By Mary Divine
Pioneer Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Faced with a labor shortage and a growing number of vacancies, the Minnesota Department of Corrections is offering $5,000 hiring bonuses to get people to work at its prisons, including Stillwater and Oak Park Heights.
The DOC is looking to fill about 200 open corrections officer positions statewide, including 25 to 30 open positions at each of the prisons in Oak Park Heights and Bayport (known as Minnesota Correctional Facility — Stillwater). The offer also applies to the prisons in Faribault, St. Cloud, Red Wing, Togo, Shakopee, Lino Lakes, Moose Lake, Willow River and Rush City.
New corrections officers hired by the DOC will receive $2,500 after completing a one-year probationary period and another $2,500 after they complete two years of service. Other incentives being offered: walk-in interviews and a streamlined interview process.
“Our corrections officers play a critical role in transforming lives and keeping our communities safe,” DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell said. “These new incentives reflect the importance of their work for all Minnesotans, and we’re looking forward to bringing new team members in the door more quickly.”
A $1,000 bonus also is offered to DOC employees who recruit new staffers.
No prior experience is required to apply and paid training is provided, DOC officials said.
Salaries start at $21.59 per hour; benefits include health, vision and dental insurance, and a retirement plan that allows for retirement at age 55 with a pension, deferred compensation and health insurance.
New hires start with 29 paid days off (vacation and holidays) and earn more time off with additional years of state service, according to the DOC.
Starting Monday, applicants can walk into any DOC facility and interview on the spot. Walk-in interview hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday.
(c)2021 the Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.)