Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County • Winona, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Officers help maintain a safe, secure, and respectful facility while supporting inmates, coworkers, other agencies, and the community. The role involves inmate supervision, facility security, intake and release, emergency response, recordkeeping, and coordination with courts and law-enforcement agencies.

New hires attend 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training. Training covers communication, de-escalation, defensive tactics, and practical skills for managing challenging situations. Officers receive support from experienced staff as they apply their training on the job. Successful completion of the training program leads to certifications in areas including CPR and First Aid, NCIC terminal operation, NIMS, pepper spray, CJIS, and defensive tactics.

The position offers 12-hour shifts, with 15 shifts per month and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. The 2027 hiring range is $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour. Night-shift differential and bilingual specialty pay are available. The position may also offer opportunities for special assignments and advancement within the Jail Division or to other law-enforcement roles.

This recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant work experience; a comparable combination of education and work experience may be considered.
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County.
• Successfully complete the pre-employment background process.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain the ability to serve as a credible witness in court.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly, with tact and impartiality.
• Ability to learn and apply law-enforcement operations policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
• Present a professional appearance and communicate respectfully and approachably.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
• Experience working in corrections.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.
• Respond to emergencies and use crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, including in mental-health situations.
• Oversee inmate intake and release, fingerprinting and photographing, property management, and accurate, secure documentation.
• Supervise recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement.
• Conduct NCIC checks, manage warrants and protection orders, and support inmates in accessing programs and services.
• Operate communications equipment; log movement and activity; distribute mail and supplies; and maintain detailed records.
• Help provide a secure and respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
• Perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to support inmate and public safety.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Extended sick leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System, providing lifetime income throughout retirement.
• Eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may receive $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months, subject to performance and program eligibility requirements.
• Night-shift differential of $1.00 per hour.
• Bilingual specialty pay of an additional $0.50 per hour for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
• Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training.
• Annual confidential mental-health visits and additional County sessions for officers and family members.
• Access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources.
• Onsite workout facility, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education.
• Opportunities for pay increases, including up to 5% increases after the first, second, and third years in addition to annual increases.

What This Job Offers

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