Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Sioux City, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Officers help protect inmates, staff, and the community while maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly facility. The role includes supervising daily inmate activities, responding to emergencies, supporting intake and release processes, and coordinating with courts and other agencies. The next new-hire class begins January 19, 2027. New officers complete 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training and instruction in communication, de-escalation, and defensive tactics. Officers receive training and certifications in areas including CPR and First Aid, NCIC terminal operations, NIMS, pepper spray, CJIS, and defensive tactics. The schedule consists of 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 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, plus regular opportunities for pay increases. Eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for retention bonuses. The position offers potential advancement and special assignments within the Jail Division, and officers may be promoted to Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division.

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 a safe driving record maintained 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 timely, appropriate decisions with tact and impartiality.
Ability to learn and apply law-enforcement policies and procedures.
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 its perimeter.
Respond to emergencies, apply 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.
Maintain a secure and respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
Perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmates and others.

Benefits

Regular opportunities for pay increases, including potential increases after the first, second, and third years.
Eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service, subject to performance and program eligibility requirements.
$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.
Annual confidential mental-health visits and additional support 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.
Generous paid time off and extended sick leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.