Correctional Officer

Douglas, County of•Mn 56308, MN

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Officer works at the Douglas County Jail and provides safety, security, and assistance with daily jail operations. The officer enforces detention facility policies and procedures and ensures state guidelines, rules, and laws are followed during the shift. No prior experience is necessary; training is provided. The recruitment is for multiple positions and establishes an eligibility list for one immediate vacancy and potential vacancies for up to one year. This is a full-time position, typically working 12-hour rotating shifts in a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation. The general schedule is 80 hours every two weeks, following a 5-on, 5-off, 2-on, 2-off pattern, with a five-day weekend off every other weekend. Shifts rotate every two months between day and night shifts. Night and weekend hours receive a $1.35 hourly differential. Overtime may be required. The starting salary is $53,352 annually ($25.65 per hour) on the current 2026 pay grid, or $54,953 annually ($26.42 per hour) on the 2027 pay grid. Pay-step increases may be considered based on experience. Employees also receive anniversary step increases and annual cost-of-living adjustments under the collective bargaining agreement. The job is based in the Douglas County Jail, a public building, and 99% of the work is indoors. Officers work frequently independently, constantly with and around others, and have constant contact with individuals with behavior challenges. The role may involve exposure to infectious diseases, mechanical and electrical equipment, pressurized equipment, odors, and heights. The position reports to the Jail Sergeant and supervises inmates.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Maintain a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license.
Have an operating telephone at the residence for emergency contact.
Be free of physical disabilities that would prevent assigned duties; be physically fit to perform the duties and any Sheriff's Office physical fitness standards.
Possess good character and judgment and the ability to deal well with people.
Have good social and interpersonal skills, general intelligence, and aptitude for correctional facility duties.
Knowledge of modern methods in detention and correction.
Ability to write and prepare legible documents and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Knowledge of first aid and CPR.
Ability to defend oneself and others from unruly inmates.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, court and law-enforcement representatives, and the public.
Knowledge of federal, state, and county policies, laws, and regulations regarding correctional facilities.
Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
Pass a full background check, physical examination, and psychological examination.

Nice To Haves

Education beyond high school.
Education in a law-enforcement-related field.
Previous work experience involving substantial work with the public.
Previous experience in a law-enforcement-related field.
Skills directly related to correctional officer duties.
Current CPR, First Aid, Medication Delivery, and Use of Force certificates.
Computer skills and typing ability.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience entering and retrieving data from databases.
History of performing volunteer work in a community.

Responsibilities

Monitor and enforce correctional facility security policies and procedures.
Intake, book, monitor, and release inmates at their designated times.
Directly supervise inmates in cell blocks and living units and maintain the security and protection of cell areas.
Search cell blocks and monitor and track inmates.
Maintain correctional facility documentation and review documents before accepting or releasing inmates.
Fingerprint and photograph incoming inmates, inventory inmate property, and release property as appropriate.
Explain facility rules and regulations to incoming inmates.
Administer medications, provide first aid and care for sick or injured inmates, and arrange medical attention when needed.
Oversee inmate laundry and clothing distribution, cell-area cleaning and sanitizing, and daily activity schedules.
Maintain facility safety and security, including locking doors, removing potential weapons, and inspecting inmate mail for contraband.
Deliver meals, supervise special or medical diet tray delivery, collect trays, and account for trays and utensils.
Oversee the release and return of work-release inmates.
Receive and route telephone calls or take messages and distribute them to inmates when appropriate.
Transport inmates to and from other facilities at times.
Assist probation, courts, and attorneys.
Comply with rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment and maintain reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality.
Perform other assigned or apparent duties.

Benefits

No-cost or low-cost health insurance plan options.
Douglas County contributions to a Health Savings Account.
PERA pension plan.
Eligibility as an employer for the Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program.
$40,000 life insurance coverage at no expense, with supplemental coverage available for the employee, spouse, and dependents.
Official holidays include a floating personal holiday, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Accrued vacation of 10 working days for 0–4 years of service, 15 days for 5–9 years, 20 days for 10–14 years, 25 days for 15–19 years, and 30 days for over 20 years.
One day of sick leave credited for each month of service, accumulating up to 90 days; the first 48 hours, or up to 80 hours if eligible time was carried over, count as Earned Safe and Sick Time.
Anniversary pay-step increases and annual cost-of-living adjustments under the current collective bargaining agreement.
$1.35 per-hour differential for qualifying night and weekend hours.