Trainee Corrections Officer

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Minneapolis, Saint Paul (MN, MN); On-site; USD 61,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays per year

Pension plan

Excellent state benefits

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Corrections is hiring Trainee Corrections Officers for assignments at Minnesota Correctional Facility locations in Lino Lakes, Oak Park Heights and Stillwater. The role begins with a 6-week training academy on day shift, then a facility-specific schedule is set.

New hires will start at trainee status with a salary of $29.61 per hour ($61,826 annually) during training and transfer to Corrections Officer 1 after academy, with a future pathway to Officer 2 after one year.

Qualifications

• Be able to pass a criminal history check prior to hire.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Be able to pass a background check.
• Be able to possess a firearm and may be required to obtain a permit.
• Must be at least 18 years old for adult facilities and 21 for juvenile facilities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, security, and control of the correctional facility.
• Supervise incarcerated people to encourage positive behavior and prepare for community release.
• Provide clear written and verbal information for sound decisions and action.
• Operate equipment safely and competently.
• Prepare for and respond to emergencies using ICS procedures.
• Follow agency policies and support the DOC’s mission and values.

Skills

Criminal history check

Firearm eligibility

Driver's license

Background check

Age requirement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in corrections/justice

Bachelor's degree in any field

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No

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: 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: Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes, Oak Park Heights and Stillwater.

Although we are accepting applications 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

• Ensure the safety, security, and control of the correctional facility.
• Supervise incarcerated people to ensure the environment encourages positive behavior and prepares them for a successful transition into the community upon release.
• 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.
• Be competent in the use of all equipment ensuring it is operated efficiently and safely.
• 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.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for further consideration and assessment, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old to work at an adult correctional facility, and at least 21 years old to work at a juvenile correctional facility (MCF-Red Wing),
• Possess a high school diploma or GED,
• Be able to pass a criminal history check, which will be conducted before hire. To pass, you must have successfully completed all sentencing and/or restitution requirements of law enforcement jurisdictions, including probation,
• Be able to possess a firearm. You may be asked to obtain a permit to purchase to qualify for meeting this requirement,
• Have a valid driver's license.

In addition, you must possess at least ONE of the following to qualify for further consideration and assessment:

• One or more years of full-time work experience in ANY field. (Note: The work experience does NOT have to be in Corrections),
• Two or more years of part-time (at least 20 hours per week) work experience in ANY field. (Note: the work experience does NOT have to be in Corrections),
• Completion of an associate degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law, Law Enforcement, Psychology, Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or a Human Services related field with an emphasis in corrections/criminal justice,
• Completion of a bachelor's degree in ANY field from an accredited college/university,
• Honorable discharge from active military duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces,
• Current member in good standing in any branch of the United States Armed Forces,
• Successful completion of an internship in a Minnesota Correctional Facility in a related security area.

Interview Process

Within a few days after you apply, the Minnesota DOC Human Resources (HR) will review your application to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. If you meet the minimum qualifications, a HR Specialist will email you an interview link. We use SparkHire One-way video interviews. The interview can be completed using your device. The interview must be completed within one (1) week. Some facilities offer in-person interviews. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, you will be notified by email. Please ensure your contact information (i.e., email address, mailing/home address, cell, and work phone numbers) is up to date so that we can contact you. You must receive a passing rate on the interview to be considered for hire as a Trainee Corrections Officer.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kristen Hanson at [e-mail] or 651-361-7542.

About Corrections Dept

Join a team with a national reputation of excellence! The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) is highly regarded nationwide and has provided a model for other corrections systems to follow. Our mission is to transform lives for a safer Minnesota. We offer great State of Minnesota benefits, competitive pay, internal promotional opportunities, free parking, and workout facilities at most locations.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

Based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.