In addition to Intern & Volunteer Opportunities to gain on-the-job training and experience, the Minnesota DOC also offers an entry-level Corrections Officer Trainee position.

You must meet certain minimum qualifications to become a Correctional Officer with the Minnesota Department of Corrections, including: at least 18 years old (21 years old for juvenile corrections), have a high school diploma or GED and a driver’s license, and be able to pass a background check and possess a firearm.

Additionally, you must meet at least one of the criteria from the following:

Have a bachelor’s degree

OR

An associate’s degree in the subject of corrections, criminal justice, criminology, law enforcement, psychology, social work, sociology, or related field.

OR

A year of full time security work experience in a correctional setting, or have completed an internship at a Minnesota Correctional Facility.

OR

Have an honorable discharge from active military service.

OR

At least three years of full time work experience in any job.

Applications are accepted only as positions become available. You can create an account so that you will be notified by e-mail when a position becomes open by visiting http://www.careers.state.mn.us, where you can create a search agent for “Corr Public Safety Legal”.

After you submit your application, you will receive an e-mail with instructions to schedule at time to take a REACT test given by DOC. The test will consist of a situational video, reading and writing comprehension, and simple math. If you pass the test, you will be asked to appear for an interview. Prior to any job offer, your criminal history and employment references will be checked and verified. Upon receiving a job offer, you will need to have a physical examination to release you as capable of performing the job functions, verify that you do not have tuberculosis, and must pass a drug screen.

If you are offered a position as a Correctional Officer, you will then be eligible to attend the 6-Week Pre-Service Academy training program. The Pre-Service training consists of learning the rules and regulations of the job, overseeing inmates, report writing, plus location-specific training.

If you have any additional questions, visit the Minnesota Department of Corrections’ Frequently Asked Questions page at http://www.doc.state.mn.us/PAGES/index.php/employment-opportunities/faq/.