Correctional Officers

Minnehaha County•Omaha, NE

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Officers help maintain the safety, security, and daily operation of the jail, protecting inmates, staff, and the community. The position includes 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training, and successful trainees earn several listed certifications. Training focuses on communication, de-escalation, defensive tactics, and responding to real-world situations. Officers receive support from experienced staff after training and may have opportunities for special assignments and promotion within the Jail Division, as well as progression to Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division. The hiring range is $27.57–$30.40 per hour, with full earning potential up to $40.85 per hour. The posting describes 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, and a year-long rotation schedule, with every other week including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. Night-shift and bilingual pay differentials are available. Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for retention bonuses subject to performance and program eligibility requirements. Benefits include generous paid time off, extended sick leave, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and retirement through the state pension plan. The County also describes mental-health resources, wellness offerings, and an onsite workout facility. The next new-hire class is scheduled to start November 30, 2026, with additional hiring planned for early 2027. The recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade.

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 be a credible witness in court.
Make appropriate decisions quickly, tactfully, and impartially.
Learn and apply law-enforcement operations policies and procedures.
Ability to perform all instructed physical restraint functions.
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 security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.
Respond to emergencies, apply crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalate mental-health situations.
Oversee inmate intake and release, including fingerprinting and photographing, managing property, and completing accurate, secure documentation.
Supervise recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement.
Conduct NCIC checks and manage warrants and protection orders; 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, respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
Apply physical restraint techniques as instructed to support inmate and others' safety.

Benefits

Hiring range of $27.57–$30.40 per hour, with full earning potential up to $40.85 per hour and regular opportunities for pay increases.
New officers may receive pay increases of up to 5% after the first, second, and third years, in addition to annual increases.
Eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may receive $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 County 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 a state pension plan, described as providing lifetime income throughout retirement.