Correctional Officers

Job Description

The Correctional Officer position is located in Minnehaha County – Sioux Falls, SD

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office , located in historic downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota , invites applications for Correctional Officers to maintain safety and security within one of the most well respected facilities around! We are flexible with a new officer's start date - you can pick the training class start date that works best for your schedule! Our next new hire class will start in late January; we'll also be hiring for people to start later in 2026 so, whether you are ready to start right away or need some time yet, apply now !

Applications being accepted until 5 PM CST on March 19, 2026.

WHAT DOES THIS CAREER OFFER YOU?

• GREAT WAGES! Hiring range is $27.57/hr - $30.40/hr with a full earning potential up to $40.85/hr PLUS regular opportunities for pay increases. New officers will receive up to 5% increases in pay after the 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd year IN ADDITION to annual increases.
• RETENTION BONUS! Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible to receive $1,000 at 9 months, 18 months, 27 months, and 36 months of service, with good performance.
• CAREER PREPARATION! Through the training and expertise gained in our Jail, our COs have gone on to be hired into 50+ different county, city, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and now hold positions including Police Officer, Animal Control, Fire Rescue, Deputy Sheriff, DCI Agent, Juvenile Case Agent, Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Parole Officer, Probation Officer, and more.
• NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL! $1.00/hr night shift differential.
• STRONG STAFFING LEVELS! We take a proactive approach to staffing so our 160+ employees can maintain a healthy work/life balance.
• BILINGUAL PAY! Specialty pay of an additional $0.50/hr for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
• PAID TRAINING! 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training. Small training classes mean all new officers get personal, 1:1 training.
  • JUST ADDED! Classroom training has been extended by one full week with the addition of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). This specialized, 40-hour law-enforcement training equips COs with effective de-escalation techniques for safely and professionally managing individuals experiencing mental health crises.
  • CERTIFICATIONS! Upon successful completion of the training program, Officers earn certifications in: Crisis Intervention Training, CPR & First Aid, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Terminal Operator, National Incident Management System (NIMS), Pepper Spray, Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS), and Defensive Tactics - Law Enforcement Krav Maga. Possible certifications COs may earn in the future include PepperBall, Pistol, and Taser 10.
• EMPHASIS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING! Annual mental health visits are provided to officers to confidentially discuss concerns or issues with a professional. Additional sessions are offered by the County for officers and family members along with access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources. The Jail has an onsite workout facility, and the County also offers gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education throughout the year.
• 12 HOUR SHIFTS! Work 15 shifts a month and have Fri/Sat/Sun off every other week. Year-long, consistent schedules.
• CAREER ADVANCEMENT! Possible opportunities for special assignments and promotions within the Jail Division including Transporter, Court Security Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Warden. Our COs are routinely promoted to Deputy Sheriff to become certified law enforcement officers with our Patrol Division.
• COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS! Generous PTO, Extended Sick Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, Retirement through state pension plan - that means lifetime income provided THROUGHOUT retirement!

HOW IS THIS JOB GOING TO HELP YOU PERSONALLY GROW AND DEVELOP?

Working as a Correctional Officer improves your ability to communicate in your personal life, builds strong problem-solving abilities, and increases confidence and skills in professionally handling conflict. Our experienced instructors will teach you the techniques you need to handle the daily situations a Correctional Officer encounters in our Jail. You will learn how to effectively interpret body language, quickly assess conditions and circumstances, and make sound decisions to resolve conflict in complex situations. We will teach you fundamental communication strategies and defensive tactics to de-escalate situations to ensure safety within the Jail. As a new Correctional Officer with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, you will go through an intensive training and then immediately begin reinforcing your training on the job, once you graduate. Being a Correctional Officer also builds patience, empathy, and a greater understanding of humanity. A couple of our staff recently had a conversation with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation about what it is really like being a Correctional Officer. Check it out!

TAKE A TOUR TO SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE!

Want to see the Jail for yourself? We will give you a personal tour where you can watch our Correctional Officers in action! You'll see how our staff work together as a team to help keep our operation running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Give us a call at 605-367-4337 to get scheduled for a tour today!

Watch the video below and find out what actual employees have to say about working in our Jail and find out what a rewarding career as a Correctional Officer has to offer you!

This recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade.

How You Will Make an Impact

Perform inmate head counts, cell checks, and searches. Monitor, log, and supervise inmate movement, recreation, visitations, cleaning, laundry, and security checks. Receive and release inmates by completing paperwork, fingerprinting, photographing, data entry, and conducting checks for outstanding warrants, protection orders, etc. Log and manage inmate property, money, and supplies. Exercise appropriate use of force and self-defense tactics to restrain disorderly inmates and deescalate volatile situations. Operate and maintain radios, telephones, and other communication equipment. Operate doors and intercoms and perform security checks of the perimeter, buildings, and grounds. Answer phones and assist callers with questions and concerns. Answer inmate questions and concerns and assist inmates with paperwork as necessary. Prepare and complete reports.

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant work experience. Comparable combination of education and work experience may be considered. Must pass a written examination. Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process. Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly and with tact and impartiality. Ability to learn and apply the policies and procedures of law enforcement operations. Must maintain ability to be a credible witness in court. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

Though not required to be considered for a position, an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field, experience working in corrections, and knowledge of legal terminology is a plus.

EEO Statement

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.