Water Safety Officers

Winona County is recruiting for 3 part-time, temporary, Water Safety Officers for the 2026 season, approximately May-September. Hours are primarily Thursday-Sunday, including holidays. Must be a licensed or licensable peace officer; please include a copy of your POST license or your POST eligibility letter with your online application.

Winona County is accepting applications for these part-time positions until the positions are filled.

This position starts at $30.25/hour (DOQ) with advancement up to $39.05/hour.

Under general supervision, an employee in this class is responsible for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances in the County on an assigned shift or on special assignments on the Mississippi River and its backwaters in Winona County. The work normally consists of routine patrol, community policing, preliminary investigations, and regulation of boating laws performed on a boat.

Performs related work as required. The work involves an element of personal danger, and the employee must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. This is a part-time classification – performing its duties between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples listed include all the duties, which may be found in positions in this class.

• Patrols river to observe suspicious watercrafts, persons or actions, and maintains a log of duties/contacts for the shift.
• Enforces County ordinances, State and Federal laws, and watercraft regulations.
• Investigates boating accidents, interviews witnesses, gathers information, and makes detailed reports.
• Ascertains all facts available at the scene of a crime or accident, getting statements from witnesses, gathers and processes evidence, and prepares reports to be used in follow-up investigations.
• Interviews persons with complaints and inquiries and attempts to make proper disposition or directs them to appropriate authorities.
• Assists other areas of the sheriff’s department as well as other organizations (e.g., police and fire departments) as requested.
• Attends training classes in law enforcement methods, first aid, target practice, boating laws, boat operation/safety, river topography, and related subjects.
• Maintains related records and prepares reports.
• Handles hazardous materials as needed.
• Any other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the Mississippi River and its backwaters within the Winona County Area.
• 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, the operation of patrol watercraft, and law enforcement equipment.
• Ability to gather and analyze facts.
• Ability to swim and skill in water rescue.

• Ability to exhibit mature judgment, imagination, initiative, and problem-solving capability in dealing with a variety of law enforcement situations.
• Ability to act with tact and impartiality.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and to write factual reports.
• Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition.
• Ability to drive a boat safely and efficiently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, law enforcement, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to provide effective and truthful testimony in court.
• Ability to meet necessary special requirements.

• Must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must be a licensed or licensable peace officer as required by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Board of the State of Minnesota.
• 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 be able to pass the Minnesota Boater Exam within one month of hire.