Questions about DOC Careers

To go directly to a question and answer that interests you, click on the question listed below.

Is it safe to work in the Minnesota Department of Corrections?
Do I need a college degree?
What kinds of positions are available?
Are there real chances for promotion?
Can I earn a good living?
Where do I learn about current job openings at the DOC?
How do I find a job description?
How do I apply for career opportunities?
Should I apply for every job I am interested in?
Should I submit a unique resume tailored to each position in which I have an interest?
How will I know that you have received my resume?
Will I be considered for jobs in addition to the one I applied for?  What is the best way to ensure this?

Question:  Is it safe to work in the Minnesota Department of Corrections?
Answer:  Minnesota has a national reputation for operating secure, humane correctional facilities that have low levels of violence and are safe for offenders and staff.  Controlled movement, video surveillance, offender education and work programs, and an incident management system help to maintain this safe environment.  Staff also work in the department’s central office in St. Paul and Field Services offices located in communities throughout the state.

Question:  Do I need a college degree?
Answer:  There are rewarding career opportunities available department-wide with varying educational requirements.  Please carefully review the Minimum Qualifications section of Corrections’ vacancy announcements on the State Employment Website for information on the qualifications that are necessary at the time of hire, which may or may not include completion of a degree program.  Staff is also provided with ongoing training opportunities.

Question:  What kinds of positions are available?
Answer:  The Department of Corrections employs individuals in a wide variety of positions, from Accounting Officers to Registered Nurses and Corrections Officers to Special Teachers.

Question:  Are there real chances for promotion?
Answer:  Absolutely!  The Department of Corrections is committed to retaining well-qualified employees and accomplishes this by promoting from within whenever possible.   A promotional career ladder is in place for many positions including Corrections Officers and Corrections Agents.

Question:  Can I earn a good living?
Answer:  Yes!  In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive employee benefits package, including health, dental, and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, a retirement plan, pre-tax benefits, and family and medical leave.  When you work in Corrections, you're building a great career and making a valuable contribution to a safer Minnesota.

Question:  Where do I learn about current job openings at the DOC?
Answer:  After meeting contractual obligations for posting vacancies internally, the DOC lists its current vacancies on the State Employment Website.  From the State Employment Website, you can create a resume using the online Resume Builder; search and apply for jobs; and manage your online resume account and Job Search Agents.

To locate current DOC vacancies on the State Employment Website, simply click on the Search for a Job link and choose Corrections from the Department listing and Current Vacancies from the Posting Type listing.  You can further refine your search by selecting a value(s) from the Location listing, for example.

By setting up a Job Search Agent(s), you can create and save job search criteria to receive e-mail notifications when job openings match your career interests.  You may create up to five (5) Job Search Agents with different job search criteria.  To create one or more Job Search Agents, go to the State Employment Website, click on My State Job Search to create or access your State Job Search account, then click on Job Search Agents near the top of the screen.

Each vacancy announcement on the State Employment Website indicates who may apply (i.e. any person from the general public or only current DOC or state employees) and lists the job classification, location, salary range, work shift, employment condition, job duties, minimum qualifications, selection process and information on how to apply.

Question:  How do I find a job description?
Answer:  A brief description of the job classification is available online.  Each class specification provides a general description of the kind of work performed by employees in that classification, as well as the knowledge, skills and abilities required of the job classification.

You may also request a position description if you are contacted about a position and want to learn more about the responsibilities and requirements of the job.

Question:  How do I apply for career opportunities?
Answer:
Online Resume Builder
There are two ways in which you can submit your resume and application.  The preferred method is the online Resume Builder program.

The online Resume Builder allows you to copy and paste your existing resume or use the software to create a resume.  The Resume Builder also collects information about your work preferences (such as employment condition, shift and job location preferences).

Once you submit your resume through Resume Builder, your resume remains active in the Resumix applicant database for one year or until hired.  You may also apply electronically to current vacancies via the State Employment Website and/or 24 Job Information Line.  Please click on How to Apply for more information.

For answers to frequently asked questions about using the state employment web site and Resume Builder.

Application Form and Resume
You may also apply with a paper resume and State of Minnesota Employment Application (pdf format) by submitting a completed application form and typed resume to the Minnesota Management and Budget, 200 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155-1603.  Faxed copies will not be accepted.

If applying for a specific vacancy, you need to list the Job Classification title and/or Posting Number in the Specific Opening area of the application form to ensure that you are appropriately referred.

Once you submit your resume and application, your resume will be scanned and remain active in the Resumix applicant-tracking database for one year or until hired.  You are then able to apply for current vacancies that are open for application by calling the 24-hour Job Information Line at 651-296-2616 (Twin Cities metro area), 1-800-657-3974 (outside the Twin Cities metro area) or 651-282-2699 (TTY).

Minnesota Management and Budget has developed tips for creating a scannable resume if you prefer to apply with a paper resume and application form.

Question:  Should I apply for every job I am interested in?
Answer:  Yes.  This way, you can ensure that your resume will be reviewed and your qualifications will be considered.  Please note that some positions are only open for application to current DOC or state employees.  Please review the vacancy announcement for information on who may apply.

Please also carefully read the vacancy announcement to ensure that you apply by the closing date and submit all of the necessary and requested information about your qualifications.  The Minimum Qualifications and Selection Process sections of the vacancy announcement will include information on the qualifications that are required at the time of hire and the hiring process that will be followed.

Question:  Should I submit a unique resume tailored to each position in which I have an interest?
Answer:  No, you want to create and submit one comprehensive resume.  By customizing your resume, you are limiting the information about your skills and experience, which is kept in the Resumix applicant-tracking database.  This may prevent you from being considered for other positions that interest you that you didn’t know were open.

Question:  How will I know that you have received my resume?
Answer:  If you submit your resume and work preferences online through the Resume Builder, you will receive an online confirmation that your resume was received.  You will also receive an acknowledgment postcard in the mail (see paragraph below).  A listing of the jobs you have applied for online and the status of those jobs can be found from the Apply for Jobs link of My State Job Search on the State Employment Website.

If you apply with a paper resume and application, you will receive an acknowledgment postcard in the mail from the Minnesota Management and Budget, once your resume has been entered into the Resumix applicant-tracking database.  The postcard will include a pin number that you may use to apply for jobs by calling the 24-hour Job Information Line at 651-296-2616 (Twin Cities metro area), 1-800-657-3974 (outside the Twin Cities metro area) or 651-282-2699 (TTY).

Question:  How can I update my resume?
Answer:  If you submitted your resume through the Resume Builder program, you can edit your resume and/or work preferences online by accessing your account from the My State Job Search link on the State Employment Website.

If you applied with a paper resume and application, you need to mail an updated resume to the Minnesota Management and Budget, 200 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155-1603.  Faxed copies will not be accepted.  You can update your work preferences, which are collected on the application form, by calling the 24-hour Job Information Line at 651-296-2616 (Twin Cities metro area), 1-800-657-3974 (outside the Twin Cities metro area) or 651-282-2699 (TTY).  You will need your 4-digit pin number to access your resume account in order to update your work preferences on the Job Information Line.

Your resume will remain active in the Resumix applicant-tracking database for one year from the date that you update and resubmit it or until hired.

Question:  Will I be considered for jobs in addition to the one I applied for?  What is the best way to ensure this?
Answer:  You may be considered for positions that are filled through a skill-matching selection process, even if you do not apply directly for them.  The best way to ensure this is to submit a comprehensive resume that clearly describes your work experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, etc.

Once you submit your resume to the Resumix applicant database, skill terms are extracted from the text of your resume.  When a vacancy occurs that is filled through a skill-matching process, a resume search is done in the database to locate applicants with the skills needed to perform the duties of the vacant position.  If your skills match the required skills of the position, you may be contacted.

Click the following link for more information about the State of Minnesota’s resume-based, skill-matching selection process.

You are strongly encouraged to apply to vacancies that interest you in order to ensure that your qualifications will be considered for the position.