Detention Officer

County-of-Burleigh; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 72,150,000 - 80,088,000; Full time

Job summary

Burleigh County is seeking a Detention Center Officer to support safety and security within the detention facility under the Sheriff’s supervision. You will help protect inmates’ lives and property and ensure compliance with ND law and county policies.

The role is full-time, non-exempt with full benefits, offering twelve-hour shifts and rotating weekends. Requires a valid driver’s license, a GED or high school diploma, and the ability to work scheduled shifts.

Qualifications

• Current driver’s license is required.
• GED or High School Diploma is required.
• Ability to work rotating twelve-hour shifts.

Responsibilities

• Protect the life and property of inmates within the Detention Center.
• Process and release inmates; determine classification; assess special populations; conduct surveillance.
• Interview victims, witnesses and suspects; prepare investigative reports and determine probable cause.
• Perform searches of people and inmate items; detect and collect evidence.
• Pursue fleeing inmates; restrain inmates if necessary; transport and escort prisoners.
• Assist with food service and security inspections; work rotating shifts.

Skills

Current driver’s license

GED or High School Diploma

Ability to work shift work

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Job description

Description

TERMS: Full Time / Non-Exempt / Full Benefits

SALARY: $25.18 to $27.95 per hour, Grade 6

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 4, 2026, by 5:00 PM CST.

ANTICIPATED START DATE: September 28, 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Under supervision of the Burleigh County Sheriff, is responsible for inmates within the Detention Center, the protection of life and property, and to perform routine tasks in accordance with North Dakota law, rules and regulations established by the Attorney General of North Dakota and Burleigh Morton County Detention Center policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for the protection, life and property of inmates within the Detention Center.


2. Process and release inmates, determine the appropriate classification of inmates; assess and respond to the needs of special populations. Conduct visual and audio surveillance of Detention Center.


3. Gather information in criminal and administrative investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses and/or suspects. Prepare investigative reports and determine probable cause to recommend disciplinary action.


4. Perform searches of people; this may include inspecting unclothed inmates, which may include exposure to bodily fluids and wastes. Perform searches of inmate correspondence items, and objects capable of concealment. Detect and collect evidence.


5. Pursue fleeing inmates, perform rescue operations, and effectively restrain an inmate with restraints, forcibly if necessary.


6. Transport and escort prisoners, detainees and committed mental patients, using appropriate restraints.


7. Perform other duties as assigned which may include but not limited to, preparing, and serving food, inspection of doors and windows to ensure security, and working rotating shifts.

This position requires a criminal background check. If an applicant is chosen to interview for this position a pre-interview phone screening will be conducted. Prior criminal history may be considered in the selection process for this position based on the nature, time and seriousness of the conviction and its relevance to the position. (N.D.C.C.§12.1-33)

A complete job description is available from the Burleigh County Human Resources Office.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The employing agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services, and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

Requirements

AM I QUALIFIED?

You are qualified if you have:

• Current driver’s license


• GED or High School Diploma


• Ability to work shift work (see \"Shift Schedule\" below)

You are not qualified if you have:

• Any felony level convictions


• Three or more misdemeanor convictions


• Any use of hard illegal drugs (meth, cocaine heroin, fentanyl, ecstasy, etc.)


• Registered sex offender.


• Pending criminal case.

SHIFT SCHEDULE:

This position is a shift work position. Every other weekend off, twelve-hour shifts with one-month rotations alternating between night shift and day shifts. Officers work a long week then a short week with this repeating. Long weeks are working Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Short weeks are just Wednesday and Thursday. Officers only work approximately 14 days per month.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must successfully complete standard background and a criminal record check along with physical and psychological exams. Costs associated with these exams will be paid for by the county.


• Applicant must have the abilities to perform the essential functions, with or without accommodation which may include but not limited to: lifting, extended walking, carrying and dragging objects, climbing up to and down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles and using body force to gain entry.


• Skills to communicate, verbally and written, with some knowledge of appropriate legal terminology for the purpose of legal and non-legal documents.


• Candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.