Probation Officer - Palmerston North

About this role

• We need positive role models with a passion for empowering others!
• This is a challenging role that can have a positive impact on your community.
• Full-time, permanent opportunity based in Palmerston North

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As Probation Officer for Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), you will work with people we manage in the community and their whanau to address criminogenic behaviours and reduce reoffending. Using principles of manaaki, kaitiaki, wairua, rangatira, and whanau, you will manage community-based sentences and orders, whilst also preparing reports for the Courts and New Zealand Parole Board.

You will contribute to public safety, viewing this through the lens of manaaki, positive relationships, and the uplifting of wellbeing of people we manage in the community. By focusing on the wellbeing of the person who has come into our management, you will help reduce the chances of them returning to the justice system. You will treat those under our management with respect, upholding their mana and dignity.

Being a Probation Officer is an incredibly exciting opportunity to make a real difference in your community. You'll have the chance to connect with people, build strong relationships, and do something which really makes a difference and improves public safety.

Fulltime permanent position available working Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. 

Mōu | About you

We are looking for people who:

• Are able to relate to people from a range of cultures and backgrounds
• Have excellent spoken and written communication skills
• Can work in a team and motivate others
• Can remain positive and resilient in difficult situations
• Are able to think critically and assess information

If you have worked with large caseloads before then this is a distinct advantage.

In line with our Strategy Hōkai Rangi, we are prioritising applications from people who have experience in a Kaupapa Māori or Pasifika environment and/or a willingness to learn. Please highlight any relevant experience and/or language skills in your application.

You'll also need a Full New Zealand Drivers Licence, and applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

In line with Immigration New Zealand requirements, we are required to give priority to candidates who already hold this right. As a result, we may not be able to support visa applications for this role.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The full salary range (Level 1 - 5) is $70,956 to $91,307. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Monday, 2nd November 2026.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.

We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.