Fitness requirements
Learn more about the physical requirements you'll need to meet to become a Correctional Officer
A career that changes lives
We see correctional facilities as a tool for reducing offending and reintegrating people back into the community.
As a Correctional Officer, you have a unique chance to change lives.
It starts with a conversation
Help create an environment that supports meaningful rehabilitation through positive interactions with prisoners.
Become a role model
Your interactions will help people develop their social skills and make prison a place where change happens.
Break the cycle
As a constant presence in a prisoner's daily life, your insight is important. Working together with specialists, programs and community members, you can help break the cycle of reoffending.
The role
Salary
$92,677 - $104,021* plus 12% superannuation
Employment type
Permanent | 76 hours per fortnight | Rotating roster
Leave allowances
8 weeks annual leave every 56 weeks
Location
Risdon, Hobart and Launceston
Award
Correctional Officers Agreement 2023 - Correctional Officer Day Training and Shift Work
Classification
Correctional Officer Probationary (Shift Work)*
*During training, the classification is Correctional Officer Training (Day Work) and the salary is $66,520 per year. Experienced Correctional Officers may be eligible for recognition of service including above base salary during training.
A job that changes every day
You’ll become a role model, mediator, trainer, security specialist, emergency responder and mentor. Above all, it’s a challenging, rewarding job where no two days are the same.
Responsibilities
Some of your key responsibilities will include:
- interacting with prisoners and detainees
- helping people resolve issues and get support
- managing health, safety, and security
- ensuring everyone follows prison rules and regulations
- rehabilitating prisoners and detainees and getting them job ready
- helping people prepare for release and reintegration into society.
Eligibility requirements
You don’t need a formal qualification or previous experience in Corrections to apply. What matters most is your character, your skills and your willingness to learn. To be successful in this role, you will need:
- to be medically suitable for the role and have a level of physical fitness that meets our requirements
- psychological characteristics that match the responsibilities of a Correctional Officer
- to pass all pre-employment checks
- strong reading, writing and numeracy skills
- good people skills, including the ability to read situations and understand people
- critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- clear communication and teamwork skills
- a current unrestricted driver's licence (preferred).
Training
Successful applicants will commence a comprehensive, structured training program designed to prepare you for a confident and capable career as a Correctional Officer.
Training is delivered over a 12‑month probationary period, beginning with an initial 12 weeks of full‑time training. This foundation program combines classroom-based learning, practical skill development, and supervised workplace placements across a range of custodial posts.
Following the initial 12‑week program, training continues in the workplace for the remainder of the 12‑month period, allowing you to progressively build experience and capability while performing the role.
At the successful completion of the 12‑month probationary period, recruits will be awarded a Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial Specialisation) – CSC30122, a nationally recognised qualification.
The team
When you start your journey in Corrections, you’ll join a passionate and supportive team that always has your back. You’ll also become part of the wider Department of Justice, contributing to our mission to create a safer, fairer Tasmania.
At the Tasmania Prison Service, you’ll work with many different people and services. Together, we support prisoner care, rehabilitation and day‑to‑day wellbeing. This includes providing crisis support and helping people manage the challenges of prison life.
Throughout your career, you’ll collaborate with a range of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, doctors and Parole Board members. You’ll also work alongside community and education services such as the Red Cross, Connect 42’s parenting program, Alcohol and Drug Services, and TasTAFE.
A big part of our mission is to understand the causes of offending and support people to make positive change. We help prisoners build the skills they need to succeed after release, reconnecting with their families and communities, finding work, gaining education and more. As a team, we play an important role in helping people move forward and build better futures.
Application process
Our application process is simple.
- Review the Statement of Duties to check that you meet all the requirements.
- Finalise your resume.
- Complete the application form, making sure to include any additional documents that are specified. Please note that you do not need to respond to the selection criteria.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now.
Who can work in Corrections?
Correctional Officers come from all walks of life. They’re drawn to the job because it’s rewarding, comes with a great lifestyle, and it's varied – no two days are the same.
You don’t need prior experience or qualifications to work with us. What you do need is to be a passionate, hardworking person who wants to turn lives around.