Corrections Northern Recruitment Training Program -Amended Closing Date-

Government of Northwest Territories; Fort Smith; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government body in the Northwest Territories is seeking residents for the Corrections Northern Recruitment Training Program. This nine-week training, starting in February 2026, prepares participants for careers in corrections. Candidates will learn essential security functions and develop interpersonal skills needed for effective inmate supervision. Applicants must be residents of Northwest Territories and meet specified qualifications. This is an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in corrections while positively impacting lives.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good physical condition necessary for various physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a nine-week training program for corrections.
• Learn to perform various security functions in corrections.
• Develop interpersonal skills to maintain positive relationships.

Skills

Teamwork

Written communication

Verbal communication

Good judgment

Computer literacy

Independence

Cross-cultural experience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Corrections Northern Recruitment Training Program -Amended Closing Date-

This job opening is limited to residents living within 25 kilometers of Fort Smith and residents living within Fort Resolution, NT.

Department Information

The mandate of the Department of Justice is to administer justice, including policing, community justice, victims services and corrections in the Northwest Territories. This mandate will be carried out in a manner which respects community and aboriginal values and encourages communities to assume increasing responsibilities.

Job Information

Corrections Northern Recruitment Training Program

Department of Justice Corrections Service

Classes start Winter/Spring 2026, in Fort Smith

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career? Are you interested in having a positive impact on people’s lives? If the answer is YES, we want to hear from you!

The Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognizes the value of employment to support and invest in northern residents. Corrections Service is accepting expressions of interest from Northern Residents for the Corrections Northern Recruitment Training Program (CNRTP) nine week training opportunity, in Fort Smith, beginning February 2nd, 2026. This program is offered by the Department of Justice to provide Northerners with the skills required to work in NWT Correctional facilities. Successful graduates of the program (in‑class and Mentorship) will qualify to apply on future Indeterminate, Term or Relief positions as they become available at our Yellowknife, Hay River or Fort Smith facilities.

The CNRTP program consists of seven weeks in‑class and 14 mentorship shifts (approximately 3‑4 weeks) that will be completed immediately following the in‑class sessions (total time of program is approximately 11‑12 weeks) – on the job training with mentors at the Fort Smith Correctional Complex Women’s Unit in Fort Smith. Correction Officers supervise adult female inmates in accordance with the Corrections Act (NWT), Corrections Regulations (NWT) and operational standards established in the Corrections Service Division. As a trainee, you learn to perform a variety of security functions to ensure the safe care, custody and control of inmates as well as the safety of staff and the public. You will develop your interpersonal skills and professionalism to establish and maintain positive relationships with inmates, staff and the public to assist and encourage inmates safe re‑integration back to the community.

Interested applicants must have the ability to work with a team, have good written and verbal communication skills, exhibit good judgment, be computer literate and be independent self‑starters who are able to work under minimal supervision. Cross‑cultural experience is a definite asset. You must be of good physical condition as necessary for running, climbing, standing, squatting, to drag, carry and lift persons and objects and for sitting for prolonged periods of time and possess sufficient strength and dexterity to restrain persons safely and to hear and be heard in noisy group situations. You must demonstrate a sound aptitude and appropriate attitude for work in this challenging field. Before applying we encourage you to review the Corrections Officer job description to ensure this is a line of work you are interested in.

To be eligible for this exciting program, you must be a current resident of the Northwest Territories and meet the following criteria. Please include with your application the following information:

• Proof of High School Diploma or equivalent
• Proof of possession of a valid class 5 driver’s licence with ability to obtain a class 4 driver’s licence within 4 months of hire
• Possession of valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification or able to qualify for certification before course completion date
• Satisfactory medical assessment
• Your Indigenous Employment policy status, updated contact information including your email address, phone number, and your permanent NORTHERN residence address

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.