Correctional Officer

Job Description

This job is located in Sioux Fall, South Dakota

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office , located in historic downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota , is accepting applications for Correctional Officers ready to being a meaningful career with one of the region's most respected correctional facilities.

Start the new year with more than a new job. Build a career with purpose, join a dedicated professional team, and serve on the front line of public safety.

If you are ready to be part of something bigger, serve your community, and make an impact, come work with us. Give yourself something exciting to look forward to after the holidays and apply today for the opportunity to join our next new hire class beginning January 19, 2027!

WHAT DOES THIS CAREER OFFER YOU?

• GREAT WAGES! The 2027 hiring range is $28.40/hr - $31.31/hr with a full earning potential up to $42.08/hr PLUS regular opportunities for pay increases. New officers will receive up to 5% increases in pay after the 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd year IN ADDITION to annual increases.
• RETENTION BONUS! Stay and grow your career with us! Newly hired Juvenile Correctional Officers may qualify for $1,000 retention bonuses at 9, 18, 27, and 36 months of service by maintaining good performance and meeting program eligibility requirements.
• CAREER PREPARATION! Through the training and expertise gained in our Jail, our COs have gone on to be hired into 50+ different county, city, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and now hold positions including Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Animal Control, Fire Rescue, DCI Agent, Juvenile Case Agent, Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Parole Officer, Probation Officer, and more.
• NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL! $1.00/hr night shift differential.
• STRONG STAFFING LEVELS! We take a proactive approach to staffing so our 160+ employees can maintain a healthy work/life balance.
• BILINGUAL PAY! Specialty pay of an additional $0.50/hr for officers who pass a bilingual exam.
• PAID TRAINING! 11 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training. Small training classes mean all new officers get personal, 1:1 training.
  • JUST ADDED! Classroom training has been extended by one full week with the addition of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). This specialized, 40-hour law-enforcement training equips COs with effective de-escalation techniques to safely and professionally managing individuals experiencing mental health crises.
  • CERTIFICATIONS! Upon successful completion of the training program, Officers earn certifications in: Crisis Intervention Training, CPR & First Aid, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Terminal Operator, National Incident Management System (NIMS), Pepper Spray, Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS), and Defensive Tactics - Law Enforcement Krav Maga. Possible certifications COs may earn in the future include PepperBall, Pistol, and Taser 10.
• EMPHASIS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING! Annual mental health visits are provided to officers to confidentially discuss concerns or issues with a professional. Additional sessions are offered by the County for officers and family members along with access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources. The Jail has an onsite workout facility, and the County also offers gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education throughout the year.
• 12 HOUR SHIFTS! Work 15 shifts a month and have Fri/Sat/Sun off every other week. Year-long rotations provide consistent schedules.
• CAREER ADVANCEMENT! Possible opportunities for special assignments and promotions within the Jail Division including Transporter, Court Security Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Warden. Our COs are routinely promoted to Deputy Sheriff and become South Dakota Certified Law Enforcement Officers in our Patrol Division.
• COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS! Generous PTO, Extended Sick Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, and Retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System - that means lifetime income provided THROUGHOUT retirement!

HOW IS THIS JOB GOING TO HELP YOU PERSONALLY GROW AND DEVELOP?

A career as a Correctional Officer offers meaningful personal and professional growth. You will strengthen your communication skills, develop strong problem-solving abilities, and build confidence in managing conflict. Our experienced instructors will teach you the techniques you need to handle the real-world situations you will encounter in our Jail.

You will learn how to effectively interpret body language, quickly assess evolving conditions and circumstances, and make sound decisions to resolve conflict in complex environments. Training includes fundamental communication strategies and defensive tactics focused on de-escalation and maintaining safety. After completing our academy, you will immediately begin reinforcing your training on the job with the support of experienced staff.

Beyond technical skills, being a Correctional Officer also builds patience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of people from all walks of life.

TAKE A TOUR TO SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE!

Want to see the Jail for yourself? We will give you a personal tour where you can watch our Correctional Officers in action! You'll see how our staff work together as a team to help keep our operation running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Give us a call at View phone number on kelolandemployment.com to get scheduled for a tour today!

Watch the video below and find out what actual employees have to say about working in our Jail and find out what a rewarding career as a Correctional Officer has to offer you!

This recruitment may also be used to staff Correctional Systems Operator positions at a lower pay grade.

How You Will Make an Impact

This position places you at the heart of public safety, where your awareness, professionalism, and calm decision-making help protect the well-being of inmates, staff, and the entire community. You’ll make an impact by:

• Keeping the facility safe, secure, and running smoothly by conducting inmate head counts, wellness checks, cell inspections, and regular security rounds throughout the jail and perimeter.

• Being the steady presence during high-pressure moments by responding to emergencies, applying crisis-intervention techniques, and de-escalating mental-health situations with skill and compassion.

• Guiding inmates through the justice system with professionalism, overseeing intake and release processes, fingerprinting and photographing, property management, and ensuring all documentation is accurate and secure.

• Maintaining order and structure every day by supervising recreation, meals, medication distribution, visitations, and inmate movement, helping keep operations safe and secure.

• Serving as a trusted link between agencies, courts, and the jail, conducting NCIC checks, managing warrants and protection orders, and supporting inmates as they access programs and services.

• Ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes by handling communications equipment, logging movement and activity, distributing mail and supplies, and keeping detailed records that maintain accountability across shifts.

• Contributing to a secure, respectful environment where inmates, staff, and the public feel protected, heard, and supported thereby strengthening trust in the local justice system every day.

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant work experience. Comparable combination of education and work experience may be considered. Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.

Effective verbal and written communication. Must maintain ability to be a credible witness in court. Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly and with tact and impartiality. Ability to learn and apply the policies and procedures of law enforcement operations. Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for inmate safety and the safety of others. Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public. Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

Preferred qualifications include an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, experience working in corrections, and knowledge of legal terminology.

EEO Statement

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at View phone number on kelolandemployment.com.