Deputy Sheriff

Minnehaha County • Des Moines, IA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring a Deputy Sheriff to provide law enforcement services throughout Minnehaha County, including surrounding towns. The role supports the Sheriff's Office mission to preserve public safety and quality of life. Previous law enforcement experience is not required; newly hired Deputies receive comprehensive training. Applicants without prior certification attend South Dakota's 13-week law enforcement academy, followed by an intensive 15-week field training program. Applicants who are already certified begin field training directly.

Deputies patrol the county, investigate illegal or suspicious activities, interview victims and witnesses, enforce traffic laws, and assist at accident scenes. They also respond to dispatch calls, mediate disputes, serve warrants and legal documents, perform civil process procedures, and locate people with arrest warrants. Deputies engage with local communities, including schools and community events, to build relationships and trust.

The position is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The 2027 hiring range is $33.12 to $36.51 per hour, with earning potential up to $49.08 per hour. The role involves 12-hour shifts, generally 15 shifts per month, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off every other week. A night-shift differential is offered. Specialty assignments include Crisis Negotiations, SWAT, Fugitive Task Force, EMT, Criminal Investigations, School Resource Officers, and community engagement. This posting may also be used to fill other vacancies at a lower pay grade.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following minimum education or work-history requirements: two years of college or vocational school (48 credit hours); two years of work experience as a certified law enforcement officer; two years of active, full-time military experience; four years of military reserve experience; or four years of professional work experience.
• Be at least 21 years old at the time of hiring.
• Be eligible for certification under the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission.
• Submit documentation verifying minimum qualifications, such as a college transcript, proof of law enforcement certification, or DD214.

Nice To Haves

• Previous law enforcement experience is not required; applicants who are already law enforcement certified can proceed directly to field training.
• Bilingual proficiency may qualify officers for specialty pay after passing a language proficiency exam.

Responsibilities

• Patrol throughout Minnehaha County and investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
• Conduct thorough investigations and interview victims and witnesses.
• Enforce traffic laws and assist victims at accident scenes.
• Respond promptly to dispatch calls and mediate disputes.
• Serve warrants and legal documents and perform civil process procedures.
• Locate individuals with arrest warrants.
• Engage with schools, local parades, town celebrations, and other community activities to build relationships and trust.

Benefits

• Hourly pay with regular opportunities for pay increases; good performance can result in increases of up to 5% after each of the first three years, in addition to annual increases.
• $1.00 per hour night-shift differential.
• Retention bonus of $1,000 at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service for eligible newly hired Deputies with good performance.
• Bilingual specialty pay for officers who pass a language proficiency exam.
• Full-time pay and benefits while working 12-hour shifts, approximately 15 shifts per month.
• Generous paid time off and extended sick leave programs.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Paid holidays.
• Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.
• Annual confidential mental health visits, with additional sessions available for officers and family members.
• Access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources.
• Onsite workout facility, partnerships with local gyms, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree