Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Fargo, ND

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The role supports public safety by helping keep the facility secure and operating smoothly, protecting the well-being of inmates, staff, and the community, and maintaining a professional, respectful environment. The position involves supervising inmates and their movement, responding to emergencies, applying crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, and supporting intake, release, records, and coordination with courts and other agencies. New officers complete 11 weeks of paid classroom and on-the-job training, including 40 hours of Crisis Intervention Training. Training includes communication strategies, de-escalation, and defensive tactics. Work is organized into 12-hour shifts, with 15 shifts per month and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week; year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. The recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade. The 2027 hiring range is $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour. New officers may receive pay increases of up to 5% after their first, second, and third years, in addition to annual increases. Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for retention bonuses of $1,000 at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months, subject to performance and program eligibility. Additional compensation includes a $1.00-per-hour night-shift differential and $0.50-per-hour bilingual specialty pay for officers who pass a bilingual exam.

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 be a credible witness in court.
Make appropriate decisions quickly and with tact and impartiality.
Learn and apply policies and procedures of law enforcement operations.
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, use crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalate mental-health situations.
Oversee inmate intake and release, including fingerprinting, photographing, property management, and accurate documentation.
Supervise recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement.
Conduct NCIC checks, manage warrants and protection orders, and support inmates accessing programs and services.
Operate communications equipment, log movement and activity, distribute mail and supplies, and maintain detailed records.
Help maintain a secure and respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
Use physical restraint techniques as instructed to support inmate and public safety.

Benefits

Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training.
Generous paid time off.
Extended sick leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System, providing lifetime income throughout retirement.
Annual confidential mental health visits and additional 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.
Potential retention bonuses for eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers.
Night-shift differential and bilingual specialty pay for eligible officers.
Opportunities for special assignments and promotion within the Jail Division.