Air Guard Security Officer

Minnehaha County; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Predictable shifts

Night shift differential

Paid holidays

Paid time off (130 hours/yr)

Health, dental, vision, & life保险

Retirement plan

Paid training

Job summary

Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office is hiring an Air Guard Security Officer to provide armed security for SDANG facilities and equipment in Sioux Falls, SD. The role involves guarding entry points, aircraft, hangars, munitions, and sensitive locations with a dedicated team on 24/7 operations.

Officers work 12-hour shifts with a full-time schedule, enjoying paid holidays, generous PTO, health/dental/vision/life insurance, retirement benefits, and paid training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant work experience.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Must complete firearm safety training and annual requalification.
• Must pass Air Guard background check, physical fitness test, and vision requirements.
• Effective verbal and written communication; professional appearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide armed security across entry points, aircraft, hangars, munitions and sensitive facilities.
• Deterrence of threats and surveillance through routine checks and patrols to prevent incidents.
• Maintain and safely employ weapons, vehicles, and security equipment to ensure readiness.
• Respond to FAA control tower calls, intrusion alarms and on-base incidents; document events.
• Operate the security desk, monitor DSN/commercial lines, fire detection systems, and surveillance cameras.
• Keep the blotter, daily activity logs, equipment inventories, and flightline status board for leadership insight.
• Brief and dispatch patrols; coordinate swift, unified responses across the installation.
• Assist civilians and military personnel; maintain a safe environment for all.
• Uphold Air Guard standards and protect people, assets, and national security.

Skills

Firearm handling

Verbal communication

Written communication

Situational awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This position is located in Sioux Falls, SD.

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring an Air Guard Security Officer to join our team in providing security and protection for the South Dakota Air National Guard (SDANG) facilities and equipment.
Our officers work closely with the military security officers on base in a unique team atmosphere to protect millions of dollars of SDANG assets. We are responsible for 24/7 security services so our officers must be able to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays; shift schedules are established six months at a time.

WHAT DOES THIS CAREER OFFER YOU?

• GREAT WAGES! Hiring range of $25.53/hr - $28.15/hr with a full earning potential up to $37.83/hr PLUS regular opportunities for pay increases. With good performance, new officers will receive up to 5% increases in pay after their first, second and third year IN ADDITION to annual increases.
• 15 SHIFTS A MONTH! 12-hour shifts mean full-time pay by only working half the month PLUS Fri/Sat/Sun off every other week.
• NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL! $1.00/hr night shift differential.
• 12 PAID HOLIDAYS A YEAR!
• GENEROUS PAID TIME OFF! Starting at approximately 130 hours per year.
• GREAT INSURANCE! Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance - competitive rates with excellent coverage. Contact HR for details at 605-367-4337.
• RETIREMENT! Law enforcement retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.
• PAID TRAINING! No experience necessary. All training provided including continuous learning opportunities.

Applications will be accepted until 5 pm cst on 11/4/2026.

This position is funded through September 2027 and may be extended pending additional funding.

How You Will Make an Impact

Protect the mission 24/7.

You’ll provide armed security across entry points, aircraft, hangars, munitions and firearms storage, and sensitive facilities - deterring threats and ensuring the Air Guard can operate safely.

Stop problems before they start.

Through continuous surveillance, routine security checks, and interior/exterior perimeter patrols, you’ll detect intrusions and suspicious activity early, preventing incidents that could disrupt operations.

Keep our tools and team ready.

You’ll maintain and responsibly employ weapons, vehicles, and security equipment so everything works flawlessly when seconds count.

Be the first to respond when it matters most.

From FAA control tower calls and intrusion alarms to on-base traffic incidents and accident investigations, you’ll take decisive action, document events, and enforce regulations that keep people safe and the flightline moving.

Be the communications hub.

You’ll operate the security desk, monitor DSN/commercial phone lines, fire detection systems, and surveillance cameras, and keep critical information flowing between security police, the FAA tower, local law enforcement, and weather alert systems.

Own the details that drive decisions.

By maintaining the blotter, daily activity logs, equipment inventories, and the flightline aircraft status board, your accuracy will give leadership the clear, real-time picture they need.

Lead and connect the force.

You’ll brief and dispatch patrols, stay in constant contact with armed teams, surface discrepancies to key personnel, and coordinate swift, unified responses across the installation.

Support the people who power the mission.

Whether assisting civilians and military personnel or conducting building and boiler checks, you’ll ensure a safe environment where everyone can focus on the job at hand.

Serve with pride and professionalism.

Every shift you stand post, monitor, and respond, you’ll uphold the standards of the Air Guard - and leave knowing your work directly protected people, assets, and national security.

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 experience may be considered. Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County. Must successfully complete firearm safety training and the qualifications process including requalifying annually. Must be able to pass the Air Guard background check, physical fitness test, and vision requirements. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
Ability to develop and retain skill in the use of firearms and weapons and maintain qualification. Ability to reasonably and appropriately apply firearm and safety training to situations that arise while in the course of performing the duties of an Air Guard Security Officer. Working knowledge of the principles, policies, and procedures, codes, laws, and statutes of law enforcement operations. Must maintain ability to be a credible witness in court. Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly and to act with tact and impartiality. Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for suspect safety and the safety of others. Effective verbal and written communication. Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public. Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.
Previous experience working in security or with military operations is also beneficial.

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 [phone].