Trainee Corrections Officer

Role Overview

The Minnesota Department of Corrections is hiring Trainee Corrections Officers in St. Cloud for full-time, onsite work. This trainee role is designed for people who want to begin a career in corrections, even if they do not yet have direct corrections experience. The position supports safety, security, and positive behavior in a correctional facility while helping people prepare for release back into the community.

This announcement is intended to fill multiple vacancies at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud.

Job Details

• Working title: Trainee Corrections Officer
• Job class: Trainee Corrections Officer
• Agency: Department of Corrections
• Hiring agency: Department of Corrections
• Division/unit: Minnesota Corrections Facility Safety and Security
• Job ID: 93624
• Location: St. Cloud
• Telework: Not eligible
• Employment type: Full-time
• Regular/temporary: Trainee
• Shift: Day shift during the first 6-week training academy; after that, a shift will be assigned
• Workdays: Monday through Friday during the first 6-week training academy; afterward, the schedule depends on the needs of the Minnesota Correctional Facility where you work
• Travel: Required during the initial 6-week academy
• Training location: DOC Central Office starting the week after hire, with a one-day session at MCF-St. Cloud at the end of the academy
• Hotel accommodations: Not provided for St. Cloud hires during training
• Classified status: Non-status during the initial 6-week training academy; classified after appointment to Corrections Officer 1
• Bargaining unit: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrepresented during the initial 6-week training academy; AFSCME Unit 208 after appointment to Corrections Officer 1
• FLSA status: Nonexempt
• Connect 700 designation: No

Compensation

The pay rate is $29.10 per hour during the initial 6-week training academy for new hires to the State of Minnesota. The listed annual equivalent is $60,760. After successful completion of the academy, trainees move into the Corrections Officer 1 classification and keep the same pay. After one year of probation in Corrections Officer 1, employees advance to Corrections Officer 2 and receive a pay increase. Current salary ranges shown in the posting are $29.10 per hour / $60,761 annually for Corrections Officer 1 and $29.83 to $39.66 per hour / $62,285 to $82,810 annually for Corrections Officer 2.

What You Will Do

• Maintain the safety, security, and control of the correctional facility.
• Oversee incarcerated people in a way that supports positive conduct and helps prepare them for successful reentry into the community.
• Communicate written and verbal information clearly, accurately, and on time so decisions can be made and action can be taken appropriately.
• Use assigned equipment properly and safely.
• Respond to unusual or emergency situations using the correct Incident Command System procedures while protecting the public, staff, facility, and incarcerated people.
• Follow agency and state policies, statutes, and the department’s mission, vision, values, goals, and initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered further, applicants must meet all of the following: be at least 18 years old for an adult correctional facility, or at least 21 years old for the juvenile facility at MCF-Red Wing; hold a high school diploma or GED; be able to pass a criminal history check before hire, including completion of any sentencing or restitution obligations and probation requirements; be eligible to possess a firearm, which may require obtaining a permit to purchase; and have a valid driver’s license.

Applicants must also satisfy at least one of these experience or education options: one or more years of full-time work experience in any field; two or more years of part-time work experience of at least 20 hours per week in any field; an associate degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law, Law Enforcement, Psychology, Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or a human services-related field with an emphasis in corrections/criminal justice; a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university; honorable discharge from active military duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces; current membership in good standing in any branch of the United States Armed Forces; or successful completion of an internship in a Minnesota Correctional Facility in a related security area.

Selection Process

The human resources team will review applications shortly after submission to confirm minimum qualifications. Candidates who qualify will receive a SparkHire one-way video interview link by email, which must be completed within one week. Some facilities may use in-person interviews. Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications will be notified by email. A passing interview score is required for hire. Background and reference checks are completed for candidates who receive a conditional offer, and the offer may be withdrawn if the results are not satisfactory.

Physical and Safety Requirements

If offered the role, you must pass a tuberculosis screening and respirator clearance and review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis. The job also requires exposure to a DOC-approved chemical irritant as part of core training.

Additional Requirements and Hiring Conditions

• The department may screen top candidates for criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations, and other relevant background information under department policy.
• Reference checks and employment history checks may include review of sexual harassment incidents, job performance, and disciplinary records.
• New employees must be fingerprinted within the first 30 days.
• The Department of Corrections does not use E-Verify.
• The department will not sponsor work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions.
• All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Former Minnesota Department of Corrections employees with prior Corrections Officer 2 experience may qualify for reinstatement if they meet Minnesota Statute 43A.15, Subd. 15 requirements, including separation from the CO2 class within the past 4 years.

How to Apply

Applicants should use the job application process provided by the employer. Questions about applying can be directed to the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or careers@state.mn.us. Questions about the position itself can be directed to Kristen Hanson at kristen.hanson@state.mn.us or 651-361-7542.

About the Department

The Minnesota Department of Corrections says it is nationally respected and known for a mission focused on transforming lives for a safer Minnesota. The agency highlights state benefits, competitive compensation, internal promotion opportunities, free parking, and workout facilities at most locations.

State employees are described as people who bring purpose to their work, build connections with coworkers and communities, and have opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Employees may have access to one of Minnesota’s most affordable health insurance plans, along with a broad benefits package. Examples include paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays each year, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, fertility care including IVF, diabetes care, dental and orthodontic care for adults and children, six weeks of paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children, pension benefits after at least three years, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, tax-free health, dental, and dependent care accounts, and wellness resources that support physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.

Career support may include training, classes, professional development, and possible eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The Employee Assistance Program may help employees and their families with mental health, relationship concerns, grief, finances, legal matters, and daily living support such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child or elder care.

Benefits and program eligibility can vary based on employment type, agency, funding, union agreement, location, and length of service.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity and affirmative action organization.