Trainee Corrections Officer

State of Minnesota; Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is hiring Trainee Corrections Officers for the Minnesota Corrections Facility Safety and Security division. This full-time trainee position starts with a 6-week day-shift academy at metro facilities, followed by assigned shifts across facilities.

It includes paid training, background checks, and progression to Corrections Officer roles upon successful completion. Initial salary is $29.61 per hour ($61,826 annually), with further opportunities after the academy and a

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, security, and control of the correctional facility.
• Supervise incarcerated people to encourage positive behavior and a successful transition into the community upon release.
• Provide clear written and verbal information for timely, sound decisions and appropriate action.
• Operate and maintain all equipment safely and efficiently.
• Prepare for and respond to emergencies using ICS procedures to protect public safety and facility security.
• Follow agency policies and state statutes, supporting the DOC's mission and initiatives.

Job description

Working Title: Trainee Corrections Officer

Job Class: Trainee Corrections Officer

Agency: Department of Corrections

• Job ID : 93625
• Location : Lino Lakes, Oak Park Heights and Stillwater
• Telework Eligible : No
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Trainee
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 08/31/2026
• Closing Date : 09/28/2026
• Hiring Agency : Department of Corrections
• Division/Unit : Minnesota Corrections Facility Safety and Security
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift for the initial 6-week training academy, then a shift will be assigned.
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday for the initial 6-week training academy, then the work schedule will be assigned based on the scheduling needs of the Minnesota Correctional Facility where you work.
• Travel Required : Yes, during the initial 6-week academy. All centralized training will be held at the DOC Central Office starting the week after your date of hire, with the exception of a one-day training session at MCF-St. Cloud held at the conclusion of the academy. No hotel accommodations are offered to hires of facilities within the metro region during training.
• Salary Range: $29.61 / hourly; $61,826 / annually
• $29.61 per hour during the initial 6-week training academy (for new hires to the State of Minnesota).
• After successful completion of the 6-week training academy, Trainees will move to the Corrections Officer 1 classification, and their pay will remain the same. Employees in the Corrections Officer 1 classification are promoted to Corrections Officer 2 after successfully completing one (1) year probationary period and will receive a pay increase at that time.
• Note: Current State employees may contact Kristen Hanson ([e-mail] or 651-361-7542) for more information related to rate of pay.
• Current Salary Range of Corrections Officer 1 : $29.61 / hourly; $61,826 / annually
• Current Salary Range of Corrections Officer 2 : $30.35 - $40.35 / hourly; $63,371 - $84,251 / annually
• Classified Status : Non-Status during the initial 6-week training academy. Classified status after appointment to Corrections Officer 1.
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrepresented during the initial 6-week training academy. AFSCME Unit 208 after appointment to Corrections Officer 1.
• FLSA Status : Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This job announcement will fill openings at the following facilities only:

Although we are accepting applicaitons at three of our metro facilities, the selection process may include being placed in our waitlist applicant pool if there are no immediate openings for the upcoming Academy at your preferred work location.

Are you seeking a career path, competitive pay, and great benefits? Become a Corrections Officer with the Minnesota DOC! No corrections experience necessary - we will train you to maintain security, supervise activities, and promote change in people who are incarcerated at one of the Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) locations.

Experience as a security officer, law enforcement, a probation officer or in the criminal justice field? Share your experience with our team! We offer a shift differential, paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays per year, and an opportunity to retire at age 55!

Corrections Officers are responsible for providing a controlled setting to ensure the safety and security of the correctional facility by supervising incarcerated people, encouraging positive behavior, and preparing them for successful release into the community.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Ensure the safety, security, and control of the correctional facility.
2. Supervise incarcerated people to ensure the environment encourages positive behavior and prepares them for a successful transition into the community upon release.
3. Give and receive written and verbal information in a clear, understandable, accurate, timely, and dependable manner so that information is evaluated, sound decisions are made, and appropriate action is initiated.
4. Be competent in the use of all equipment ensuring it is operated efficiently and safely.
5. Prepare for and respond to any unusual or emergency situation utilizing the appropriate Incident Command System (ICS) procedures ensuring the safety, accountability, welfare, and security of the general public, facility, onsite personnel, and incarcerated people.
6. Follow all agency and state policies and statutes. Support the DOC's vision, mission, values, goals, and initiatives.

When requests are received by the DOC Human Resources to fill a Trainee Corrections Officer position(s), job offers will be made and positions will be filled by the applicants who have met all of the requirements detailed below and have passed the interview. Applicants are also required to pass the background check which will be completed after the applicant has accepted the contingent job offer. If the background check is not satisfactory, the offer will be rescinded.

Background and reference checks will be conducted if you are offered a position and must be satisfactory to move forward in the hiring process.

Physical Requirements

If you are offered a job, you must pass a tuberculosis screening and respirator clearance. You will also be required to review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for the position. For a copy of the PDA, please email [e-mail].

In addition, an employee must receive an area exposure to a DOC-approved chemical irritant, which is a core training requirement of the Minnesota DOC.

Additional Requirements

The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations, and/or other applicable background information in accordance with the Department of Corrections policy.

Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with the Department of Corrections policy. This may include a review of job performance and discipline records.

New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) does not participate in E-Verify. The DOC will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.