Correctional Officer I - Temporary (Northern State Correctional Facility)

Overview

A career with the Vermont Department of Corrections offers more than a job—it provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while serving your community. Correctional Officers play a critical role in maintaining safety and security while supporting rehabilitation, accountability, and positive change.

This profession combines elements of security, human services, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Through extensive training and ongoing professional development, Correctional Officers gain skills that can lead to advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Corrections.

Many permanent positions are filled through internal promotion, making this an excellent opportunity to begin a long-term career with the State of Vermont.

Training Program

Your career begins with a structured training process designed to prepare you for success.

1. Facility Shadowing – New hires complete a minimum of 40 hours observing correctional operations and the daily responsibilities of a Correctional Officer.
2. Vermont Correctional Academy – Recruits attend a six-week paid training academy focused on the core skills and knowledge required for the profession.
3. On-the-Job Training – Upon graduation, recruits return to their assigned facility and complete two weeks of supervised training with a Facility Training Officer.
4. Probationary Period – Following successful completion of training, employees enter a six-month probationary period.

 

Start dates are based on facility needs and candidate availability.

 

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.

 

Schedule and Work-Life Balance

Northern State Correctional Facility utilizes a 4-3 schedule designed to support work-life balance while maintaining continuous facility operations.

 

How the 4-3 Schedule Works - Employees work:

• Four consecutive days on
• Three consecutive days off

This weekly rotation repeats throughout the year.

Benefits of the 4-3 Schedule

• Work only 4 of every 7 days
• Enjoy three consecutive days off every week
• Approximately 208 workdays per year
• Predictable weekly schedule for easier long-term planning
• Extended periods off for family, rest, travel, and personal commitments
• Twelve-hour shifts that provide more days away from work

 

Shifts are assigned based on seniority and facility operational needs. Current shift schedules are:

• Day Shift: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Night Shift: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Job Requirements

• Ability to work overtime as required to maintain safe staffing levels.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays when scheduled.
• Successful completion of annual mandatory training requirements.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of a Correctional Officer in a secure correctional environment.
  
  

Additional Compensation

• $2,000 Annual Training Pay
• Shift differentials where applicable
• Overtime opportunities
  
  
  

Our Values
Employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their duties through four core practices:

1. Customer Service
2. Holistic Service
3. Strength-Based Relationships
4. Results Orientation

 

At the Vermont Department of Corrections, we are committed to being firm, fair, and consistent while recognizing the capacity for human growth and change.

Who May Apply

This position, Correctional Officer I - Temporary (Northern State Correctional Facility) (Job Requisition #55348), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a temporary position. Temporary work is typically for variable hours, and is not expected to be full-time. The State does not guarantee 40 hours of work per week.

 

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