Deputy Sheriff - Patrol

Job Description

Job Description

The Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a motivated, professional individual to join our team as a Deputy Sheriff. This is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in law enforcement while making a positive impact on our community.

Deputy Sheriffs play a vital role in maintaining public safety, responding to emergencies, enforcing laws, and serving the citizens of Grand Forks County. This position offers meaningful work, professional development, and the chance to be part of a respected and supportive law enforcement team.

This is a great opportunity to become part of the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, contribute to the safety and well-being of our community, and develop a stable, fulfilling career. If you are dependable, team-oriented, and committed to making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

For additional details about the position, please review the Sheriff Deputy Position Description.

Starting Salary Range

$62,668.80 ($30.13/hour) - $89,350.73 ($42.96/hour), paid semi-monthly Starting rate negotiable based on full-time law enforcement experience. Grand Forks County offers excellent benefits, including retirement, paid leave, and health coverage (see benefit information below).

Application Process

Interested applicants are required to submit a completed Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office Application along with a resume and cover letter to receive consideration. On the application, please indicate that you are applying for the Deputy Patrol position.

Applicants claiming veteran preference must submit a copy of their DD214 with the application.

Applications may be obtained and/or submitted in person or mail: Sheriff Office, 3005 Heartland Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58201 or by email to View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

Application Deadline

Interested applicants must submit their application packet prior to October 18, 2026, 11:59 pm.

Anticipated Start Date & Training Dates

Successful applicants will start with the Sheriff’s Office on or about December 15, 2026, and begin the Field Training Program.

For applicants that are not currently licensed or licensable as a peace officer, the Sheriff’s Office will provide all required training beginning on or about December 15, 2026. This process will include in-house training at the Sheriff’s Office as well as enrollment in the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA).

The first week of the academy beginning January 25, 2027, will consist of online coursework completed at the Sheriff’s Office. Following this, the selected applicant will be required to attend in-person training at the LETA in Bismarck, ND, from February 1, 2027, through April 16, 2027.

All training time is paid.

Upon successful completion of the ND LETA, the applicant will become ND POST licensed as a peace officer and continue the Field Training Program with the Sheriff’s Office.

Education, Experience, and Special Requirements

• Must be 19 years of age
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to start with the Sheriff’s Office on or about December 15, 2026, and if needed must be able to attend the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) in Bismarck, ND in person from February 1, 2027, through April 16, 2027.
• Must maintain a North Dakota Peace Officer License or be licensable, or currently enrolled in a Post Board approved academy
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship

Disqualifying Factors

• A false statement or any omission of information, on the employment application, consent form, or verbally is disqualifying and grounds for termination of employment.
• A felony conviction.
• Applicants on criminal probation at time of intended hire.
• Any unlawful use of any drug while employed as a peace officer.
• Any involvement in the sales of illegal drugs.
• Lack of a valid driver’s license at time of intended hire.

Following Factors may be Disqualifying

• Prior drug usage will be evaluated for what was used, the extent of the use, and how recent the usage has been (including marijuana).
• A misdemeanor conviction.
• An arrest for which the punishment could have been one year in County Jail or imprisonment in State Prison.
• A theft.
• Unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon.
• A sex act in which the other party was under eighteen years of age.
• Demonstrated history of irresponsible motor vehicle operation.
• A “Failure to Appear” on your driving record.
• A D.U.I. conviction.
• Applicants under psychological/psychiatric care.
• Military discipline or less than honorable discharge.
• Demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility.
• Failure to keep appointments or submit documentation in a complete, neat or timely during the background process.

Why Work for Grand Forks County?

At Grand Forks County, employees play an important role in supporting services that impact the local community every day. In addition to meaningful work, the County offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and long-term career stability.

Employees enjoy generous paid holidays and paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, and a strong retirement contribution through NDPERS. This position qualifies for the Public Safety Retirement Plan.

For more information about available benefits, please review the Grand Forks County Employee Benefits Summary.

Selection Process

Prior to the start of employment, prospective employees will undergo a thorough background investigation including a medical fitness for duty examination, psychiatric evaluation, and drug/ alcohol screening. Applicants will be evaluated based on their education, training, and experience, and the top-scoring candidates will be forwarded for further consideration.

Reasonable Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department Office, in writing, at the time of application.

The County of Grand Forks will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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