CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Position Summary

The Correctional Officer’s responsibilities include the entire well-being and secure oversight of persons incarcerated in the McLeod County Jail. This includes booking inmates, checking records for medication, maintaining inmate population information, performing routine well-being checks, serving meals, discharge, arranging court appearances, and transport to external facilities. Correctional Officers are responsible for enforcing facility rules and regulations, maintaining order within the facility, and direct supervision of inmates’ daily activities. Correctional Officers perform contraband and weapon inspections, assist with inmate physical and mental health crisis situations, observe, and respond to inmate activity through direct contact and security monitoring, and complete required daily reporting. Our team of Correctional Officers is responsible for maintaining the peace, safety, and security of the McLeod County Jail.

Supplemental:

• The 2026 salary range for this position starts at $26.51/hour and progresses up to $39.78/hour
  
  • New hires should expect to start at $26.51/hour
  • Relevant previous experience will be taken into consideration.
  • Our organization values pay equity, and hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical.
• Posting will close at 4:00 pm on Friday, September 18, 2026 .
• Interviews will be Monday, September 28 . If a second round of interviews is deemed necessary it will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
• Applicants selected for an interview will receive a email invitation.
• Communication updates will be sent via email.
• This is a trainable position with training provided, which must be successfully completed and maintained. Candidates must also possess a valid driver's license.
• This is a full-time benefit eligible position including medical, dental, life insurance, holiday, sick leave, vacation, and uniform pay.
• Hours of work are generally 10-hour shifts in a 24/7/365 environment.
• 2026 Benefits Click HERE or visit McLeod County website > Employment tab.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Position Duties

• Complete the inmate booking process which may include obtaining accurate information from the arresting officer, verification of sentencing information, collecting inmate information, conducting property inventory, collecting medical history, collecting fingerprints and photographs, issuing clothing, linens and personal hygiene items, and accommodation of inmate health conditions. Process people received at intake including fingerprinting, booking photo, search of property and person, storing property and obtaining booking information; during this process, Correctional Officers qualify charges and ensures inmates are released after proper authorization.
• Conduct various levels of body searches of inmates of same gender according to inmate sentence and Jail Policy to ensure no contraband, weapons, or prohibited items are brought into the Jail facility.
• Verify and record any medication inmates report they are prescribed, order prescribed medication(s), and report all inmate health needs to Jail Nurse and/or Supervisor.
• Complete timely and accurate medication distribution to inmates and complete medication logs. Ensure that all medication given to inmates is taken by the correct inmate and not saved for dangerous or improper purposes.
• Work with contracted medical provider to ensure the health and safety of the inmate. Follow all instructions given by the medical professional.
• De-escalation of disturbances and altercations in the Jail; respond to emergency situations in the Jail, such as medical, weather, fire emergencies and inmate disturbances. Acts in accordance with policy and procedure, notifies appropriate authorities, administers basic first aid as necessary.
• Record appropriate court data accurately and concisely regarding the status of persons in custody, sentencing orders and other information on persons being sentenced.
• Responsible for completing prisoner transports to or from other correctional agencies, court, medical appointments, etc. Maintain proper security of inmates being transported; ensures that all transportation orders are completed accurately and signed by the appropriate authority; institutes proper restraints as appropriate for inmate’s custody classification; check transportation vehicles before and after transport.
• Properly classify and house inmate according to degree of severity of crime, vulnerability, medical needs assessments, gender, age, and according to other inmate’s classification in unit.
• Accurately enter and maintain computer database information regarding inmates.
• Perform mandated well-being checks of inmates and complete proper documentation of same.
• Control all facility security keys.
• Manage inmate fund accounts and complete appropriate documentation of the same.
• Serve meals and keep accurate inventory of all trays and utensils that are passed out and returned; maintain documentation of special meals requirements. Distribute laundry, canteen hygiene items, and cleaning supplies.
• Ensure that all facility sanitary conditions are maintained and report to Supervisor any conditions that need repair or attention via work order.
• Report to Supervisor any violations of Jail rules by inmates.
• Release work program prisoners to make sure they are able to get to work on time and report to Supervisor and/or Program Coordinator any violations of conditions of release when known.
• Manage the intake of work release prisoners, ensuring searches of property and person to ensure that they do not bring in contraband; assure they have not consumed any alcohol or drugs by administering Portable Breath Test (PBT) or Urine Analysis (UA) testing.
• Accurately administer Portable Breath Test (PBT) and Urine Analysis (UA) testing to detect drug usage.
• Oversee and coordinate the movement of inmates inside the Jail and Courthouse at all times.
• Maintain accurate daily reports including, but not limited to: daily logs, medication logs, incident reports, court reports, etc.
• Observe and comply with all policies and procedures of the McLeod County Jail.
• Respond to the reasonable needs of the prisoners during shift.
• Maintain Jail security, conduct cell searches for contraband and report breaches of security to the Jail Administrator.
• Complete accurate, legible, detailed, and factually written reports on all unusual Jail occurrences, incidents, and emergencies.
• Conduct due process hearings on inmates that have been charged with violations of Jail rules.
• Assist with weapons screening at the main entrance of the Courthouse & Law Enforcement Center.
• Assists with Courthouse and Courtroom security as needed under the direction of licensed staff.

Non-Essential Functions

• Responsible to continue training by attending training sessions as scheduled by the Supervisor and within the requirements of the Department of Corrections.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or apparent.
• Ability to become a Field Training Officer. Must have strong communications skills and the ability to train and evaluate trainee.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to work independently using initiative and discretion while performing their duties.
• Ability to de-escalate situations of conflict; ability to endure frequent encounters of verbal or physical posturing or intimidating behavior with an ongoing threat of situations becoming physical which may require the physical restraint of inmates.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to deal tactfully and professionally with the general public, inmates, coworkers, and administration.
• An ability to type a minimum of 30 words per minute.
• Computer/technical background either through experience, training, or formal education.
• A working knowledge of paper and electronic filing systems.
• A good working knowledge of the English language, ability to write legible, accurate, and understandable reports.
• An ability to effectively communicate orally with co-workers, supervisors, inmates, and the general public.
• An ability to think clearly and act quickly & appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to keep inmates subdued during the transport process.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to remain in the Jail and keep awake and alert at all times.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely work attendance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with the general public and other staff in person, over the phone and through written correspondence.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of related experience, or;
• an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain such license and proof of insurance.

Preferred education and Experience

• Experience involving public contact
• Bilingual

Preferred Certification

• CPR and First Aid Certificates
• Taser
• Use of Force
• Crisis Intervention Techniques

Relationships

• Arresting officers and other agencies to obtain information on new inmates for intake processing.
• Jail inmates to provide jail rules and ensure they are in compliance and to ensure their well-being while in custody.
• Probation/Court Services, Court Administration, Health & Human Services, and other County departments.
• General public.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises daily activities of incarcerated individuals.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies while supervising inmates.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in the County Jail and County Courthouse & Law Enforcement Center.
• Work includes transportation of potentially dangerous prisoners during all hours and weather conditions.
• Work includes escorting prisoners to and from court hearings, other agencies, and medical appointments, etc.
• Work may require twelve hour rotating shifts depending on assignment; work is performed outside of regular hours of operation of the Courthouse & Law Enforcement Center. Requires working shifts, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Risk of exposure to:
  
  • Hepatitis and blood-borne pathogens
  • Airborne pathogens, e.g., tuberculosis
  • Verbal and physical assaults
  • Bodily fluids
  • Controlled substances
• Work with individuals who are in crisis and/or attempting self-harm or the harm of other inmates and/or staff.
• Work with individuals who may be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, controlled substances, and other mood-altering chemicals.

Physical Requirements Of This Position

• Required to expend a very high intensity of effort for duties including movement of inmates who may be combative or assaultive.
• Physical ability to defend self or others during a physical encounter.
• Ability to prevent inmates from harming self or other individuals.
• Work includes movement of supplies and boxes weighing less than 50 pounds and stored in areas requiring full range of physical movement.
• Repetitive small mechanical motions of keys and other devices are used on a continuous basis and require full use of arms, hands, and fingers.
• Work regularly requires up to twelve hours of prolonged movement in and around facility monitoring or moving inmates while standing or walking.
• Ability to perceive numerous lighted and audible warning devices that are used extensively for security.
• Ability to determine odors that may be threatening to him/her or others and react appropriately.
• Visual acuity to read computer screens and documents and to see security monitors and warning lights.

Equipment Required to Perform This Job

• Motor Vehicles
• Computer Equipment
• Desktop and Mobile Telephones
• Multiple Monitors
• Security Monitoring Equipment
• Camera and Intercom Systems
• Body Worn Cameras
• Portable and Mobile Radio Systems
• Restraints
• Tasers and Chemicals
• Weapons screening equipment to include X-ray, Magnetometer and Hand-held Wands.

Additional Notes

• All positions in the McLeod County Sheriff’s Office are subject to a background check. This may include, but not limited to the following checks: criminal history, credit, driver’s license, pre-employment physical, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, pre-employment psychological testing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


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For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.