July 31, 2000

(Milwaukee)—The Wisconsin Department of Corrections needs you! That is one of the messages you will receive if you stop at the Department of Corrections’ booth at this year’s Wisconsin State Fair, August 3-13, State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin. The Department of Correction is using the annual event as an opportunity to inform the many citizens who visit the fairgrounds each year of the Department’s growing and future need for employees.

The state fair booth is only one venue for the Department’s aggressive recruitment campaign. New and re-designed recruitment materials are being developed, including television and radio spots as well brochures and pamphlets. The Department will also be advertising in local newspapers, attending regional job fairs, and cooperating with community resources to reach as many potential applicants as possible.

"We are looking for individuals who are interested in a career in public service," said Jon E. Litscher, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. "This Department has a 150 year tradition of service excellence. We are especially interested in people who want to be a part of that legacy of pride and professionalism."

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is one of the oldest and largest corrections systems in the country. The Department has established an impressive record of ensuring public safety, addressing the needs of victims, and preparing offenders to return and remain productive, law-abiding citizens in the community.

"Our initial priority is the recruitment of correctional officers," Litscher said, "With the current vacancies and the new institutions set to open soon, we will need dedicated individuals to fill hundreds of positions."

The Department is also considering expanded training opportunities for new employees. These initiatives include adding additional training teams, doing more on-site training, and scheduling classes closer to new institutions when they open. Whenever possible, the Department has also pledged to conduct local interviews for new and existing positions.

Currently, the Department has just over 9,000 full-time positions. The planned opening of institutions in Redgranite, Milwaukee, and New Lisbon will produce a projected need for the Department to fill approximately 1,800 new positions in the next twelve to fifteen months. In addition, the Department is also seeking to fill numerous vacancies in existing positions.

"We’d like people to become aware of the vast and varied range of employment opportunities in Corrections," Litscher explained. "There are more than 300 different job categories available inside this Department."

In addition to officers and agents, the Department of Corrections employs teachers, health care professionals, food service workers, maintenance personnel and office staff as well as electronic, computer, and mechanical technicians.

A current list of vacancies and job openings at the Department of Correction can be obtained by calling the DOC request line toll free at 1-877-234-0086. Job seekers can leave their name, address and phone number and application materials will be mailed no later than the following workday. The Department of Corrections also has a website (http://www.wi-doc.com) which lists current vacancies and instructions on how to apply.

"We offer a solid benefits package, practical training programs, and excellent opportunities for professional growth and advancement," Litscher concluded. "Foremost, the Department of Corrections offers a rewarding career to anyone who wants to work in an occupation that performs a valuable public service for the state and their fellow citizens."