BRING ALL YOU ARE. SECURE YOUR FUTURE

Applications for Prison Officer positions in Western Australia are open now!

Competitive salary on offer $97,610 - $111,150 for Prison Officer Shift

(training salary $75,520 plus superannuation)

Bring all you are. A role with the WA Department of Justice offers more than job security.   

It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while building a rewarding and respected profession.  Every day presents new challenges, new experiences, and the chance to contribute to safer communities across Western Australia.

As a Prison Officer, you will have many employment benefits and personal development opportunities including on-the-job training and a nationally accredited qualification (paid for by the Department). 

• Complete a nationally recognised Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial)
• Fully paid for the duration of the training course.
• Work-life balance – 10 shifts per 21 days
• Up to 6 weeks annual leave
• Career and learning development with promotional potential
• Annual salary increases
• Supplied uniforms
• Additional regional incentives for eligible locations

You will be supported on the job by experienced staff and management, as part of the team working to keep the WA community safe.

Various locations available

Join our team as a Prison Officer at one of several facilities located in the Perth metropolitan area or regional locations including Albany, Bunbury, Greenough (Geraldton), Roebourne and West Kimberley (Derby).

Perth-based applications may be placed at Bandyup (West Swan), Casuarina (Casuarina), Hakea (Canning Vale) or Melaleuca (Canning Vale).

As a Prison Officer

You will be part of a team that maintains the safety and good order of the prison, by working with and supervising prisoners of all security levels across a rotating roster and responding to day-to-day situations.

Beyond the operational responsibilities, this is more than a security role. It is a people focused profession where communication, resilience and professionalism are essential. Your role will also include modelling and encouraging positive behaviour change and contributing to rehabilitation of the people in your care. If you are passionate about community safety this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We are looking for applicants from all backgrounds who can demonstrate:

• Great communication and people skills, helping to connect with and support a diverse prisoner population.
• Common sense, resilience and adaptability especially when navigating fast paced or challenging situations.
• Teamwork orientated mindset to build collaboration with colleagues and prisoners to achieve personal and professional goals.
• An awareness and understanding of Aboriginal people and their culture, and the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to model the values of the West Australian Department of Justice.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this role, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
• Hold a current Australian C-Class driver’s licence with no restrictions (no L-Plates, P-Plates or E-Plates), or equivalent.
• Must not have previously submitted an unsuccessful re-engagement application or had their employment terminated from a custodial role within the Department

Experienced adult custodial officers

Successful applicants with relevant adult custodial qualifications and experience may be eligible for an Accelerated Training Program (ATP) at the Academy.  These programs allow experienced officers who meet the eligibility requirements to complete their training within a shorter period.  Refer to the Information Booklet for details.

Overseas and Interstate Applicants

Applicants who apply from locations outside of Western Australia may be required to travel to Perth for some assessments. Recruitment will provide advance notice to allow for travel arrangements to be made. All travel arrangements will be at the applicants own cost.

To apply

Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) and Prison Officer Information Guide to ensure you prepare your best possible application.  These documents contain frequently asked questions to assist you. 

We also encourage you to attend one of our information sessions where you can learn more about the role, the recruitment process and speak with experienced staff. See below to book your free ticket.

During the application process, we require you to submit:

1. A current, comprehensive resume/CV that highlights your suitability for this position in the context of the selection criteria in the Job Description Form.
2. The details of two referees who are your current or recent direct line Supervisor or Manager.

Additionally, you will be asked to provide detailed responses (up to 250 words per question) to the two online application questions below.

• What has motivated you to apply for the Prison Officer role, and what skills, qualities or experiences have prepared you to work in a custodial environment? (250 words)

• Tell us about a time when you encountered a challenging situation that required you to work collaboratively with others. How did you manage the situation, remain calm, act responsibly and communicate effectively while supporting the team to achieve a positive outcome? (250 words)

It is important you include examples and provide as much information as you can regarding your skills, knowledge, and abilities. This is a highly competitive process, and your response and CV will be evaluated during the shortlisting phase. 

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page.  Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Further information

One of the best ways to find out about the various aspects to this multi-faceted and rewarding role, is by attending one of our information sessions.  This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about being a Prison Officer, the selection process and interact with experienced staff who work within our prisons. 

To attend an Information Session, you will need an email address to register. These Information Sessions will be conducted either in person or virtually (online via Teams).

Don’t miss out – register for your free ticket to reserve your spot.

To attend a session to learn more about the Prison Officer role, please click here.

For more detail about the process, requirements, and other benefits, including those that apply to positions in regional WA, please refer to the Prison Officer Information Guide.

Prior to submitting your application, it is important you read the Information Guide and Job Description Form (JDF) attached to this advertisement.

Smoke Free Policy

The Department of Justice is progressively transitioning to a smoke-free custodial estate.

Smoke-free arrangements have already been implemented at the Corrective Services Academy and all women's prisons, with implementation across the remaining prison sites anticipated.

Applicants should be aware that smoking restrictions apply at a growing number of Department workplaces and will continue to expand as the smoke-free transition progresses.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Justice is committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. We actively promote the employment of Aboriginal Australians, people with disability, youth, and other diversity groups. People with disability who indicate they require support will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.

The Department of Justice respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land as being the first peoples of this country. We embrace the vast Aboriginal cultural diversity throughout Western Australia and understand the importance of fostering respectful partnerships with Aboriginal colleagues, clients, and those in our care. We are committed to building a workplace culture that values inclusion and diversity.

Aboriginal job seekers may contact the Aboriginal Workforce Development Team on AboriginalWorkforceDevelopment@justice.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9264 1700 for culturally appropriate application advice.

Applicants with disability requiring adjustment or accessibility requirements at any stage of the selection process can contact WorkforceDiversity@justice.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9264 1700 to for a confidential discussion.

Please reach out to the Recruitment Team via email recruitment@justice.wa.gov.au or telephone 1800 974 199 for any additional information or assistance.

Applications must be received by 4.30pm on Monday 8 February 2027.