Correctional Officer

Salary : $64,833.60 Annually
Location : Law Enforcement Center - Watford City
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600113
Department: Correctional Facility
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Description
The Correctional Officer maintains care and custody of inmates, security, and order on and off the property under general supervision. In accordance with operational needs an applicable law, certain correctional officer duties require same-gender supervision and searches of inmates. To meet these requirements within our female housing units, female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This position reports to the Correctional Lieutenant and is located in Watford City, ND. The position is on a rotation schedule and twelve (12) hour days.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide all aspects of supervision of inmates to ensure custody, control, and care; including recreation and meal periods
• Secure all inmate property and follow standard procedures designated for the care of the property
• Prepare reports; including booking, releases, fingerprinting, and mug shot photography. Assists in the maintenance of carious records and information reporting materials and data bases
• Check inmate mail for possible contraband; maintain a periodic patrol to ensure the security and integrity of the facility; monitor and screen inmate visitor traffic; and observe traffic in and around the facility
• Addresses complaints from staff, inmates, visitors, etc.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be certified Correctional Officer within one (1) year of hiring date
• Extensive knowledge of computers, computer programs, scanning equipment and various other office machines
• Organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Must be a self-starter and goal oriented
• Physical requirements and working conditions:
  • Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
  • Moderate work: Exerting up to 50 pounds if force occasionally and/ or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Moderate work involves moving most of the time. Jobs are moderate if walking and standing are required frequently and all other moderate criteria are met.
  • This position is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is compensated on an hourly basis starting at $31.17 per hour . This position is eligible for benefits including applicable health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave, flex spending, paid holidays, and other benefits available to eligible employees, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plans and policies.
    
    
    An applicant who is a resident of North Dakota and eligible to claim veterans' preference must abide by the Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines available at and submit any documentation with an otherwise complete application.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Medical

Single: 100% paid for employees

Single+Child(ren): $269.28 monthly

Family: $397.80 monthly

Dental

Single: 100% paid for employees

Family: $16.98 monthly

Vision

Single: 100% paid for employees

Family: $4.32 monthly

Vacation Time

0-2 full years earn 4 hours per pay period = 96 hours per year

3-5 full years earn 5 hours per pay period = 120 hours per year

6-9 full years earn 6 hours per pay period = 144 hours per year

Over 10 full years earn 7 hours per pay period = 168 hours per year

Sick Time

4 hours earned per pay period = 96 hours per year

Retirement

Main Plan - County contributes 9.26%, Employee contribute 1%-3% - County will match

Public Safety Plan - Employee contributes 1.5%, County matches 16.54%

*Certified Law Enforcement Officers (Deputies/Corrections)

Flex Accounts

Tax-free dollars set aside each month, up to $3,200.00 annually for medical expenses

$5,000.00 annually may be set aside for day care expenses

Life Insurance

McKenzie County provides $12,000.00 life insurance. Additional coverage available at a discounted rate.

Other

Deferred Income - 457B

Similar to a 401k plan; minimum contribution amount is $25.00, max of $22,500.00 per year. Funds cannot be withdrawn until retirement, termination, or an unforeseeable emergency.

Supplemental Insurance

MetLife plans may be purchased for an additional charge.