Correctional Officer ; Northeast Correctional Complex

Correctional Officer I – Northeast Correctional Complex (Job  A19)

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. Many of our permanent positions are filled by promoting temporary employees, so external candidates are encouraged to apply to both temporary and permanent openings.

The start of your career in Corrections begins with a week at the correctional facility observing the duties and role of a correctional officer. This is followed by six weeks of instruction at the Vermont Correctional Academy, where you learn the core skill set of a corrections professional. After graduation, you participate in eighty hours of onsite training supervised by staff at your new facility.

Positions run on a 2‑shift schedule: 6 am–6 pm and 6 pm–6 am. Shifts and schedules are assigned by seniority first and may be determined by facility needs. The Innovative 2‑2‑3 rotation distributes work days as follows: two consecutive days on, two days off, three consecutive days on, and two days off. This schedule provides predictable work hours, regular two‑ or three‑day periods off, and a 3‑day weekend every other week.

Employees work just 7 out of every 14 days, which equals 180 workdays per year.

• 80% of state‑paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State‑Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• 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

As of July 12, 2026, the step 1 rate for pay grade 19 is $23.58 per hour and the step 15 rate is $36.16 per hour.

The Vermont Department of Corrections is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are passionately committed to equitable hiring and boldly dedicated to diversity. 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.

• High school graduation or equivalent AND two (2) years or more full‑time work experience.
• OR one (1) year or more of college‑level coursework AND one (1) year or more of full‑time work experience.
• OR two (2) years or more of college‑level coursework.

• Experience working in a correctional setting
• Military experience

• Overtime work is required to maintain safe staffing levels.
• Work on weekends and holidays may be required.
• Must attend and pass annual mandated training.

• Duties are performed largely within a correctional facility and in the immediate area of inmates.
• High stress situations are predictable and frequent.
• The potential for physical assault or injury is present.
• Transportation and supervision of inmates outside the 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.

Adequate physical condition to perform the essential functions of the job, including the ability to don a self‑contained breathing apparatus and perform evacuation procedures as required by OSHA standards.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position and comply with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, including criminal record checks, DMV and adult and…