Correctional Officer

Salary: $27.67 Hourly
Location : 307 Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01852
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 09/21/2026
Closing Date: 11/4/2026 11:59 PM Mountain


Position Description

Position Objective:
The Correctional Officer 1 is responsible for the care and custody of the inmates/detainees under his or her charge. This requires close and courteous interaction with inmates/detainees under normal and potentially volatile circumstances. Correctional Officers are required to handle multiple tasks, frequently under high-stress conditions, simultaneously, while being mindful of security operations. Correctional Officers may also be asked to testify in court proceedings.


This position is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, requiring day, evening, overnight, weekend and holiday shift assignments.

Position Functions

Essential Functions:

• Perform security rounds during scheduled and unscheduled times. Use discretion to determine violations and unusual situations and direct the appropriate response. Document incidents, movement, rounds and inmate/detainee discipline.
• Create and maintain a safe and secure cell block/pod atmosphere conducive to respect of others.
• Determine appropriate inmate/detainee disciplinary action. Make the decision on the corrective action to be imposed, notifying and enforcing with inmate/detainee and documenting.
• Initiate and monitor inmate/detainee movement, recognizing abnormal or inappropriate behavior. Restrain unruly inmates/detainees using force and restraining devices, using maneuvers as trained.
• Determine classification of inmates/detainees to the appropriate housing unit and security level, to include review of previous behavior, criminal charges and other mitigating factors.
• Respond to inmate/detainee mental health behaviors, to include determining risk factors for mental health intervention or implementing suicide precautions.
• Read, comprehend, and process legal and non-legal documents, including medical instructions, commitment or release orders, summons, criminal statutes and other documents.
• Communicate effectively and coherently with the public, staff, inmate/detainees and in court or other formal settings with approved facility communication devices.
• Attend and participate in shift briefings, division and department meetings and required training to maintain certified status and related activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all county policies and procedures.

Qualifications


Education and/or Experience Required:

• HS Diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 20 years of age at the time of employment offer.
• Successful completion of the in-house 120-hour academy training program.
• Successful completion of the 240-hour Correctional Officer on-the-job training program.
• Successful completion of the oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray certification and taser are required.
• No felony convictions.
• Must meet minimum hiring assessment standards, including physical agility, written examination, criminal and character background and physical and psychological examinations.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid South Dakota Driver's License within 90 days of moving to South Dakota.
• The Sheriff has the discretion to waive any of the above requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, climb stairs, walk and sit.
• Ability to periodically exert high levels of energy in the form of unarmed self-defense and lifting or moving more than 100 pounds.
• Must be able to effectively communicate objectives and mediate disputes.
• Must be able to handle high levels of stress while making prompt and effective decisions.
• Ability to respond to emergent situations, including the ability to run, restrain aggressive or suicidal individuals and manipulate restraint tools.

Additional Information


Working Environment:

• Work is typically performed indoors in a correctional facility. This is a potentially volatile environment with high accountability.
• This position may be exposed to contagious or infectious diseases or irritating chemicals.
• Work requires the use of protective devices, such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
• This position will include close interaction with inmates/detainees.

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.
Dental - Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
Prescription - The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.
Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.
Life Insurance
Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
Employee Assistance Program
Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
Retirement Plan
Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.
Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.
Supplemental Insurance
AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.
Paid Time Off
Vacation - Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.
Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.
Holidays - Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.
All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.


This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.
01


Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02


This position requires you to be at least 20 years of age.Are you at least 20 years of age?

• Yes, I am at least 20 years of age.
• No, I am not yet 20 years of age.

03


Have you used any form of federally illegal drugs in the past year? If yes, please explain below.
Required Question