interested please click here .

The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.

Questions can be directed to Correctional Officer Recruitment Team, at View email address on click.appcast.io and/or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Deadline to Apply

For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the wisc.jobs Commonly Asked Questions page. Some users report better performance when using the Chrome browser.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the deadline date: June 30th, 2026 . At that time, we anticipate creating a new job opening to continue recruiting for this classification and individuals will need to reapply to be considered. Applications are processed at a minimum of every other week. After your application is processed, you will receive an eligibility notice. This posting will be used to fill Correctional Officer vacancies, as they occur for up to six (6) months. When you apply, please only select locations you are willing to commute or relocate to.

Throughout the hiring process, much of the communication is done via email. It is important to continuously check your email and all spam folders. It is also important to ensure your email address and all contact information is accurately keyed and provided and the same email address is utilized for all stages of the process.

As a reminder, you may only apply to a job posting (with the same job ID) once.