Correctional Officer - Female

Brookings County; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Brookings County is seeking a Correctional Officer - Female to perform duties in the Detention Center. The role involves direct supervision, safety, and well-being of inmates, with a schedule of twelve-hour shifts and every other Friday/Saturday/Sunday off.

Starting wage is $25.63/hour with a full benefits package. Requires high school diploma or GED and SD driver’s license; prior correctional experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, codes and statutes.
• Ability to operate office equipment (telephones, computers, faxes).
• Ability to understand and follow instructions and communicate effectively in writing and speech.
• Must possess a valid South Dakota driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and ensure the safety of inmates in the Detention Center.
• Assist in all detention center operations and inmate transportation as needed.
• Process inmate admissions, searches, inventories and releases.
• Book and discharge inmates; manage inmate records and property.
• Fingerprint and photograph inmates; manage jail paperwork and entries.
• Oversee inmate meal service and medication dispersal as directed by medical staff.
• Maintain custody and safety, monitor conduct, and respond to inquiries.
• Attend required trainings and maintain safe work practices.

Skills

Detention center security

Inmate supervision

Verbal and written communication

Valid SD driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year college or vocational training (preferred)

Job description

Posting: #26-17
Posting Type: Internal & Open Announcement
Closing Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Starting Wage: $25.63/hour
Full Time Position with Full Benefits Package

Job Title: Correctional Officer - Female
Department: Sheriff’s Department
Reports To: Jail Administrator or designee
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Wage Grade: 6

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

General Statement of Duties

The fundamental reason this position exists is to perform duties assigned in the areas of the legal process to include: direct supervision and well being of prisoners in the Detention Center, ensures that all Detention Center procedures are carefully followed and monitored. Resolves prisoner complaints/requests within procedural guidelines. Transports prisoners as required and other Detention Center duties as assigned.

Note—It is the primary responsibility that all Correctional Officers ensure that the Detention Center is operating in a peaceful manner and that physical confrontation with inmates is a real possibility on any given day to ensure proper operations.

Note—Current schedule consists of twelve hour shifts, requiring staff to work an average of fourteen days a month. Every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. Twelve hour shifts rotate every two months – two months of days and two months of nights.

Examples of Duties

• Assist with the supervision, security, and conduct of inmates at the County Correctional Detention Center including the supervision of inmates during transport to other facilities or services.
• Assist in all operations of control of the detention center.
• Admit and release prisoners to include searching inmates and property and making inventory of the personal property of the prisoners.
• Book and discharge inmates; issue clothing and supplies to new inmates; arrange for inmate transportation, if necessary; maintain inmate and detention records.
• Fingerprint and photograph inmates; type FBI and DCI fingerprint cards.
• Classify incoming inmates and place them in proper cells.
• Deliver meals and assist in meal preparation.
• Disperse medication to prisoners as directed by a medical professional.
• Assist in the cleaning of the jail areas. Ensure that cells, facilities, and grounds are kept sanitary.
• Assist with computer jail entries.
• Check on inmates on a routine and regular basis.
• Assist in jail safety and security procedures to include the control of weapons, contraband, keys, tools, doors, and other related safety and security precautions.
• Oversee the inmate’s daily exercise and recreation routine.
• Promote acceptable attitudes and behaviors of inmates to assist them in adjusting to a confinement setting.
• Respond to inquiries regarding inmate detention and Correctional Facility policies within the constraints of Department regulations.
• Operate equipment and utilize teletype communications.
• Testify in court and before County Commission.
• Attend training sessions and meetings as required.
• Perform work in a manner consistent with safe practices.
• Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with the general public and other employees.
• Perform other such duties and functions as assigned and necessary to the proper performance of the position.

QUALIFICATION FOR APPOINTMENT

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and procedures, codes, laws, and statutes of law enforcement and security operations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate department including but not limited to multi-line telephones, computers, fax machines and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Possession of a valid South Dakota driver’s license.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• The employee occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to employee’s own body weight.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to work odd shifts, holidays and during emergencies.
• Ability to work as needed and to be available for on-call shifts.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; employees may be exposed to outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be occasionally loud.

Education

• Graduation from high school or GED
• One (1) year of college or vocational training preferred and/or previous correctional officer training preferred;

Experience

• Certification by the SD Law Enforcement Academy and/or one (1) year law enforcement experience preferred

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience as is acceptable to the hiring authority.