Frequently asked questions

To be eligible for this role, you don’t need any formal qualifications or experience in Corrections. Instead, we look for people who are flexible, mature and open-minded.

Being a Correctional Officer can be challenging. However, listening and talking are the solution to most problems. Plus, you’ll be trained to stay safe, while working alongside a team that always has your back.

The role of Correctional Officer does come with some risk. However, there are clear safety measures, training and support systems in place to reduce risk and respond quickly when issues occur.

Correctional Officers are there to help people rehabilitate and reintegrate into the community. It means becoming a role model, mediator, trainer and mentor. You’ll also turn lives around by helping people develop their work and social skills.

While you don’t need to be an athlete to work in Corrections, you do need to be in good physical health. You will need to pass a medical or fitness exam to secure the role.

Other than being over 18, there are no age requirements to becoming a Correctional Officer. However, you will need to be healthy, both physically and mentally.

Our salary for shift work is $92,677 to $102,092 plus 12% superannuation. During the 12-week training program, your salary will be $66,520 per annum plus 12% superannuation.

Experienced Correctional Officers may be eligible for recognition of service including above base salary both during and following training.

You’ll work a fully rotating roster of around 76 hours per fortnight. The shifts you work will be 8, 10, or 12 hours.

Prison facilities operate 24/7, including public holidays and weekends. Our rosters allow for a good work-life balance, offering up to 8 weeks annual leave.

If your application is successful, you’ll begin up to 12 weeks of full-time training. This involves classes and practical activities where you’ll learn how to perform the role, and how to keep yourself and others safe. You’ll also undertake job placements within the prison system. During these placements, you’ll be teamed up with experienced officers.

First, you’ll complete the online application form. Once we’ve received your application, we’ll begin assessing your suitability for the role and progress it through a number of application stages.

After your application is submitted, we’ll run checks to make sure you’re the right fit for the role. These include background, employment and identification checks. You will also need to provide a current National Police Check (dated within the last 3 months).

While a current unrestricted driver’s licence is preferred, it’s not an essential requirement of the role.

Our facilities are located in Hobart, Risdon and Launceston.

The Tasmania Prison Service will generally seek to post new officers to a facility in the north or south of Tasmania, depending on where they live. However, this cannot be guaranteed. After completing the initial 12-week training program, you may be required to work in any TPS facility, based on operational need.

We welcome Correctional Officers from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. You’ll enjoy great working benefits alongside our passionate, diverse team. Plus, you can explore our beautiful island during your days off. Learn more about life in Tasmania.