Custody Officer

Role overview

Ventia is hiring motivated, resilient people to join its custody officer team supporting custodial services for the WA Department of Justice at the Kununurra Courthouse in Cambridge Gulf, Western Australia. This is a meaningful, long-term career opportunity with structured training, stable conditions under an Enterprise Agreement, and work across a range of justice settings.

In this role, you will help protect the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of people in custody while contributing to the efficient running of the justice system. The work is varied and team-based, covering court duties, prisoner transport, and secure medical escorts.

What you will do

• Safely supervise and transport people in custody.
• Maintain security throughout court proceedings.
• Carry out welfare checks and uphold duty-of-care standards.
• Respond to difficult situations in a calm, professional manner.
• Prepare accurate reports and records.
• Work closely with a supportive operational team.

Training, pay and conditions

This position includes paid training and a clear entry pathway into custodial work. You will receive fully funded Certificate III in Correctional Practice training, including 5 weeks of paid pre-operational training. No previous custodial experience is required.

Pay is structured as follows: $27.35 per hour during the 5-week training period, $29.50 per hour after training, and $30.93 per hour after 12 months and completion of the Certificate III.

A Western Australian State Government Pay Contribution Allowance (PCA) of $256 per fortnight before tax is also included. The role comes with guaranteed minimum hours under the Enterprise Agreement and access to overtime and premium penalty rates.

Allowances and extra benefits

• Regional allowance of $10,189 per year, paid through fortnightly instalments.
• Meal allowance when shifts exceed 9.6 hours or involve an overnight stay.
• On-call payment of $25.73 per day where applicable.
• Officer in Charge allowance of $3 per hour when performing additional duties.
• Paid travel time and allowances for approved regional secondments.
• Parking reimbursements where applicable.
• Uniforms and footwear supplied.
• Paid breaks and the option to accrue TOIL.
• Five weeks of annual leave for shift workers.
• Ongoing paid training and refresher courses.

Work schedule and overtime

Training is full time from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Overtime applies when work exceeds 7.6 hours in a day, or when shifts are worked before 5:00am or after 7:00pm. Weekend penalty rates are 175% of base pay on Saturdays and 200% of base pay on Sundays.

Career development

This role provides a pathway into a secure career in justice services, with structured advancement through accredited classifications. Over time, there may be opportunities to move into senior, specialist, or supervisory positions.

What Ventia is looking for

• Availability to attend full-time training.
• Willingness to commit for 12 months to complete the Certificate III.
• Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
• A respectful, resilient, and professional attitude.
• Ability to pass pre-employment medical, fitness, and background checks.

About Ventia

Ventia is a major services company that maintains, operates, and manages essential infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 35,000 employees and subcontractors across 400 sites, the organisation focuses on supporting people, developing careers, and helping teams reach their full potential.

The company promotes Fairness, Inclusion and Respect in its leadership, hiring, collaboration, and workplace support. Applications are welcomed from people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all genders, identities, sexual orientations, beliefs, and caring responsibilities. An accessible recruitment process is available, and candidates can request adjustments at any stage.

Application contact

For more information, contact Meg Petsa at meg.petsa@ventia.com.

Position reference number: 167816.