Water Safety Officers

Overview

Winona County is recruiting for three part‑time, temporary Water Safety Officers for the 2026 season (approximately May–September). Hours are primarily Thursday–Sunday, including holidays. Applicants must be a licensed or licensable peace officer; include a copy of your POST license or eligibility letter with your application.

The position starts at $30.25/hour (DOQ) with advancement up to $39.05/hour. The role is open until filled.

• Patrol the Mississippi River and its backwaters, observing suspicious watercrafts, persons, or actions, and maintain a log of duties/contacts for the shift.
• Enforce county ordinances, state and federal laws, and watercraft regulations.
• Investigate boating accidents, interview witnesses, gather information, and produce detailed reports.
• Ascertain facts at the scene of a crime or accident, collect statements, process evidence, and prepare reports for follow‑up investigations.
• Interview persons with complaints and inquiries, attempt to resolve issues or direct them to appropriate authorities.
• Assist other areas of the sheriff’s department and other agencies (e.g., police and fire departments) as requested.
• Attend training in law‑enforcement methods, first aid, target practice, boating laws, boat operation/safety, river topography, and related subjects.
• Maintain related records and prepare reports.
• Handle hazardous materials as needed.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the Mississippi River and its backwaters within Winona County.
• Knowledge of current law‑enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of the Department's organization, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of street, road, and highway layout, and population pattern of the County.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, and watercraft regulations.
• Skill in the use of firearms, operation of patrol watercraft, and law‑enforcement equipment.
• Ability to gather and analyze facts.
• Ability to swim and skill in water rescue.

• Mature judgment, imagination, initiative, and problem‑solving capability.
• Tact and impartiality.
• Quick and calm reaction to emergency situations.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Good physical condition.
• Ability to drive a boat safely and efficiently.
• Effective working relationships with employees, law‑enforcement, other agencies, and the public.
• Truthful testimony in court.
• Meet special requirements.

• Must be 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Must be a licensed or licensable peace officer as required by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board.
• Must possess a valid Class D motor vehicle license issued by the State of Minnesota.
• Must pass a personal background investigation.
• Must be certified in CPR, First Aid and be a strong swimmer.
• Must possess the Minnesota Boaters Card or pass the Minnesota Boater Exam within one month of hire.