The role
Make an ongoing impact
Corrections officers are there with people in prison throughout their daily activities, providing ongoing opportunities to influence change and motivate positive decisions.
They supervise people's routines, help them to navigate prison life, escort them to hearings and appointments, and support them to engage in rehabilitation programmes.
Diverse environments
Our corrections officers work across a diverse range of settings, with different specialist units, security levels and site-specific activities all creating different day-to-day experiences.
Some work in specific focus units such as our drug and alcohol treatment units, youth units, Pasifika units, Māori and Tikanga focused units, Mothers and Babies units and Special Treatment units.
Safety matters
Working as a close team, you'll play an important role in monitoring behaviour and maintaining safety within the prison. You'll patrol prison buildings and grounds, assess situations and take appropriate action.
Our correction officers are supported by other officers, and there is backup, training and equipment readily available for when they need it. From detection dogs to emergency response, negotiators to tactical operations – each situation that needs extra support has resource available. There are also opportunities to specialise in these areas as you progress in your career.
What you need to know
Time off & hours of work
5 weeks annual leave
Rostered rotating shifts including nights, weekends & public holidays
Salary
Starting salary $70,019, increasing as you achieve National Qualifications Level 3 ($74,697) and Level 4 ($80,213)
$4000 annual shift allowance
Career development
Opportunities to gain qualifications in Level 3, 4 and 5 in the National Certificate for Offender Management and to branch into more specialised areas (eg prison negotiation, dog handling, site emergency response teams, etc)
Progression opportunities to Senior Corrections Officer, Principal Corrections Officer
Skills and experience
Strong communicators, team players, ability to motivate others, work well under pressure
Observant, alert, resilient
Full NZ Driver Licence before starting employment
Environment
Based at one of our prisons around the country, which each have different units, programmes, and site specific activities
Want to check this is right for you?
Take our interactive quizzes and self-assessment tools to see if this role is right for you.
Eligibility Self-check
Pre-employment Health Assessment
Values test
Imagine you are a corrections officer
Eligibility Self-check
This is short tool to help you check what you need to become a corrections officer and assist with your application.
Pre-employment Health Assessment
This tool is designed to guide you through a series of health categories and by responding to the statements provided, you'll be able to identify areas where you might want to seek further medical advice.
Values test
Think you've got strong values and good judgement? Take our quick quiz to see how your decisions stack up - even when no one’s watching. It’s fast, insightful, and might just show you’ve got what it takes.
Imagine you are a corrections officer
Corrections officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of prisoners and staff within a facility. You must make decisions and take actions in various situations.
Recent stories
Corrections Officer: The Real Job
We need people with skill – absolutely. But the ones who truly make an impact? They bring skill and heart. That’s what sets our corrections officers apart.
Thinking about working for Corrections?
We asked our staff to share real stories, insights and advice on what it’s like working at the Department of Corrections.