Entry Level Correction Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview
Corrections professionals in Vermont work in a system that believes in the basics of human change. Intensive training prepares entry level Correctional Officers for a career that blends security work, human services and leadership opportunities. This work is rewarding on many levels and draws on a wide range of skills. Many of our permanent positions are filled by promoting temporary employees, so external candidates are encouraged to apply to both temporary and permanent job openings.
Training
The start of your career in Corrections begins with a week at the correctional facility observing the duties and role of a correctional officer. Then, the next six weeks of instruction are at the Vermont Correctional Academy, where you will learn the core skill set of a corrections professional. After graduation, you will participate in eighty hours of onsite training supervised by staff at your new facility.
The Start date for this position is based on your availability. Positions vary and we run on a 2-shift schedule, 6am - 6pm and 6pm - 6am. Shifts and schedules are assigned by seniority first and may be determined by facility needs.
To the many benefits available through employment with the State of Vermont, Northern State Correctional Facility would like to introduce the innovative 2-2-3 schedule to provide staff with a better work-life balance.
In a 2-2-3 rotation, you work two consecutive days, followed by two days off, and then work three consecutive days before having another two days off. This rotation repeats, providing you with regular periods of rest while ensuring that NSCF has continuous coverage of operations. The 2-2-3 schedule offers predictable work hours, flexibility, and longer stretches of consecutive days off for you to rest and recharge and a 3-day weekend every other week.
With our 2-2-3 schedule, you will:

• Work just 7 out of every 14 days instead of 10 as in a traditional schedule.
• Enjoy regular two- or three-day periods off: Say goodbye to long work stretches without a break.
• Work a balanced day or night shift: We prioritize your well-being by evenly distributing day and night shift.
• Have predictable rotations: You can plan ahead with our clear four-week rotation cycle, allowing you to easily organize your personal life.
• Work fewer days per year: With only 180 workdays, you'll have more time for yourself and your loved ones or relaxation or travel.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strength-based relationships and results orientation.
The Vermont Department of Corrections is an equal-opportunity employer. We are passionately committed to equitable hiring and boldly dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, uniform service member status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, bilingual and bicultural individuals, LGBTQ+ persons, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
As of July 12, 2026, the step 1 rate for pay grade 19 will be $23.58 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $36.16 per hour.
Who May Apply
This position, Correctional Officer I (Northern State Correctional Facility) (Job Requisition #51777), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Laurie.Eastman@vermont.gov. Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting. Recruitment is ongoing for each correctional facility, although the availability of specific vacancies varies.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
DOC PREA Requirements
In accordance with federal regulation, any person applying for employment in the Department of Corrections must provide relevant information. Previous institutional employers will be contacted and required to provide information regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse. By submitting this online job application, you certify all information furnished is true and complete. The information you provide in accordance with this regulation may be used, and previous employers may be contacted for the purpose of investigating and verifying your work history.
Conviction History Requirements: Candidates who have any felony conviction record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment. You may access the application and corresponding documents by clicking here. Once you have completed the application, please send it directly to the hiring manager identified as the contact person in this job posting.
Environmental Factors
Duties are performed largely within a correctional facility and in the immediate area of inmates. High stress situations are predictable, even frequent. The potential of physical assault or injury is present. Transportation and supervision of inmates outside of the correctional facility may be required. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is necessary. Overtime and emergency duty are unpredictable. Shift assignments may change in accordance with the needs of the facility.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation or equivalent AND two (2) years or more full-time work experience.
OR
One (1) year or more of college level course work AND one (1) year or more of full-time work experience.
OR
Two (2) years or more of college level course work.
Minimum Physical Requirements:
Adequate physical condition to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. As a Correctional Officer it is important to understand that one of the essential tasks associated with the job is the ability to don a self-contained breathing apparatus and perform evacuation procedures, potentially including search and rescue functions. The Department of Corrections must adhere to OSHA standards that relate to use of such devices, including CFR 1910.134(e), "Medical Evaluation," which states: "Employers must provide a medical evaluation to determine each employee's fitness to wear a respirator."
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a correctional setting
Military experience
Special Requirements
Overtime work is required to maintain safe staffing levels and is considered a condition of employment. The ability to work overtime as required is considered an essential function of this job class. Additionally, work on weekends and holidays may be required. Must attend and pass annual mandated training.
The Department of Corrections does not hire anyone who has been convicted of a felony without a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections. Any person under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction within the past five (5) years is likewise ineligible for employment.
Candidates must pass a background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.