Corrections Officer - Otago Corrections Facility

Department of Corrections NZ

Canterbury

On-site

NZD 70,000 - 82,000

Full time

14 days+
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Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave
Free parking
On-site gym facilities
Supportive team environment

Job summary

Department of Corrections NZ is recruiting a Corrections Officer for Otago Corrections Facility. You will help maintain security, supervise daily routines, and support inmates in adjusting to life in prison. Training is comprehensive and ongoing to build your skills and career.

We offer a clear pathway for progression, a collaborative team environment, and onsite amenities such as parking and a gym. A NZ driver licence and the right to work are essential, with a willingness to relocate closer to

Qualifications

  • Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly.
  • Operate with high levels of integrity.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
  • Understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi and work in a culturally diverse setting.
  • Able to work rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays.
  • Full, clean New Zealand driver licence (or eligible to obtain one).
  • Live within 100 km of Otago Corrections Facility or willing to relocate.
  • Have the legal right to work in New Zealand or a Work Visa with at least 24 months remaining.

Responsibilities

  • Corrections Officers ensure security and wellbeing of people serving sentences or on remand.
  • Induct inmates into units and help navigate life in prison.
  • Supervise daily routines and serve as prosocial role models to support safety.

Skills

Interpersonal skills
Integrity
Problem solving
Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding
Rostered shifts (24/7)
New Zealand driver licence
NZ work rights
Live within 100 km of Otago Correct...

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 - Otago Corrections Facility

Department of Corrections NZ - Milburn, South Island

  • Clear pathway for career progression and continuous learning and development
  • A supportive team environment
  • Free parking and on-site gym facilities
Mō te tūnga | About the role

Ask those who work in our organisation about what it's like, they will often say; the passion for making a difference is incredible, the work is highly stimulating, and you're exposed to a wide range of challenges and exciting opportunities. A Corrections Officer is one of those opportunities.

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and conveys the responsibility for those in our care to reach their potential and our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve.

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.

The role of a Corrections Officer varies, including tasks across specialised units, security levels and site-specific activities.

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 in Upper Hutt, then a further six 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 are currently at full capacity for female applicants and have limited vacancies available. However, we encourage you to apply to be considered for opportunities in the coming months.

Mōu | About you

We are looking for a diverse range of candidates, from different cultures with varied backgrounds and experience to take up roles at Otago Corrections Facility. We are interested to hear from people who:

  • 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
  • Are able to work rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays
  • Have afull, clean New Zealand driver licence (or be eligible to obtain one)
  • Live within 100 km of Otago Corrections Facility or be prepared to move to meet this requirement prior to starting
  • The legal right to work in New Zealand or a Work Visa with at least24 months remaining*

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.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The starting salary for this position is $70,019 per annum. Once in the role there are opportunities to increase your salaryas 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.
Mō mātou | 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.

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