Correctional Sergeant

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The Department of Corrections, is currently accepting applications for Correctional Sergeant vacancies throughout the state.

For a map of all offices and facilities, please click here.

The Correctional Sergeant will work under the general supervision of Supervising Officer 1 or 2, or Unit Supervisor. This position is responsible for ensuring the security, custody, control, and treatment of residents as a lead worker within the Division of Adult Institutions. These positions supervise residents, direct and lead Correctional Officers, on institution grounds and escort residents off-site as required. The Correctional Sergeant communicates institution information and concerns, maintains record keeping systems, and maintains professional interactions with staff, residents and the public.

Correctional Sergeant positions within institution settings perform all functions of the Correctional Officer and in addition assign and review the work of Correctional Officers and oversee the interaction of groups of residents to maintain positive relations and security on their shift or area of responsibility.

This position is in pay schedule and range 05-32 with a starting base pay rate of $36.35/hr. Differential pay is available for certain night and weekend shifts, and employees may be eligible for FLSA premium overtime. Pay upon appointment for current or former State employees may vary and will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code. A 12-month probationary period is required.

These positions also offer excellent benefits, including protective retirement status. Future increases will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan, and are currently scheduled at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.
• To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.

Employees at maximum security facilities: Columbia Correctional (Portage); Dodge Correctional (Waupun); Green Bay Correctional (Green Bay); Taycheedah Correctional (Fond du Lac); Waupun Correctional (Waupun); and Wisconsin Secure Program Facility (Boscobel) are eligible for a $3.00/hour add on.

Employees at medium security facilities: Fox Lake Correctional, (Fox Lake); Jackson Correctional (Black River Falls); Kettle Moraine Correctional (Plymouth); Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Milwaukee), New Lisbon Correctional (New Lisbon); Oshkosh Correctional (Oshkosh); Racine Correctional (Sturtevant); Redgranite Correctional (Redgranite); Stanley Correctional (Stanley) are eligible for a $1.00/hour add on.

Employees at Waupun Correctional (Waupun) are eligible for an additional $5.00/hour add on for all hours worked.

Employees at Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage) and Green Bay Correctional Institution (Green Bay) are eligible for an additional, temporary $5.00/hour add on for all hours worked. Add-ons are subject to change and may adjust during the candidate selection process. The add-on is subject to review and removal on a bi-weekly basis.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.

The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.

The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks and security checks (including internet, phone, and visitor log searches) on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

These positions have physical requirements including but not limited to: walking, twisting, climbing, standing, lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50lbs, etc. These positions also are exposed to a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. A medical/drug/fitness screening and the DOC Facility Staff Training and Support (FSTS) six-week academy may be required.

Remote work is not an option for this position.

Applicants will be assessed on relevant experience, including the following:

• Crowd control and security procedures and policies
• Direction of staff and residents
• Inspection and operation of facilities
• First aid training
• Writing Reports and Documenting
• Making referrals to correctional program resources for the care and rehabilitation of residents

A screening questionnaire will determine if candidates are minimally qualified to continue in the selection process.

To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Current State of Wisconsin employees: If you arrived at this posting through the Wisc.Jobs site, you will need to go to your Employee Self Services portal and apply through the “Careers” tile on the front page.

For questions please contact Coral Nelson, HR Assistant Adv at corals.nelson@wisconsin.gov

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. Qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability should send their cover letter, resume, DD-214, and documentation of your service-connected disability rating (dated within 12-months) to the HR Assistant listed above. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until October 14, 2026.

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