Correctional Officers

Minnehaha County•Des Moines, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the facility expands. The role helps maintain safety and security for inmates, staff, and the community. New hire classes are scheduled to begin November 30, 2026, with additional hiring planned for early 2027. The position includes 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training, and offers opportunities for special assignments, promotion within the Jail Division, and advancement to Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division. 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.
Make appropriate decisions quickly, with tact and impartiality.
Learn and apply law enforcement operations policies and procedures.
Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed for inmate and public safety.
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

Maintain facility safety and security through inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.
Respond to emergencies, apply crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalate mental-health situations.
Oversee 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.
Use 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.

Benefits

Hiring range of $27.57–$30.40 per hour, with full earning potential up to $40.85 per hour and regular opportunities for pay increases.
New officers may receive pay increases of up to 5% after each of their first three years, in addition to annual increases.
Eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may receive $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service, subject to performance and program eligibility.
$1.00 per hour night-shift differential.
Additional $0.50 per hour specialty pay for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training.
Annual confidential mental health visits, with additional sessions and support resources available to officers and family members.
Onsite workout facility, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education.
Generous paid time off and extended sick leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through a state pension plan.