BRING ALL THAT YOU ARE - SECURE YOUR FUTURE
Applications for Prison Officer positions in Western Australia are now open!
Competitive shift-work salary: from $94,082 - $107,133,
(after 12-week paid training at $72,791 pro-rata), plus superannuation.
Starting a career with the WA Department of Justice is your chance to make a real difference – supporting rehabilitation, strengthening community safety, and using your life experience to guide people toward better choices.
As a Prison Officer, you will have many employment benefits and personal development opportunities.
What you’ll get:
- Fully paid training over 12 weeks
- Nationally accredited Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial)
- Work-life balance - 10 shifts per 21-day roster
- Up to 6 weeks annual leave
- Career growth - clear pathways for career progression
- Ongoing support and mentoring from experienced staff
Available locations
Positions are available at specific prison sites in the Perth metropolitan area and selected regional locations: Albany, Bunbury, Eastern Goldfields (Kalgoorlie), Greenough (Geraldton) and West Kimberley (Derby).
Perth placements may be at Bandyup (West Swan), Casuarina (Casuarina), Hakea (Canning Vale) or Melaleuca (Canning Vale).
Refer to the Information Booklet for the extra regional benefits on offer!
What this role involves
You will be part of a professional team that maintains the safety and good order of the prison, working with prisoners of all security levels across a rotating 24/7 shift roster.
Alongside the operational responsibilities, you’ll step into a hands-on and people-centred role: guiding daily interactions, de-escalating tense moments, and modelling constructive communication to help individuals build skills for safer, more positive decision-making.
If you’re looking for a career where you can contribute to rehabilitation and community safety, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
This role may suit you if you can demonstrate:
- Great communication and interpersonal skills, helping to support a diverse prisoner population.
- Common sense, resilience and adaptability - especially when navigating fast paced and challenging situations.
- Effective teamwork skills to build collaboration with colleagues and prisoners to achieve personal and professional goals.
- Cultural awareness, including understanding of Aboriginal culture and the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
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 unrestricted Australian C-Class driver’s licence (no L-Plates, P-Plates or E-Plates), or equivalent.
- Former employees only: not have had an unsuccessful re-engagement application or a termination from 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.
Further information
There are three key ways to learn more about this multifaceted and rewarding role:
- Attend an Information Session – the most effective way to explore the role in depth. You can ask questions about being a Prison Officer, understand the selection process, and speak directly with experienced staff. Sessions are offered in person or online via MS Teams, and you’ll need an email address to register. Click here to register for your free ticket and secure your spot.
- Read the Prison Officer Information Booklet – attached to this advertisement, this outlines the recruitment process, requirements, and employment benefits, including those specific to regional WA.
- Review the Job Description Form (JDF) – attached to this advertisement, detailing the core duties, capabilities, and expectations of the role.
How to apply
Before applying, review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) and Prison Officer Information Booklet to ensure you prepare your best possible application. These documents contain frequently asked questions to assist you.
It is also highly beneficial for you to attend one of our information sessions where you can learn more about the role, the recruitment process and speak with experienced staff.
You will need to submit:
- A current, comprehensive resume/CV tailored to the Job Description Form (JDF) to highlight your suitability for this position
- Contact details for two referees (current or recent direct Supervisor or Manager).
You will also answer two online questions below with detailed responses (up to 250 words per question):
- Describe a situation where you worked in a team and were required to make an important decision under pressure. Explain the situation, how you managed the team’s approach, and what the outcome was? (250 words)
- Provide an example of when you were responsible for handling important information. Explain how you organised it, how you ensured accuracy and confidentiality, and why proper information management was important in that situation. (250)
It is important you include compelling examples that clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. This is a competitive process, and your response and CV will be evaluated during the shortlisting phase.
To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page. Late and emailed applications will not be accepted.
The assessment and selection process for this role may take several months – it is your pathway to a career that makes a difference and lasts.
We are aiming to hold the first round of interviews in the week of 23 February 2026 and early applicants will have the first chance to attend.
Need a hand or have questions? Reach out to the Recruitment Team on 1800 974 199 or recruitment@justice.wa.gov.au.
Smoke Free Policy
The Department of Justice supports a healthy, safe workplace through the introduction of a smoke-free policy, which is fully implemented across the Corrective Services Academy and all women’s prisons with the remaining prison sites anticipated to follow during 2026.
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.
The Department of Justice is proud of its diverse workforce and aims to employ more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees at all levels to create a workforce which better reflects the West Australian community.
You can reach out to the Aboriginal Workforce Development (AWD) team for advice on the recruitment and selection process and to discuss developmental opportunities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are invited to contact our AWD, by phone (08) 9264 1700 or email aboriginalworkforcedevelopment@justice.wa.gov.au, 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.
