Detective

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Williston, ND
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-39
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 5:00 PM Central


Description


The Detective investigates and resolves criminal cases and criminal activities in Williams County. The position is responsible for coordinating work activities with prosecuting attorneys as well as other federal, state, and local justice agencies. Applicants should exhibit strong skills in critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication.



Examples of Duties
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents in this position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbents may be required to perform position-specific tasks other than those listed in this job description.

• Provides safety and security to citizens in the community through the investigation and resolution of criminal cases and criminal activities.
• Investigates and resolves criminal cases and criminal activities; reads crime reports and develops investigation strategy; applies skills and training to apprehend violators and close cases.
• Collects, preserves, logs and secures crime scene; documents all handling of evidence and property to preserve chain of custody; maintains activity logs and generates reports as needed.
• Gathers evidence and verifies information pertinent to the investigation and resolution of criminal incidents; advises supervisors regarding significant investigative developments.
• Documents crime scenes using a variety of technical equipment, techniques and procedures.
• Interviews victims and witnesses; identifies, locates, interrogates and arrests suspects; correlates data and evidence to develop additional information on the crime and the criminals; develops and validates evidence that will stand up in a court of law.
• Manages crime scenes and criminal investigations; responds to crime scenes and takes command when appropriate; coordinates activities with other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.
• Prepares criminal cases, assists in the prosecution of criminals, and testifies at criminal trials; works with prosecuting attorneys to prepare investigative information to support charges.
• Prepares warrants, case reports, and other legal documents for managing cases in the Courts.
• Gathers, investigates, disseminates and maintains criminal intelligence data; tracks stolen items, collects evidence, maintains files, and finds and processes stolen items.
• Coordinates casework and supervises other Deputies to investigate and resolve cases; provides training and expertise to Deputies to enhance skills; assures effective communication of casework issues and investigation procedures.
• Enforces local, state and Federal laws, and enforces compliance with local regulations and ordinances, according to policies, procedures and regulations.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism and ethical standards of the Sheriff's Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed.
• Maintains confidentiality of non-public records and makes available all data and information deemed a public record by the North Dakota Century Code.

Typical Qualifications
Education, Experience and License/Certifications:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent; AND two (2) years' experience in law enforcement; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation; must pass and maintain License requirements by the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.
• Must possess a valid North Dakota Driver's License or equivalent; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standards.
• Technical certifications in CPR, First Aid, and specialized equipment are required.
• Must be able to work on any assigned shift.

Supplemental Information
Special Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office and in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement weather, and varying temperatures; subject to physical harm such as dangerous vehicles, gun shots, and physical attacks; may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, drugs, infectious and communicable diseases; required to physically restrain persons.
Benefits: Pay rate ranges from $48.00-$50.00/hour and is based on qualifications and experience. Williams County offers a generous benefit package including paid sick and vacation leave, fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance plan for single, single plus dependent, or family contracts, term life insurance, long-term disability insurance, fully funded retirement benefits through the North Dakota Public Employee Retirement System, and more!

To learn more about living and working in Williams County, visit


All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and reference review.
Williams County offers competitive pay, a great work environment and a generous benefit package to full time employees, including a fully-paid health/dental/vision plan for the entire family.

Williams County pays the full premium for family, single-plus-dependent or single coverage plan for each full-time employee.

Williams County provides a monthly allowance toward the purchase of a voluntary supplemental insurance policy for each full-time employee. Coverage may include single, single-plus-dependent or family coverage on any voluntary supplemental insurance provided by the designated Williams County supplemental insurance provider.

Williams County pays the premium for a $25,000 term life insurance policy and $25,000 accidental death and dismemberment policy for full-time employees.

Williams County pays the premium for a Long Term Disability Insurance plan for full-time employees.

Employees who are at least 18 years of age and are working in a qualified position an average of 20 hours per week for five or more months of the year are required to participate in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (ND PERS) Retirement Plan. Membership will become effective immediately upon employment.
01


Do you have any law enforcement related work experience? Please mark all that apply:

• Security industry
• Law enforcement
• Corrections (jail/prison)
• Juvenile detention
• Military
• Defensive tactics
• Mental Health Professions
• None of the above

02


Do you have the ability to (Please mark all that apply):

• Lift or drag 160 pounds
• Stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to travel out-of-town for work and work-related training
• None of the above

03


Do you have experience with the following (mark all that apply):

• Experience operating an emergency response vehicle
• Experience answering calls on a multiline business telephone system
• Experience using a multi-band radio
• Experience writing narrative reports
• None of the above

04


Do you have any of the certifications listed below?

• Certification in CPR/First Aid
• EMT Certification
• CNA Certification
• None of the above

05


Are you a Licensed Peace Officer through the ND POST board (or equivalent)?

• Yes
• No

06


Have you completed the Peace Officer training at an accredited police academy and is eligible to become licensed?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you currently enrolled in the Peace Officer training at an accredited police academy and have the ability to become licensed upon completion of the training?

• Yes
• No

08


Are you proficient in operating a firearm?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you have experience with the following (mark all that apply):

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Zuercher or similar records management system
• None of the above

10


Which of the following are you able and willing to work? (Mark all that apply)

• Shift work (6am-6pm / 6pm-6am)
• Weekends and holidays
• Overtime shifts
• During inclement weather
• Within a secure (locked) facility
• With individuals who are violent, confrontational and/or manipulative
• None of the above

11


Do you currently reside (or is able to reside) within a 10 minutes response radius of Williston, ND?

• Yes
• No

12


Which best describes your highest level of completed education?

• Some high school
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctoral degree

13


Do you have a valid North Dakota driver's license OR equivalent?

• Yes
• No

14


Have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

• Yes
• No

15


Are you currently awaiting trial for any criminal offense?

• Yes
• No

16


If you answered "yes" to any of the questions related to criminal history above, please explain: (enter N/A if not applicable).
17


Are you currently assigned to a criminal investigation unit?

• Yes
• No

18


How many years of work experience do you have as a criminal investigator?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

19


Do you have experience testifying in a jury trial?

• Yes
• No

20


Have you completed any of the trainings listed below? (Mark all that apply)

• Polygraph examiner
• ICAC
• IAI Certified
• NFA Graduate
• Total Station
• Cellbrite Operator
• ND BCI basic
• ND BCI Advanced
• Crime Scene Processing
• Property and Evidence Management
• Interview and Interrogation
• MOI
• NIMS/ICS
• None of the above

21


Do you have any other relevant certificates or training? If so, please list: (if not, please enter N/A)
Required Question