Deputy Sheriff

Minnehaha County • Seattle, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring a Deputy Sheriff to provide law enforcement services throughout Minnehaha County, including several 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; new Deputies receive a comprehensive training program. After graduating from South Dakota's 13-week law enforcement academy, new Deputies complete an intensive 15-week field training program. Deputies who are already law enforcement certified proceed directly to field training.

Deputies patrol the county, investigate illegal or suspicious activity, respond to dispatch calls, enforce traffic laws, assist victims at accident scenes, conduct interviews, serve warrants and legal documents, and perform civil process procedures. They also help locate people with arrest warrants, mediate disputes, and engage with the community through schools, parades, and local celebrations.

The position is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The 2027 hiring range is $33.12–$36.51 per hour, with full earning potential up to $49.08 per hour and regular opportunities for pay increases. The schedule consists of 12-hour shifts, 15 shifts per month, with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays off every other week. A $1.00-per-hour night shift differential is offered. Eligible newly hired Deputies may receive retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service, subject to good performance. Bilingual officers who pass a language proficiency exam may receive specialty pay.

The Sheriff's Office offers opportunities for diverse specializations, including Crisis Negotiations, SWAT, the Fugitive Task Force, EMT, Criminal Investigations, School Resource Officers, and the Community Engagement Committee. The County also provides mental and physical wellness resources, including confidential annual mental health visits, an onsite workout facility, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following minimum education or work-history qualifications: 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.
• Attach documentation verifying minimum qualifications, such as a college transcript, proof of law enforcement certification, or DD214.

Nice To Haves

• Prior law enforcement experience is not required.
• Bilingual language proficiency may qualify officers for specialty pay.

Responsibilities

• Patrol throughout Minnehaha County and investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
• Conduct thorough investigations and interview victims and witnesses.
• Enforce traffic laws and promote roadway safety.
• Assist victims at accident scenes.
• Serve warrants and legal documents and perform civil process procedures.
• Locate individuals with arrest warrants.
• Respond promptly to dispatch calls and mediate disputes.
• Build community relationships and foster trust through outreach and participation in schools, parades, and town celebrations.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off and extended sick leave programs
• Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System
• Night shift differential of $1.00 per hour
• Retention bonuses for eligible newly hired Deputies at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service, subject to good performance
• Pay increases based on performance and annual increases
• Bilingual specialty pay for officers who pass a language proficiency exam
• Confidential annual mental health visits and additional support sessions for officers and family members
• Access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources
• Onsite workout facility, gym partnerships, gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed