Correctional Officers

Siouxland Heritage Museums; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 79,000,000 - 87,108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental coverage

Life insurance

Retirement plan

PTO

Holidays

Extended sick leave

FSA

Vision plan

Job summary

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for Correctional Officers to support safety and security in Sioux Falls, SD. New hires start with 12-hour shifts and a structured training program that builds critical arrest and safety skills.

Salary ranges are competitive with opportunities for regular increases, a bilingual pay option, and a robust benefits package. The department emphasizes mental and physical wellbeing, career advancement, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• One year of relevant work experience preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication is essential.

Responsibilities

• Keep facility safe, secure, and well-maintained through routine rounds and inspections.
• Respond to emergencies with crisis-intervention techniques and calm de-escalation.
• Oversee inmate intake, fingerprinting, photography, and property handling; ensure accurate records.
• Coordinate with courts, agencies, and the jail to support programs and services.
• Distribute meals, medications, and supervise recreation while maintaining order.
• Support communications, logging, mail, and supplies; uphold accountability across shifts.
• Contribute to a respectful environment where staff, inmates, and the public feel protected and heard.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Court testimony

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Why Join Our Team
The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, located in historic downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is now accepting applications for Correctional Officers to maintain safety and security within one of the most respected correctional facilities!
Join a dedicated public safety team as we expand our facility to better serve our community! We will be adding staff as new areas open to support our growing operations.
Our next new hire class will start November 30, 2026, with additional hiring planned in early 2027 - so whether you're ready to start soon or planning ahead, we encourage you to

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! Stay and grow your career with us! Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service by maintaining good performance and meeting program eligibility requirements.
• 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 Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Animal Control, Fire Rescue, 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 to 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 rotations provide 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 and become South Dakota Certified Law Enforcement Officers in our Patrol Division.
• COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS! Generous PTO, Extended Sick Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, and Retirement through state pension plan - that means lifetime income provided THROUGHOUT retirement!

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

A career as a Correctional Officer offers meaningful personal and professional growth. You will strengthen your communication skills, develop strong problem-solving abilities, and build confidence in managing conflict. Our experienced instructors will teach you the techniques you need to handle the real-world situations you will encounter in our Jail.
You will learn how to effectively interpret body language, quickly assess evolving conditions and circumstances, and make sound decisions to resolve conflict in complex environments. Training includes fundamental communication strategies and defensive tactics focused on de-escalation and maintaining safety. After completing our academy, you will immediately begin reinforcing your training on the job with the support of experienced staff.
Beyond technical skills, being a Correctional Officer also builds patience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of people from all walks of life.

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

• Keeping the facility safe, secure, and running smoothly by conducting inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and regular security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.
• Being the steady presence during high-pressure moments by responding to emergencies, applying crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalating mental-health situations with skill and compassion.
• Guiding inmates through the justice system with professionalism, overseeing intake and release processes, fingerprinting and photographing, property management, and ensuring all documentation is accurate and secure.
• Maintaining order and structure every day by supervising recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement, helping keep operations safe and secure.
• Serving as a trusted link between agencies, courts, and the jail, conducting NCIC checks, managing warrants and protection orders, and supporting inmates as they access programs and services.
• Ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes by handling communications equipment, logging movement and activity, distributing mail and supplies, and keeping detailed records that maintain accountability across shifts.
• Contributing to a secure, respectful environment where inmates, staff, and the public feel protected, heard, and supported thereby strengthening trust in the local justice system every day.

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. Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
Effective verbal and written communication. 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. Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for inmate safety and the safety of others. 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.

Insurance

• Coverage effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Available for employees and dependents.

Health/Prescription - Minnehaha County's health benefit plan offers low deductibles with two network options for coverage: Avera or Sanford. The county pays for 75% of the premium rates. Pharmacy benefits included.
Dental - Minnehaha County offers dental insurance through Delta Dental which covers 100% of diagnostic and preventative services.
Life Insurance - Minnehaha County provides a $15,000 basic life insurance policy for every full-time employee along with an additional $15,000 accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. Additional term life insurance and AD&D may be purchased by employees for themselves and dependents through payroll deduction.
Retirement - Minnehaha County participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match (8% for certified law enforcement). Other SDRS benefits include long term disability. Employees are vested after 3 years of continuous employment.
Deferred Compensation Plan - Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth IRA) basis through our supplemental retirement program.
Paid Time Off (PTO) - earn approximately 130 hours annually, with increasing accruals with each year of service. PTO available beginning on day one.
Holiday Leave - 12 days per calendar year
Extended Sick Leave - approximately 65 hours per year

Flexible Spending Plan

Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA) - Minnehaha County offers FSA for Health Care and Dependent Care. This is a great way to put money aside for health and dependent care costs on a pre-tax basis.

Eye Med Vision Policy

Eye Med Insight Network - Minnehaha County offers a vision plan for employees and dependents! The plan offers low premiums with a frame or lens allowance of up to $130 per year and an annual eye exam. Choose from participating retailers such as Pearle Vision, Target Optical, LensCrafters and many others!

01
What best describes the highest level of your education?
Some high school
High school diploma or GED
Associates degree
Bachelor's degree
02
Are you able to work 12 hour shifts including nights and weekends?
Yes
No
03
Do you currently have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
04
Where did you hear about this job opportunity?
Minnehaha County Career Website
Indeed
Keloland
CareerBuilder
12twenty
College Career Board/Notification
South Dakota Bar Association
Employee Referral
Other
Required Question