Correctional Sergeant

State of Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Paid holidays

Sick time

Health insurance

Pension plan

457 plan

Well Wisconsin

Employee assistance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

State of Wisconsin in Milwaukee is seeking a Correctional Sergeant to lead officers and supervise residents, ensuring security and program compliance across facilities in the state. You will communicate with staff, manage shifts, and uphold safety standards.

The role reports to Supervising Officer 1/2 and includes pay differentials, a base rate of $37.08/hr, and comprehensive benefits; remote work is not available, with continuous eligibility and probationary requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with crowd control and security procedures
• Ability to direct staff and residents
• Inspection and operation of facilities
• First aid training
• Writing reports and documenting incidents

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise correctional officers on duty.
• Oversee interaction of residents to maintain security.
• Escort residents off-site as required.
• Communicate institution information and concerns to staff and public.
• Maintain record keeping systems and professional interactions.

Skills

Crowd control

Staff direction

First aid

Report writing

Security procedures

Job description

Introduction

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The Department of Corrections, is currently accepting applications for Correctional Sergeants at the following locations:

• Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage)
• Green Bay Correctional Institution (Green Bay)
• Dodge Correctional Institution (Waupun)
• Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Milwaukee)
• Oshkosh Correctional Institution (Oshkosh)
• Racine Correctional Institution (Sturtevant)
• Redgranite Correctional Institution (Redgranite)
• Taycheedah Correctional Institution (Fond Du Lac)
• Waupun Correctional Institution (Waupun)

Position Summary

The Correctional Sergeant will work under the general supervision of Supervising Officer 1 or 2, or Unit Supervisor. This position is responsible for ensuring the security, custody, control, and treatment of residents as a lead worker within the Division of Adult Institutions. These positions supervise residents, direct and lead Correctional Officers, on institution grounds and escort residents off-site as required. The Correctional Sergeant communicates institution information and concerns, maintains record keeping systems, and maintains professional interactions with staff, residents and the public.

Correctional Sergeant positions within institution settings perform all functions of the Correctional Officer and in addition assign and review the work of Correctional Officers and oversee the interaction of groups of residents to maintain positive relations and security on their shift or area of responsibility.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule and range 05-32 with a starting base pay rate of $37.08/hr. Differential pay is available for certain night and weekend shifts, and employees may be eligible for FLSA premium overtime. Pay upon appointment for current or former State employees may vary and will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code. A 12-month probationary period is required.

These positions also offer excellent benefits, including protective retirement status. Future increases will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan, and are currently scheduled at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.
• To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.

Employees at maximum security facilities: Columbia Correctional (Portage); Dodge Correctional (Waupun); Green Bay Correctional (Green Bay); Taycheedah Correctional (Fond Du Lac) and Waupun Correctional (Waupun); are eligible for a $3.00/hour add on.

Employees at medium security facilities: Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Milwaukee); Oshkosh Correctional (Oshkosh) Racine Correctional (Sturtevant); and Redgranite Correctional (Redgranite); are eligible for a $1.00/hour add on.

Employees at Waupun Correctional (Waupun) are eligible for an additional $5.00/hour add on for all hours worked.

Employees at Green Bay Correctional Institution (Green Bay) are eligible for an additional, temporary $5.00/hour add on for all hours worked. Add-ons are subject to change and may adjust during the candidate selection process. The add-on is subject to review and removal on a bi-weekly basis.

Job Details

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.

The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.

The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks and security checks (including internet, phone, and visitor log searches) on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

These positions have physical requirements including but not limited to: walking, twisting, climbing, standing, lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50lbs, etc. These positions also are exposed to a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. A medical/drug/fitness screening and the DOC Facility Staff Training and Support (FSTS) six-week academy may be required.

Remote work is not an option for this position.

Qualifications

Applicants will be assessed on relevant training, education, and experience including but not limited to the following:

• Crowd control and security procedures and policies
• Direction of staff and residents
• Inspection and operation of facilities
• First aid training
• Writing Reports and Documenting
• Making referrals to correctional program resources for the care and rehabilitation of residents

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until February 17, 2027.

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The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. Qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability should send their cover letter, resume, DD-214, and documentation of your service-connected disability rating (dated within 12-months) to the HR Assistant listed above. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.