Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County • Pierre, SD

3d • 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 secure and effective operation of the facility. The position includes 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training, with small classes and individual instruction. Officers may earn several certifications upon successful completion of training, including Crisis Intervention Training, CPR and First Aid, NCIC Terminal Operator, NIMS, Pepper Spray, CJIS, and Defensive Tactics. Additional certifications may be available later.

The role offers a 2027 hiring range of $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with 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 if they meet performance and program eligibility requirements. The position works 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week; year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. The County describes proactive staffing intended to support work/life balance.

Correctional Officers may pursue special assignments and promotions within the Jail Division, including Transporter, Court Security Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Warden. Officers are also routinely promoted to Deputy Sheriff and may become South Dakota Certified Law Enforcement Officers in the Patrol Division. This recruitment may also be used to fill 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 policies and procedures.
• Perform all functions of physical restraint techniques as instructed, for the safety of inmates and others.
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.
• Maintain 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 and use crisis-intervention and de-escalation techniques, including in 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 safe, secure, respectful environment for inmates, staff, and the public.
• Apply communication, decision-making, and defensive-tactics skills to manage conflict and maintain safety.

Benefits

• Hourly night-shift differential of $1.00.
• Potential retention bonuses for newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers, subject to performance and program eligibility requirements.
• Paid 11-week classroom and on-the-job training.
• Annual confidential mental-health visits and additional 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, described as providing lifetime income throughout retirement.
• Regular opportunities for pay increases, including increases after the first, second, and third years as described in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED