Correctional Officers

Overview

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. We offer flexible start dates, allowing new officers to select the training class that best fits their schedule. Our next new hire class will start in March, with additional hiring planned throughout 2026 — so whether you're ready to start soon or planning ahead, we encourage you to apply today!

• 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 Police Officer, Animal Control, Fire Rescue, Deputy Sheriff, 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 manage 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 Pepper Ball, 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 this job helps you grow personally and professionally: a career as a Correctional Officer offers meaningful growth. You will strengthen your communication skills, develop problem-solving abilities, and build confidence in managing conflict. Instructors provide training on handling real-world situations in our Jail, interpreting body language, assessing evolving conditions, and…