Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Racine, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The 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 protecting inmates, staff, and the community. The role includes supervising daily jail operations, responding to emergencies, supporting inmates through intake and release, and coordinating with courts and other agencies. This recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade. New officers receive 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training and instruction in communication, de-escalation, and defensive tactics. After training, officers continue to apply their skills on the job with support from experienced staff. Successful completion of the training program leads to certifications in Crisis Intervention Training, CPR and First Aid, NCIC Terminal Operator, NIMS, Pepper Spray, CJIS, and Defensive Tactics—Law Enforcement Krav Maga. Additional certifications may be possible later. The position offers 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. Night-shift differential and bilingual specialty pay are available when applicable. The posting describes career development opportunities, including special assignments and promotions within the Jail Division and potential transitions to the Patrol Division. The 2027 hiring range is $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour, plus regular opportunities for pay increases. Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for retention bonuses subject to performance and program eligibility requirements. Benefits include PTO, extended sick leave, insurance coverage, and retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System. The County also describes mental and physical wellness resources, including annual confidential mental-health visits, an onsite workout facility, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education.

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.
Successful completion of the pre-employment background process.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain credibility as a witness in court.
Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly, tactfully, and impartially.
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.
Professional appearance and respectful, approachable communication.

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 intake and release processes, fingerprinting and photographing, inmate property, 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 maintain a safe, secure, and respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
Perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmates and others.

Benefits

Generous paid time off (PTO).
Extended sick leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.
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.
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 pay increases, including increases of up to 5% after each of the first three years, in addition to annual increases.