Corrections Officer - Rimutaka Prison

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

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Shift allowance $4000 p.a.

12 weeks fully paid training

Career progression pathway

Free parking and on-site gym

Supportive team environment

Roster planning 12 months in advance

Health & well-being benefits

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections is seeking Corrections Officers to work in New Zealand prisons, ensuring security and the wellbeing of people serving sentences or on remand. Training is intensive and fully paid, with a week-long induction, 6 weeks at the National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt, then 5 weeks back on site before graduating.

Applicants must be able to work a 24/7 rotating roster, and there are clear career progression paths and opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Right to work in New Zealand or valid work visa.
• Full NZ Driver Licence or eligibility.
• Ability to pass a drug test.
• Medically fit for employment and assessments.
• Demonstrated integrity and compliance with rules.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and security inside prison facilities.
• Supervise daily routines and assist inmates with navigation of prison life.
• Provide professional development and support as part of custodial team.
• Participate in a comprehensive training programme, including on-site and learning-centre blocks.

Skills

Right to work NZ

NZ Driver Licence

Drug test clearance

Medical fitness

Integrity & compliance

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 - Rimutaka Mens Prison

There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people. Help to shape futures & make a difference in people's lives! Embark on a challenging & rewarding career. Free onsite parking & great staff facilities including gym.

About the role

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 five 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. You'll get opportunities for professional development, promotion and the ability to gain a recognised qualification in Offender Management.

About you

We are looking for a diverse range of candidates, from different cultures with varied backgrounds and experience. 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; can work rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays.

Skills and experience

• the legal right to work in New Zealand or a Work Visa with at least 24 months remaining
• a full New Zealand Driver Licence (or be eligible to obtain one)
• to declare any conflicts of interest and previous convictions
• the ability to pass a drug test
• to be medically fit for employment and complete a Medical Assessment and Physical Readiness Assessment

Our prisons operate 24/7 - applicants must be able to work shifts on a rotating roster. In line with our Strategy Hōkai Rangi, we are prioritising applications from people who have experience in a Kaupapa Māori or Pasifika environment and/or a willingness to learn. Please highlight any relevant experience and/or language skills in your application. Our standards are high so should you apply to join us you will undergo a comprehensive selection process that will assess you against our core requirements.

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).

• 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.

Applications close on: Saturday 31st October, 2026.