Explore a Career with Minnehaha County

This job is located in Sioux Falls, SD

Why Join Our Team

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, located in historic downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is now accepting applications for Correctional Officers to maintain safety and security within one of the most respected correctional facilities!

Join a dedicated public safety team as we expand our facility to better serve our community! We will be adding staff as new areas open to support our growing operations.

Our next new hire class will start August 24, with additional hiring planned throughout 2026 - so whether you're ready to start soon or planning ahead, we encourage you to apply today!

WHAT DOES THIS CAREER OFFER YOU?

• GREAT WAGES! Hiring range is $27.57/hr - $30.40/hr with a full earning potential up to $40.85/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! Newly hired Correctional Officers are eligible to receive $1,000 at 9 months, 18 months, 27 months, AND 36 months of service, with good performance.
• 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 state pension plan - 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. To learn more about what the job is really like, check out the conversation between our staff and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

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 605-367-4337 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!

How You Will Make an Impact

As a Correctional Officer, you will make a meaningful impact by maintaining safety and security throughout the facility. You will perform essential security duties including head counts, well-being checks, inspections, and facility patrols to help ensure an orderly and secure environment.

Crisis-intervention skills play a vital role in this work. By recognizing signs of mental health distress and responding effectively, you will help deescalate tense situations and support the well-being of both staff and inmates.

When emergencies arise, a Correctional Officer's decisive action is key. You will apply defensive tactics appropriately and restore order to protect the safety of the entire facility.

Daily operations also rely heavily on your oversight. Supervising inmate movement, monitoring activities, and escorting outside personnel help keep routines running smoothly and securely. Your careful attention during intake, release, documentation, and screenings ensures accuracy and consistency.

Strong communication skills further enhance your impact. Operating control systems, managing mail and deliveries, and ensuring compliance with security protocols all support efficient facility operations. Your oversight of trustee assignments and assistance with inmate program access foster structure and positive engagement.

Every responsibility you take on from security to support helps create a safe, respectful, and well-managed correctional environment.

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 (605) 367-4337.