Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Aberdeen, SD

2d•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 public safety by protecting inmates, staff, and the community while supporting the safe and orderly operation of the facility. The position includes inmate supervision, security rounds, emergency response, intake and release procedures, documentation, and coordination with courts and other agencies. The recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade. New officers attend 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training. Training covers communication, de-escalation, defensive tactics, and real-world jail operations. Successful completion 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. Officers may have opportunities for special assignments and promotions within the Jail Division, or advancement to Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division. The position offers 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, and year-long rotations that provide consistent schedules. The schedule includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. The 2027 hiring range is $28.40–$31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour, regular pay increases, and a night-shift differential. Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for retention bonuses subject to performance and eligibility requirements.

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 serve as a credible witness in court.
Make appropriate decisions quickly, with tact and impartiality.
Ability to learn and apply law-enforcement operations policies and procedures.
Ability to perform physical restraint techniques as instructed.
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 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, secure 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.
Apply facility policies and procedures and use physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmates and others.

Benefits

2027 hiring range of $28.40–$31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour.
Pay increases of up to 5% after the first, second, and third years, in addition to annual increases.
Potential $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months for eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers who maintain good performance.
$1.00 per hour night-shift differential.
$0.50 per hour specialty pay for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training, including one-to-one training in small classes.
Annual confidential mental-health visits, with additional sessions available to 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.