MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The Minnesota Department of Corrections is seeking applicants for a highly specialized job — tattoo supervisor.
Last week the corrections department advertised this job and is still accepting applications until April 28. The job would be a temporary position lasting for up to three years, working to establish a tattoo and body art studio within the state’s network of correctional facilities.
“You will serve as the expert technical resource for other project and agency staff involved in the design and implementation of the body art pilot project so that a licensed body art studio is established and incarcerated men and women are trained and supervised in the art of tattooing,” the job description reads.
According to a spokesperson from the corrections service, there are two main reasons why this program should be established.
“Our responsibility to the people of Minnesota is to help people transform their lives while they are in prison because about 95% of all incarcerated people in Minnesota prisons will eventually be released back to the community. The lack of job opportunities is one of most important risk factors that can lead to people re-offending once they get out. People with felony and incarceration histories face significant barriers to employment,” the spokesperson said. “But the tattoo industry is one field where opportunities can be found. So creating a licensed tattoo establishment in our prisons to offer a path to becoming a licensed tattoo technician will provide another potential employment opportunity upon release for those who participate, with the goal of reducing recidivism.”
Another reason to start the program was that illegal tattooing is a widespread problem in prisons. Prisoners use unsterile techniques and materials.
“The transmission of Hepatitis C and other bloodborne pathogens is often a result of unsterile tattooing. Hepatitis B treatment can cost between $20,000 and $75,000 per patient. We treat 80-100 incarcerated people for Hepatitis C each year,” the spokesperson said. “By reducing the potential for transmission of bloodborne diseases, we are creating a safer environment for everyone, including our staff, and also being more prudent with taxpayer dollars.”
This job offers a salary potential of between $59,000 and $87,000 per year. While the candidate would be based in Stillwater, the employee would need to travel at least 15%.
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