Airport Security Officer

Minnehaha County, SD; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 69,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in Sioux Falls, SD is hiring a Deputy Sheriff - Airport to supervise and secure the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. You will set posts, coordinate with TSA, and manage daily operations while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role requires SD law enforcement certification or the ability to obtain it, and involves firearms training, background checks, and other qualifications. The schedule features 15 shifts per month with specific off-days, beginning January 2027.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; South Dakota law enforcement certification or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Set posts, adjust schedules, brief priorities, and update leadership.
• Maintain armed presence in concourses, support TSA, and perform compliance checks.
• Coordinate with airport operations and law enforcement partners; respond to incidents and secure evidence.
• Question and detain passengers carrying weapons or dangerous items; verify credentials for armed officers and Federal Flight Deck Officers.
• Document duties, testify when necessary and provide clear direction to the public.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Firearms proficiency

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for a fuil time Airport Security Officer to join our team! This position performs supervisory level law enforcement work to maintain the safety and security of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport including the airport's terminals, customers, staff, and property.

Required Qualification

• South Dakota law enforcement certification. Applicants should include a copy of their certification with their application.

Schedule

• Work 15 shifts a month from 3:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with Fri/Sat/Sun off every other week.

Start Date

The position is expected to begin appointment in January 2027.

Hiring Range

The 2027 hiring range will be $33.12/hour - $36.51/hour.

Application Timeline

This posting will remain open until filled with the initial review of applications to begin on October 19, 2026.

This position is classified as a Deputy Sheriff - Airport.

You start your shift at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport by setting posts, adjusting schedules, briefing priorities, and keeping leadership updated. You coach staff, complete evaluations, handle discipline, assist with hiring, and organize needed training.

You maintain an armed presence in the concourses, support TSA, and keep airport operations moving. You run compliance checks, respond to alarms, verify IDs, conduct random screenings, inspect equipment, enforce policy, and ensure accurate reports.

You coordinate with airport operations, law enforcement partners, and tenants to share information and respond quickly. You monitor activity, ask questions, intervene when needed, use force when required, make arrests, manage emergencies, resolve disputes, and secure evidence.

At the checkpoint, you serve as the final safeguard for prohibited items. You question and detain passengers carrying weapons or dangerous items and verify credentials for armed officers and Federal Flight Deck Officers. You provide clear direction to the public, complete documentation, and testify when necessary.

High school diploma or GED, a current South Dakota law enforcement certification or the ability to obtain certification, and one year of relevant work experience. Must be a minimum of age 21 at the time of hiring. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Must successfully complete firearm safety training and the qualifications process including requalifying annually. 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 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 a Deputy Sheriff - Airport. Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for inmate safety and the safety of others. Must maintain ability to be a credible witness in court. Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly and with tact and impartiality. Ability to learn and apply the policies and procedures of law enforcement operations. 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.

Supervisory experience. Experience working in a similar environment. Knowledge of civil laws, basic computer skills, and good interpersonal relation skills.

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].