Minnesota has a national reputation for operating secure, humane correctional facilities that have low levels of violence and are safe. Controlled movement, video surveillance, inmate education and work programs, and an incident management system help to maintain this safe environment. Staff also work in the department’s central office in St. Paul and Field Services offices located in communities throughout the state.

There are rewarding career opportunities available department-wide with varying educational requirements. Please carefully review the Minimum Qualifications section of Corrections’ vacancy announcements on the Minnesota Careers Website for information on the qualifications that are necessary at the time of hire, which may or may not include completion of a degree program. Staff are also provided ongoing training opportunities.

The Department of Corrections employs individuals in a wide variety of positions, such as Corrections Officers, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Clinical Program Therapists, and Special Teachers, as well food service and skilled trades positions.

Absolutely! The Department of Corrections is committed to retaining well-qualified employees and provides promotional opportunities. A promotional career ladder is in place for many positions including Corrections Officers and Corrections Agents.

Yes! In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive employee benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; paid holidays; a retirement plan; pre-tax benefits, other optional insurance coverages; and other benefits. When you work in Corrections, you're building a great career and making a valuable contribution to a safer Minnesota.

The DOC posts its current job openings on the Minnesota Careers Website. On the Minnesota Careers Website, you can search and apply for jobs and create job search agents.

• External Applicants (for applicants who are not current State of Minnesota employees)
• Current Employees (for applicants who are current State of Minnesota employees. This link will direct employees to Self Service. Employees who use screen reader technology can enable the accessibility mode on their My Profile page)
• Accessible Applicant Portal (for applicants who are not current State of Minnesota employees who use screen reader technology)

For External Applicants and Accessible Applicant Portal, all current job openings with the State of Minnesota will display. For Current Employees, you must first log into Self Service, click State of MN Self Service and then click Careers to display all current job openings with the State of Minnesota.

You may narrow your search to DOC jobs by clicking the Corrections Dept link under the Agency filter.

To apply, click the job opening, and then click Apply at the bottom of the job posting after you have reviewed the details of the job opening and believe you meet the minimum qualifications.

You may create up to five different job search agents (similar to the former system) to receive email notifications when jobs that meet your saved criteria are announced. Each job search agent remains active for six months and can easily be renewed. Job search agents can be updated at any time to narrow or expand your search criteria by clicking on the My Job Search Agent link near the top of the Job Search page.

To create a My Job Search Agent for DOC jobs, follow the instructions below:

PART 1:

External Applicants (for applicants who are not current State of Minnesota employees)

1. Go to the Minnesota Careers Website.
2. Click External Applicants or Accessible Applicant Portal.
3. At the top right-hand side of the Job Search page, click Sign in or New User to register.
4. Continue to PART 2 below.

Current Employees (for applicants who are current State of Minnesota employees)

1. Go to Employee Self Service and sign in.
2. Click on State of MN Self Service.
3. Click on Careers.
4. Continue to PART 2 below.

PART 2

1. On the Job Search page, click on Corrections Dept under the Agency filter.
2. Click on the Save Search button near the top of the page.
3. Enter a descriptive name for your Job Search Agent in the Name My Search field (e.g. DOC Jobs).
4. Check the box for Notify me when new jobs meet my criteria.
5. In the Send email notification to field, type the email address where you want your email notifications sent.
6. Click the Save Search button.

You may create a My Job Search Agent by clicking on any of the Filter by values (e.g. Location) or by entering a keyword in the Keywords field near the top of the page. For example, if you want to set up a search for jobs at a location that does not currently have a job announced, you can type the location name (e.g. Stillwater) in the Keywords field. After entering information in the Keywords field, click the Save Search button, then follow steps 3 through 6 under PART 2.

You may request a copy of the position description from the Human Resources contact person listed on the job posting or the hiring supervisor if you want to learn more about the responsibilities and requirements of the job.

Yes, however please carefully review the qualifications for each job opening before you apply. When applying to some job openings, you may be asked questions about your qualifications as part of the application process.

Yes. You may choose to upload a resume, use an existing resume (if you’ve applied before), or apply with an application. If you upload a resume, the system will automatically fill in portions of your application.

After signing in to your account, click on My Activities at the top of the page. Your My Activities page displays all job openings that you have applied for and your status as an applicant for the job.

After signing into your account (see instructions in answer above), select My Activities at the top of the page. Click the Job Title link of the job opening you would like to withdraw your application from. Click Withdraw to be removed from consideration.

After you submit your application, you will receive an online message to let you know your application was submitted. You will also receive an email notification.

You may be considered for other job openings that match your qualifications. If this occurs, you will receive an email inviting you to apply to a job opening that is currently posted and open for application. 

You are strongly encouraged to apply to job openings that interest you in order to ensure consideration.

If you have any questions about working for the DOC or would like assistance with your application, please connect with our recruiters here.

Corrections Officers play a vital role in keeping our communities safe and supporting our mission of transforming lives for a safer Minnesota.

The starting annual salary of $60,761 ($29.10 per hour) is competitive for a career that does not require a college degree or prior experience. After one year, officers are eligible for promotion to the Corrections Officer 2 classification, with a salary range of $62,285–$82,810.

This is more than a job, it’s a career. With dedication and a strong work ethic, officers can advance to roles such as Sergeant, Lieutenant, or Captain, or pursue other opportunities within the Department of Corrections. Some officers choose to remain at the Corrections Officer 2 level and enjoy the stability of their preferred shift and location.

In addition to career growth, this position offers an excellent benefits package and the opportunity to retire at the age of 55, if desired.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Low-cost health, dental insurance, and optical
• Retirement eligibility at age 55 with a lifetime pension
• Deferred compensation and tax-deferred savings plans
• Employer-paid life insurance and optional additional coverage
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering free counseling and support services

Adult Facilities: Must be at least 18 years old.

Juvenile Facilities: Must be at least 21 years old.

There is no maximum age limit.

While some officers hold degrees in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice, many do not have a college degree. Our Corrections Officers come from a wide variety of backgrounds — including social work, retail, manufacturing, customer service, and the military.

What matters most is your ability to communicate effectively, stay calm under pressure, and treat others with respect.

Many of our officers begin their careers with no prior experience in corrections. From day one, you’ll be supported by experienced colleagues who understand what it’s like to be new.

All new officers attend a six-week Training Academy, where they’ll learn the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

It’s important to know that working in corrections is not like what you see in movies or on TV — those portrayals are often dramatized. In reality, officers focus on communication, structure, and safety. If you treat others with professionalism and respect, you will receive the same in return.

A correctional facility operates much like a small community. Inside, you’ll find teachers, nurses, maintenance staff, therapists, case managers, and administrators all working together.

Incarcerated individuals have structured daily schedules that include work assignments, classes, treatment programs, recreation, and meals. In the evenings, they return to their housing units to rest and connect with loved ones through phone or video calls.

Yes. Corrections Officers are represented by AFSCME, which advocates fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union representation ensures your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Physical size or strength is not what makes someone successful in this role. The most important skill we are looking for is effective communication.

If you can stay calm, communicate clearly, respectfully, and follow established safety procedures, you have what it takes to be a strong officer.

The facilities of the Minnesota Department of Corrections are operated 24/7. New officers may be required to work some mandatory overtime, especially when staffing levels are lower. However, as more officers join our team, the need for mandatory overtime decreases.

Many experienced officers volunteer for overtime because it offers excellent financial opportunities.

Having criminal offenses does not automatically disqualify you from employment.

All Applicants must successfully clear/pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check; motor vehicle record review; justice-involved individual association check; employment reference verification; and occupational health tuberculosis test, and respirator clearance

If you have questions about your specific situation, please email us at Recruitment.DOC@state.mn.us to get further guidance from Human Resources.

Having a loved one who is or has been incarcerated does not disqualify you from employment. It is important, however, to be honest and transparent when completing background information so that appropriate measures can be taken for safety and security.

At this time, all Corrections Officer positions are full-time. We do not hire for part-time in the Corrections Officer classification.

We are not currently able to accept lateral transfers from other states or jurisdictions. However, current Minnesota Department of Corrections officers may transfer between DOC facilities. Please keep in mind that we are a union environment, and transfers are based on seniority.

To qualify for further consideration and assessment, you must meet the following Minimum Qualifications.

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), AND
• Possess a high school diploma or GED, AND
• 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, AND
• Be able to possess a firearm. You may be asked to obtain a permit to purchase to qualify for meeting this requirement, AND
• 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), OR
• 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), OR
• 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, OR
• Completion of a bachelor's degree in ANY field from an accredited college/university, OR
• Honorable discharge from active military duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, OR
• Current member in good standing in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, OR
• Successful completion of an internship in a Minnesota Correctional Facility in a related security area.

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.