Correctional Officer

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.

Salary Information

The position is in pay schedule and range 05-31 with a starting pay of $35.37/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, Green Bay 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: 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. Candidates assigned to Columbia, Green Bay, and Waupun are eligible for this sign on bonus.

Benefits

• 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, 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.

Job Details

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

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.

Pending 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 DOCCorrectionalOfficerRecruitment@Wisconsin.Gov and/or (608) 240-5555.

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

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Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the deadline date: December 29th, 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.