Correctional Officer

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 cutting-edge research and evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The DOC is seeking highly motivated individuals interested in criminal justice and public safety to join our team. We are hiring for all locations! For a complete listing of our locations, including a map, please click here.

Please note, as public safety employees, telecommuting is not an option for these positions.

DOC is a great place to work! 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.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being

Correctional Officers are responsible for ensuring the security, custody, control, and treatment of persons in our care in DOC facilities. Correctional Officers have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others and are an integral part of the criminal justice system.

This position is in pay schedule/range 05-31 with starting base pay of $33/hour. These positions also offer excellent benefits, including protective retirement status. Future increases will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan, and are currently scheduled at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. Differential pay is available for certain night and weekend shifts, and employees may be eligible for FLSA premium overtime. A twelve-month probationary period is required. Pay upon appointment for current or former State employees may vary and will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code

Employees at medium security facilities, Fox Lake Correctional (Dodge County); Jackson Correctional (Jackson County); Kettle Moraine Correctional (Sheboygan County); Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Milwaukee County); New Lisbon Correctional (Juneau County); Oshkosh Correctional (Winnebago County); Racine Correctional (Racine County); Racine Youthful Offender Correctional (Racine County); Redgranite Correctional (Waushara County); and Stanley Correctional (Chippewa County) are eligible for a $1.00/hour add-on.

Employees at maximum security facilities, Columbia Correctional (Columbia County); Dodge Correctional (Dodge County); Green Bay Correctional (Brown County); Taycheedah Correctional (Fond du Lac County); Waupun Correctional (Dodge County); and Wisconsin Secure Program Facility (Grant County) are eligible for a $3.00/hour add-on.

Employees at Columbia Correctional (Columbia County), Kettle Moraine Correctional (Sheboygan County), Dodge Correctional Institution (Dodge County), Green Bay Correctional Institution (Brown County), Racine Correctional Institution (Racine County), Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (Racine County), Redgranite Correctional Institution (Waushara County), Stanley Correctional (Chippewa County), and Waupun Correctional (Dodge County); are eligible for an additional, temporary $5.00/hour add on.

Candidates with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past 5 years may be eligible to accept a sign-on bonus of $2,000. The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1000 on the first paycheck and $1000 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee attains permanent status (usually 1 year). To receive the bonus, a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in that position for a year. If the candidate leaves their position prior to completing the one year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment. Current facilities eligible for the sign-on bonus program are Green Bay Correctional Institution (Brown County), Kettle Moraine Correctional (Sheboygan County), and Waupun Correctional (Dodge County).

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 may conduct pre-employment drug screens. 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.

The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks and DOC Security Checks (including internet, phone, and visitor log searches) on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

If a candidate has worked for a confinement entity as a current or past employer (e.g. federal or state prison, county or local jail, lockup, juvenile, or community confinement facility), they must be listed on their resumé and a reference provided.

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 and the assigned institution. Training will focus on report writing, human/public relations, supervision of persons in our care, communication skills, and standards of conduct. While at your assigned institution and at CTC, lunch will be provided. If a candidates home address or assigned facility, whichever is closer, is 45 miles or more from the academy location they may be eligible for overnight accommodations both the night prior and nights between training. Candidates that qualify for lodging will automatically have lodging arranged by CTC.

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• No felony convictions without a pardon
• No domestic violence convictions
• Willing to work overtime
• Meet firearm standards
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to problem solve and resolve conflict

Additional steps in the selection process include passing a medical and fitness screen and a drug test.

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

You will be able to select your top three institution preferences when signing up for an interview. However, it's possible not all institutions have vacancies at this time. The Department will strive to honor your preferences but maintains discretion on final placement based on operational needs.

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

If you are certified, you will receive an interview invitation by DOC Human Resources. Your interview will be for all facilities.

Questions can be directed toDOCCorrectionalOfficerRecruitment@wisconsin.gov

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on March 5, 2024 to be considered.