Correctional Officer

Minnehaha County•Rapid City, SD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring Correctional Officers for its jail in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This public-safety role involves maintaining a safe and secure facility, supervising inmates, responding to emergencies, supporting intake and release, and coordinating with courts and other agencies. The position offers 11 weeks of paid classroom and on-the-job training, including Crisis Intervention Training, and opportunities for certifications, special assignments, and advancement within the Jail Division or to the Patrol Division. Officers work 12-hour shifts, averaging 15 shifts per month, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules. The listed 2027 hiring range is $28.40 to $31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour, regular pay increases, and potential retention bonuses for eligible newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers. 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 a safe driving record maintained 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.
Perform physical restraint techniques as instructed to protect inmates and others.
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 regular 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, 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.

Benefits

2027 hiring range of $28.40–$31.31 per hour, with full earning potential up to $42.08 per hour.
Potential 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 qualify for $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service, subject to performance and program eligibility.
$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, including 1:1 training in small classes.
Annual confidential mental-health visits, with additional sessions and resources available to officers and family members.
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.