Corrections Officer - Canterbury Prisons

JobSpace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Free parking

On-site gym

12-week fully paid training programme

Career progression

Rosters provided 12 months in advance

Health and wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections in Canterbury hires Corrections Officers to ensure security and wellbeing in prisons. You will induct, supervise daily routines, and be a role model within a diverse community.

Training is comprehensive and ongoing across three Canterbury sites, with support and development opportunities throughout your career. The role requires rostered shifts (12 hours), a clean NZ driver licence, and commitment to a values-driven workplace focused on public

Qualifications

• Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly.
• Operate with high levels of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Operate effectively in a culturally diverse setting with Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding.
• Must be able to work a 24/7 roster including weekends and public holidays.
• Hold a full, clean New Zealand driver licence or be eligible to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security and wellbeing of people in custody and supervise daily routines.
• Induct individuals into units and assist with navigation of prison life.
• Support a prosocial, safety-focused and inclusive environment across units.
• Participate in specialised duties across units as required.
• Complete initial training and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Integrity

Problem solving

Cultural awareness

Te Tiriti Waitangi understanding

Shift work

Driver licence

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Corrections Officer - Canterbury Prisons

Currently seeking applications for our November and early 2027 intakes. Full training provided and ample opportunity for career progression. 5 weeks annual leave, free parking, and free on-site gym.

Kotahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi - There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people.

Corrections Officers work inside our prisons and are responsible for ensuring the security and wellbeing of people serving sentences or on remand. They induct people into their unit, help them to navigate life in prison, and supervise daily routines. By being prosocial role models, our Corrections Officers also play a significant part in creating change and making our communities safer. With different prisons, the role of a Corrections Officer varies including tasks across specialised units, security levels and site-specific activities. Some of our Officers work in specialised areas such as drug and alcohol treatment units, youth units, Pasifika units, Māori and tikanga focused units, mothers and babies units and special treatments units.

All new Officers attend an intensive, fully paid training programme to equip them with necessary skills required for the job. This involves an initial week-long induction at your allocated prison site, six weeks at our National Learning Centre (or regional equivalent), then a further four weeks back on site before graduating. From there the learning journey will be ongoing. Our Corrections Officers are all part of a wider custodial team, and there is plenty of support and guidance available.

We currently have opportunities available at our 3 prisons here based in Canterbury - Christchurch Men's Prison, Christchurch Women's Prison and Rolleston Prison. You would need to be prepared to work at any three of these facilities and we cannot guarantee placement at a particular site if successful in the process.

Skills and experience

• Possess solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly
• Can operate with high levels of integrity
• Have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically
• Can operate effectively in a culturally diverse setting and have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Be able to work rostered shifts (predominantly 12-hour shifts) across a 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays
• Have a full, clean New Zealand driver licence (or be eligible to obtain one)

If successful, you will be required to complete a full disclosure criminal history check (clean slate does not apply), pre-employment medical and physical as a part of the recruitment process.

The benefits

The starting salary for this position is $70,019 per annum. Once in the role there are opportunities to increase your salary as you achieve national qualifications (Level 3 at $74,697, Level 3+ at $76,697, Level 4 at $80,213, and Level 4+ at $82,213). We are also able to offer:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• $4000 shift allowance per annum, in addition to your salary
• 12 week fully paid training programme
• Clear pathway for career progression and continuous learning and development
• Free parking and on-site gym facilities
• A supportive team-environment
• Rosters provided 12 months in advance so you can plan your leave
• Health and well-being benefits including access to EAP, eye care benefits, health checks and more

About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy. We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.