Correctional Officer

Salary : $61,588.80 - $86,278.40 Annually
Location : Justice Center, 401 Carver Rd., Mankato, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-00066
Department: Sheriff's Office
Division: Jail
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Central


DESCRIPTION


Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Jail Administrator, supports the mission of the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office by providing quality services that promote and protect the safety, security, and well-being of all the people in our community. The Correctional Officer is responsible for the professional administration and enforcement of all federal, state, and local laws as well as the provision of other law enforcement services to the public. The Correctional Officer works in a 24/7 direct supervision facility and is responsible for maintaining a secure jail facility, ensuring the safety and welfare of the inmates, performing jail bookings and releases, and organizing and supervising inmate activity. This position is also responsible for assuring preparation and service of medications, meals, collecting financial transactions, providing public relations information, and maintaining administration and facility records.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains a secure jail facility. Performs various inspections to identify any safety or mechanical issues within the jail. Conduct searches on inmates, living areas, cells and visitors to detect contraband in accordance with jail policy and procedures. Monitors audio and video systems to ensure secure inmate movement and proper identification and clearance of persons requesting entry into the facility.
2. Supervise inmates by enforcing jail rules and carry out procedures as defined by state and Sheriff's Office policies which may include; interacting with and supervising inmates in their daily activities, maintaining order, monitoring behavior, responding to and attempting to resolve inmate concerns/conflicts, responding to emergencies, monitoring inmates' communications, such as mail and phone calls, maintaining necessary logs and reports, and performing housekeeping and sanitation practices as necessary to ensure a safe facility.
3. Assess arrestees' physical and mental appropriateness for jail confinement and determines housing classification and assignments. Assist in the medical care of inmates to include response to medical emergencies, medication verifications and medication distribution.
4. Booking and releasing inmates by performing booking functions of new inmates to include body scanning, photographing, fingerprinting and searches. Interpret Court Orders and perform release functions in accordance with lawful orders and policy, to include victim notifications, outstanding warrant checks, property return and completion of all release documents.
5. Maintain inmate records by entering inmate data into computer files and submits to proper agencies, maintains detailed record of all inmate activity, account purchases and deposits, medical needs, reports, and other documents to ensure that the inmate files are accurate.
6. Responds to emergencies situations utilizing necessary emergency equipment to ensure safety of inmates and staff. Acts in the event of emergencies responding appropriately or as directed. Subdues inmate during altercations or escapes, defends self and other. Acts swiftly to minimize damage to property, equipment or the facility. Intervenes safely to prevent or stop inmate self-harm or suicidal behavior.
7. Assures preparation and service of inmate meals. Documents and notifies appropriate personnel of any tray refusals, hunger strikes, and special diets identified at booking.
8. Collects, verifies, and records financial transactions. Maintains and records all deposits and withdrawals from inmate accounts. Collects, verifies and records bail money as ordered by the Courts.
9. Provides public relations and services. Conducts fingerprints of the general public, including the collection of fees. Provides public with assistance and inmate information. Conducts tours of the facility.
10. Aides in the training of new Correctional Officers.
11. Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
12. Engages positively with both internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.
13. Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
14. Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Completes warrant service reports.
2. Provides credible testimony in court. Attends and testifies in criminal and civil court proceedings. Represents the interests of the county, state, and federal government. Makes a verbal account for observations, actions, and findings while performing official duties.
3. Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.
4. Coordinates and provides assigned inmate transports. Transports inmates to Court, medical appointments, and other appointments as necessary.
5. Administers drug and alcohol tests to Blue Earth County inmates and other individuals necessary.
6. Provides security of inmate(s) at off-site facility. Maintain custody and control of inmates when confined to hospitals or other off-site facilities.
7. Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in corrections, law enforcement, and/or probation field.
• Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English, such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among other languages.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the State of Minnesota.
• Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must satisfactorily complete pre-employment drug test, psychological evaluation, and background check.
• Must complete pre-employment personnel evaluation profile assessment.
• Must submit to fingerprinting through the FBI and MN BCA.
• Must not have been convicted of any felony.
• Must obtain and maintain required certifications to perform the essential functions as required.
• Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non-public data. Access to non-public data should be strictly limited to what is necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. While accessing these data, the employee should take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related reason. Once the work-related purpose is complete, non-public data must be securely stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

HOURS OF WORK


Full-Time
Involves a combination of 12-hour and 8-hour shifts, which under normal condition results in an 80-hour two week pay period. Full Time Correctional Officers bid for shifts by seniority. Day shifts are from 0500-1700 or night shifts are from 1700-0500. Regular hours will include every other weekend. Overtime and holiday hours may be required.
Two-week schedule example (one day assigned as 8-hour shift):

• Week 1: work Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Week 2: work Wednesday, Thursday

Benefits Overview
MPA - Correctional Officer

The County of Blue Earth provides a comprehensive, balanced, competitive total compensation package. The County's benefit programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or dependent care assistance, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings. Benefits begin upon date of hire.

The following outlines County offered total compensation benefits. This document provides an overview and does not offer all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents and/or collective bargaining agreements, the plan documents will prevail.

Regular, Full-Time Employee

Wage/Salary Scale
Blue Earth County features a 12-Step Pay Plan. Our advertised salary ranges include all 12 Steps. A selected candidate will typically be offered Step 1 of the salary range. Additional salary considerations are subject to negotiation and dependent on skills and experience directly related to the position.

Shift Differential
A $1.25 per hour shift differential will be provided for all hours worked between 5:00 pm. and 5:00 am. and 5:00 am. and 5:00 pm. on Saturday and Sunday.

Vacation Leave
Vacation accruals, utilization, and payouts are detailed in the collective bargaining agreement and/or the employee handbook. An additional eight hours shall be paid in lieu of Christmas Eve.

Blue Earth County Years of Service Bi-Weekly Accrual Rate
0 - 1 year - 3.23 hours
2 - 5 years - 3.85 hours
6 - 9 years - 4.77 hours
10 - 13 years - 5.69 hours
14 - 18 years - 6.62 hours
19 + years - 7.54 hours


Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of eight (8) hours for each full month of service.
Paid Holidays
Blue Earth County recognizes 11 (88 hours) paid holidays in lieu of holidays.

Health Insurance
Employees may choose from 3-health insurance plans and either single or family coverage. Insurance Rates (Monthly) - Effective: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027

Plan 1: CMM $0 Deductible
Employee: Single - $157.63 / Family - $1,389.71
Employer: Single - $1,418.63 / Family - $3,242.66
Total Cost: Single - $1,576.26/ Family - $4,632.37

Plan 2: CMM $300 Deductible
Employee: Single - $1.18/ Family - $929.98
Employer: Single - $1,418.64 / Family - $3,242.66
Total Cost: Single - $1,419.82 / Family - $4,172.64

Plan 3: HDHP with HSA
Employee: Single - $0.00 / Family - $488.78
Employer: Single - $1,108.79 / Family - $2,769.74
Total Cost: Single - $1,108.79 / Family - $3,258.52

Blue Earth County contributes to a health savings account (HSA) when the employee elects the HDHP. Single coverage HSA contributions equal $1,700, and family coverage HSA contributions equal $3,400.

Life Insurance
Employees are provided with Term-Life Insurance at no cost to them:

• $20,000 term-life/$20,000 accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• After ten (10) years of continuous employment with Blue Earth County, the policy will increase to $35,000 term-life/$35,000 accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)

Retirement
The County and the employee contribute to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) based on a percentage of the employee wage:
Correctional Plan
Employee: 6.83%
Employer: 10.25%

Voluntary Benefits Available

• AFLAC
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Nice Healthcare
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Voluntary Life (Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren))
• Deferred Compensation (457b)
• Roth IRA
• 529 Educational Roth
• Minnesota Benefits Association (MBA)
• Savi Student Loan Benefit

01


The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02


Which of the following is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's Degree or Higher
• I have not completed or received a High School Diploma or GED

03


Which of the following best describes the degree that you completed?

• Corrections
• Law Enforcement
• Criminal Justice/Probation
• My degree is in an area NOT listed above
• N/A - I have not completed a degree.

04


Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience in a correctional setting such as a prison, jail, detention center, security hospital, or detox center?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 6 years
• More than 6 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 10 years
• 10 or more years

05


Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience overseeing the well-being of people?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than one year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years, but less than 6
• More than 6 years, but less than 7
• More than 7 years, but less than 8
• More than 8 years, but less than 9
• More than 9 years, but less than 10
• 10 or more years

06


Please list the specific degree that you completed.
07


Which of the following best describes your computer experience/ability:

• No experience
• Limited- I am somewhat familiar with computers
• Moderate- I use a computer occasionally at home and/or at work
• Extensive- I use various computer programs as a significant portion of my job

08


Please select the languages you are fluent in understanding and speaking.

• English
• Spanish
• Somali
• Chinese
• Sudanese
• Arabbic
• Other

09


Which of the following areas have you received training or a certificate in? (Please select all that apply.)

• Self-Defense or Defensive tactics
• Restraints
• Taser
• First Aide
• CPR/AED
• None of the above

10


Please list training certification dates for the above trainings indicated.
11


Describe how your background and experience align with the duties and responsibilities of this position.
12


Why do you want this position with Blue Earth County?
13


CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Blue Earth County conducts a background check for a position within the Sheriff's Department. If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and education records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?

• Yes
• No

14


OTHER QUALIFICIATIONS: Describe any other special training you've completed or skills and experience you currently possess that you feel would make you the best-qualified person for this position.
15


Do you currently possess a valid driver's license with the ability to drive in the State of Minnesota?

• Yes
• No

Required Question