Prison Officer

Overview

Join the Western Australia Department of Justice as a Prison Officer and play a vital role in enhancing community safety and supporting rehabilitation. This career path offers competitive shift-based pay starting from $97,610 to $111,150 per annum after a 12-week paid training period, which pays $75,520 pro-rata, plus superannuation from 11 June 2026.

Training and Benefits

• Twelve weeks of fully paid training
• Certification including a nationally accredited Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial)
• A balanced working schedule of 10 shifts per 21-day roster cycle
• Up to six weeks of annual leave
• Opportunities for career advancement and ongoing salary increases
• Provision of uniforms
• Continuous support and mentoring from seasoned staff

Work Locations

Positions are available across prison facilities in the Perth metropolitan area—including Bandyup, Casuarina, Hakea, and Melaleuca prisons—and in regional sites such as Albany, Bunbury, Eastern Goldfields (Kalgoorlie), Greenough (Geraldton), and West Kimberley (Derby). Specific regional benefits are detailed in the Information Booklet.

Role Responsibilities

Prison Officers ensure safety and orderly conduct within correctional facilities, working with inmates across all security levels on rotating 24/7 shifts. Duties involve maintaining security, managing daily interactions, de-escalating conflicts, and fostering positive communication to support skill-building and safer decision-making among prisoners.

Candidate Profile

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for a diverse inmate population
• Sound judgment, resilience, and adaptability, especially in high-pressure situations
• Collaborative team skills to effectively coordinate with colleagues and inmates
• Cultural sensitivity, including an understanding of Aboriginal culture and respectful engagement with diverse backgrounds

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident, or New Zealand citizen
• Possess a current, unrestricted Australian C-Class driver's license (excluding probationary licenses)
• Former employees must not have prior unsuccessful re-engagement or termination with the Department

Additional Opportunities

Experienced adult custodial officers who meet eligibility criteria may qualify for an Accelerated Training Program enabling faster completion of the training process.

Application Process and Support

Applicants from outside Western Australia might need to travel to Perth for some assessments at their own expense, with prior notice provided. To learn more about the role, recruitment stages, and to access helpful resources, attend an Information Session or review the provided Job Description Form and Information Booklet.

Application Requirements

• A thoroughly prepared resume/CV aligned with the Job Description Form requirements
• Contacts for two referees who are current or recent supervisors or managers
• Responses to two scenario-based questions focusing on teamwork under pressure and information management confidentiality (up to 250 words each)

Equal Employment Opportunity and Workplace Culture

The Department is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and smoke-free workplace, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and people with disabilities. Reasonable adjustments are available during recruitment and employment for applicants with disabilities. The Department recognizes and respects the traditional custodians of the land and embraces Aboriginal cultural diversity.

Contact Information

For questions or assistance with the recruitment process, applicants can contact the Recruitment Team or the Aboriginal Workforce Development team through the provided phone numbers or email addresses.