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 DOC is seeking highly motivated individuals interested in criminal justice and public safety to join our team. This posting will be used to fill current and future vacancies that may occur over the next four months at correctional facilities throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Candidates that meet application requirements are invited to interview only as vacancies become available.

For a complete listing of our locations, including a map, please click HERE .

Position Summary

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.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule / range 05-31 with starting base pay of $34.67 / hour. 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 are eligible for a $1.00 / hour add-on : Fox Lake Correctional (Fox Lake, WI), Jackson Correctional (Black River Falls, WI), Kettle Moraine Correctional (Plymouth, WI), Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Milwaukee, WI), New Lisbon Correctional (New Lisbon, WI), Oshkosh Correctional (Oshkosh, WI), Racine Correctional (Sturtevant, WI), Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (Racine, WI), Redgranite Correctional (Redgranite, WI); and Stanley Correctional (Stanley, WI).

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

Employees at Columbia Correctional (Portage, WI) are eligible for an additional, temporary $5.00 / hour add on. Add-ons are subject to change and may adjust during the candidate selection process. The add-on is subject to review and removal on a bi-weekly basis.

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 in the same institution for a year . I f the candidate l eave s 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 Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage, WI), Dodge Correctional Institution (Waupun, WI), Green Bay Correctional Institution (Green Bay, WI), Taycheedah Correctional Institution (Fond du Lac, WI), Waupun Correctional (Waupun, WI), and Wisconsin Secure Program Facility (Boscobel, WI).

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. If an applicant has an active work visa, the details regarding status and timeframe must be disclosed during the selection process.

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), that employer must be listed on their resume and reference contact information must be provided at the reference check stage of the process.

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 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 (or local training site if applicable), lunch will be provided. If a candidate's 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.

As public safety employees, these positions are not eligible for remote work.

Qualifications

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

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.

After the application is submitted, it will remain on file until a vacant position matches your location. When vacancies exist, the Correctional Officer Recruitment Team will request a list of certified applicants and at that time, you may be invited to interview. The interview may be for some or all facilities. The invitation will come via email from DOC Human Resources with a link to schedule an interview You may want to make sure that wisconsin.gov or wi.gov emails are delivered to a place in your inbox where you will see them as well as check your SPAM or Junk inbox.

Your institution preference as noted in your application will be reviewed prior to final determination. 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. Institution vacancy rates can vary between each two-week pay period.

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 DOCCorrectionalOfficerRecruitment@wisconsin.gov .

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

Deadline to Apply

Applications must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM on December 31, 2025 to be considered.

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