Correctional Officer

Job Description

Job ID: 36828
Agency: Department of Corrections, Yankton Minimum Center
Location: Yankton
Salary: $25.50 - $30.00 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GH-G
Closing Date: 8/10/2026

This is a full-time position with the Department of Corrections. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit .

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here:

Maintains security by enforcing DOC policies and institutional post orders to ensure the safety and security of the offenders and employees and that confinement conditions are maintained.

Service as a correctional officer is an excellent way to begin a law enforcement career and to gain supervisory experience. New officers are trained in all aspects required of the job; no prior education or experience is necessary. Officers are eligible for Class B retirement with 8% matching contributions. Uniforms are provided.

Correctional Officers must be able to work all shifts. Weekday and weekend shifts are twelve (12) hours. Correctional officers are required to work every other weekend along with some holidays.

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;

Ability to:

• effectively communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing;
• apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry;
• participate in the criminal justice systems regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines;
• visually observe and audibly hear in order to identify changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information;
• visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas;
• verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully;
• perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer based email;
• study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method;
• incorporate the South Dakota DOC Mission statement while completing daily job duties;
• willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with offender families and the public;
• effectively communicate and work with offenders through daily monitoring in a variety of situations;
• control, direct and instruct offenders individually and in groups;
• willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population;
• remain alert and observant throughout shift;
• conduct searches (general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle);
• use fingers to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment;
• safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors;
• learn about and utilize firearms, restraints, chemical agents, and tasers in a safe and professional manner, as outlined in policy;
• learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two-way radio, telephone, public address equipment);
• willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols;
• quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes);
• use physical force to control a situation;
• climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift;
• interpret and apply department policies and institutional post orders and procedures.

Functions:

• monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas;
• man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification);
• monitor facility perimeter;
• maintain a controlled movement schedule for offenders;
• Escort and transport offenders in authorized state vehicles, while armed;
• monitor visiting areas;
• conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts;
• conduct searches per policy;
• inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards;
• inspect inmate mail;
• utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations;
• follow established tool and key control, ensuring proper storage and documentation;
• attend shift briefings;
• document incidents utilizing established reporting practices;
• communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Driver's License;
• successful applicant(s) may have to undergo an abuse and neglect screening;
• high school diploma or GED.

Conditions of Employment:

• With or without reasonable accommodations, successfully pass all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics and firearms/armed transport curriculum;
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;

• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
• Use arms, palms of hands, and feet to deliver blows;
• Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
• Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;
• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;
• Must be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts to include holidays and weekends;
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;
• Willing and able to travel;
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

Questionnaire: Applicants will be required to answer a series of job-related questions when submitting an application for this job.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class B retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online:
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: View phone number on kelolandemployment.com Email: View email address on kelolandemployment.com

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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