Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Yankton, SD

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 protecting inmates, staff, and the community and keeping jail operations safe, secure, and orderly. New hires begin with 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training, followed by ongoing support from experienced staff. The next new-hire class is scheduled to begin January 19, 2027. The position offers 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, and every other week off Friday through Sunday. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. The stated 2027 hiring range is $28.40–$31.31 per hour, with earning potential up to $42.08 per hour, plus regular pay increases. A $1.00-per-hour night-shift differential and $0.50-per-hour specialty pay for officers who pass a bilingual exam are also described. Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for retention bonuses, subject to performance and program eligibility requirements. Officers may pursue special assignments and promotions within the Jail Division, and some advance to Deputy Sheriff roles in the Patrol Division. The County describes comprehensive benefits, wellbeing resources, an onsite workout facility, and career preparation that may support future employment in other law-enforcement agencies.

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, tactfully, and impartially.
Learn and apply policies and procedures of law-enforcement operations.
Perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to ensure inmate and others' 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

Conduct inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and regular 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 in accessing programs and services.
Handle 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

Generous paid time off.
Extended sick leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.
Potential retention bonuses for eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers.
Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training.
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.
Night-shift differential and bilingual specialty pay for qualifying officers.