Correctional Officer II, (Experienced/Entry Level) Sheriff's Office

Stearns County • Saint Cloud, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Stearns County is hiring a Correctional Officer II for the Sheriff's Office. The position provides security and ensures the safety of inmates, detained juveniles, vulnerable civil commitments, staff, and the public. Officers transport, program, process, control, observe, and directly supervise detained juveniles and adult inmates, while enforcing rules, regulations, and policies in compliance with Minnesota Department of Corrections requirements. This role is the initial point of contact for people incarcerated in the County Jail.

Work takes place primarily indoors in a secure jail operating 24/7, with some transportation of inmates to other facilities and court. The position involves shift work, including weekends and holidays, with rotating days off. Employees must reside in Minnesota. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Sergeant - Corrections, and public contact is frequent.

The hiring rate is $32.33 per hour, increasing to $33.95 per hour effective January 1, 2027. A hiring incentive of up to $5,000 is available: $1,000 after completing the Field Training Officer Program, $2,000 after completing the probationary period, and $2,000 after two years of employment. The posting highlights 18 days of paid time off and five annual wellness days, as well as benefits, advancement opportunities, and the possibility of lateral pay for applicants with qualifying corrections experience.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Valid Minnesota driver's license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days.
• Ability to learn and understand the operations manual, emergency plan, and facility floor plan, including camera and alarm locations.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to people showing symptoms of mental health disorders, including risk of depression or suicide.
• Ability to identify staff personnel by sight and voice.
• Ability to maintain emotional control in a high-stress environment.
• Ability to become certified in CPR/First Aid and Taser.
• Ability to use a Taser, handcuffs, and self-defense techniques.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and adaptability when working with people from differing backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make quick, effective decisions during crises, emergencies, or high-risk situations.
• Mental alertness and eye-hand coordination.
• Ability to communicate and deal effectively with people in adverse situations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to hear and analyze information at a normal range of radio and speech.
• Ability to visually observe people and conditions.
• Must reside within Minnesota.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or education in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a similar field.
• County corrections, military corrections, or similar experience may qualify for lateral pay.

Responsibilities

• Staff central control areas; monitor and report inmate behavior, call for assistance, and control facility movement using electronically controlled doors, cameras, and intercom equipment.
• Book inmates according to established procedures, including conducting initial medical assessments, taking fingerprints and photographs, and collecting medical and demographic information.
• Supervise, coordinate, escort, and advise incarcerated adults.
• Process and coordinate inmate needs, including medical issues, court appearances, programs, visitation, food, clothing, personal hygiene, and shelter.
• Patrol the facility, make rounds, conduct inmate counts, assess inmate status, and make referrals as needed.
• Conduct security searches of arrested or sentenced persons.
• Determine the hold or release and condition status of arrested persons.
• Explain basic rules and expected conduct to arrested or sentenced persons and initiate discipline procedures when required.
• Make initial inmate classifications and recommend placements.
• Maintain the integrity and security of housing units.
• Escort and transport inmates and others to and from court, the jail, other jurisdictions, and rehabilitation institutions.
• Maintain required documentation logs, reports, and forms.
• Assist with programs offered to inmates.
• Escort inmates to and from medical appointments and accompany medical staff during medication distribution.
• Coordinate the release and intake of Huber/Work Release inmates and trustees, when applicable.
• Assist the public as needed.
• Perform COI duties as required.
• Attend work regularly and on time.
• Perform other assigned or related duties.

Benefits

• Hiring incentive of up to $5,000, paid in installments tied to completion of the Field Training Officer Program, the probationary period, and two years of employment.
• 18 days of paid time off.
• Five wellness days annually.
• Benefits are offered; details are available on the Stearns County Benefits Page.
• Advancement opportunities.
• Possibility of lateral pay for qualifying experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED