Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•St. Cloud, MN

3d•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 by maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly facility. The position includes inmate supervision, security checks, intake and release processing, emergency response, crisis intervention, and coordination with courts and other agencies. This recruitment may also be used to fill Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade. 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. Training is conducted in small classes with individual instruction. Successful completion leads to certifications in crisis intervention, CPR and first aid, NCIC terminal operation, NIMS, pepper spray, CJIS, and defensive tactics. Officers may have opportunities for special assignments and advancement within the Jail Division or to the Patrol Division. The hiring range for 2027 is $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour. The position offers 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, and every other week off Friday through Sunday. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. Night-shift and bilingual pay differentials are available. The next new-hire class is scheduled to begin January 19, 2027.

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 maintenance of 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 timely decisions with tact and impartiality.
Ability to learn and apply law-enforcement policies and procedures.
Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to ensure the safety of inmates and others.
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, use crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalate mental-health situations.
Oversee inmate intake and release, fingerprinting and 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 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.
Maintain professional, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.

Benefits

Hourly night-shift differential of $1.00.
Bilingual pay differential of $0.50 per hour for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
Potential retention bonuses of $1,000 at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months for eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers who meet program requirements and maintain good performance.
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, providing lifetime income throughout retirement.
Potential pay increases after the first, second, and third years, in addition to annual increases.
Opportunities for special assignments, promotions, and career advancement.