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.
- Facility Shadowing – New hires complete a minimum of 40 hours observing correctional operations and the daily responsibilities of a Correctional Officer.
- Vermont Correctional Academy – Recruits attend a six-week paid training academy focused on the core skills and knowledge required for the profession.
- On-the-Job Training – Upon graduation, recruits return to their assigned facility and complete two weeks of supervised training with a Facility Training Officer.
- 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
