Frequently Asked Questions

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.