Correctional Deputy

Dakota County Sheriff's Office Correctional Deputies ensure the security, supervision, and control of inmate populations within the Dakota County Jail. This role operates in a 24/7 secure facility, requiring staff to work 12-hour shifts, including weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call availability. Opportunities exist for various schedules, including Monday-Friday or rotating shifts, as well as specialty assignments such as Hospital Guard Duty, Booking Specialist, Recreation Coordinator, Crime Scene Team, Special Response Team (SRT), Field Training Officer (FTO), Dive Team, Drone Operator, and more.

Lateral candidates from other agencies are strongly encouraged to apply, with starting salaries based on qualifications, training, and years of service as a correctional officer. This posting fills current and future permanent vacancies.

Pay

Preferred hiring range: $65,932–$73,257. Full range: $58,606–$91,571 (106 Grade).

Responsibilities

• Represent the Sheriff’s Office professionally and maintain positive working relationships.
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and directives, ensuring officer safety and situational awareness.
• Provide credible and truthful reporting and testimony as required.
• Monitor and control inmate and staff movement within the secure facility via surveillance systems and key access.
• Supervise up to 60 inmates in housing units, including direct oversight in common secure areas.
• Patrol the facility, conduct inmate counts, and record prisoner movements.
• Book inmates following established procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, medical assessments, and collecting personal histories.
• Provide security for medical staff administering medications, conducting diabetic checks, and addressing other medical needs.
• Respond to emergencies such as fights, suicide attempts, escape attempts, and medical situations, applying necessary force per policy.
• Document incidents and prepare reports on jail problems and discipline.
• Supervise, coordinate, and communicate with inmates regarding medical issues, court appearances, programs, visitation, and other needs.
• Conduct searches of inmates, living areas, and visitors for contraband in accordance with jail policy.
• Process inmate funds, releases, and bail/bonds, including returning personal property upon release.
• Supervise inmate recreational periods, visitation, and housekeeping duties, including kitchen and laundry activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required for specific job posts.

Requirements

Candidates must successfully complete all recruitment and pre-employment requirements, including:

• Educational/Experience Qualifications: High School Diploma/GED and two years of full-time work experience (part-time experience converted to full-time equivalent) or a completed 2-year degree or higher in any field. Documentation required.
• Interviews: Participation in phone interviews, oral board interviews, and/or interviews with the Sheriff and Chief Deputy.
• Background Check: Thorough investigation covering driving records, conviction history, law enforcement contacts, employment history, and honesty.
• Medical Examination: Final step in the recruitment process for candidates who pass all prior components.

This position is designated as safety-sensitive, meaning impairment from drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten health and safety.

Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to see, hear, and remember facts to write accurate reports.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact fairly and respectfully with inmates, coworkers, and the public.
• Deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Physical fitness to perform duties, including lifting, carrying, or dragging up to 100 pounds in emergencies.
• Ability to work under stressful situations and maintain composure.
• Knowledge of State, County, and Federal statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Familiarity with jail records management systems (PCI) and medical supplies (e.g., oxygen kits, defibrillators, tourniquets).
• Knowledge of restraint methods, mental health, chemical dependency, cultural diversity, and religious practices.
• Knowledge of Alco Sensor (Portable Breath Test) and infectious disease protocols.
• Compliance with tattoo policy: Non-offensive tattoos are generally allowed if approved, but visible tattoos on the ears, head, face, neck, or hands may be prohibited unless approved by the Sheriff.

Work Environment

• Work performed in a secure jail environment, supervising inmates incarcerated for offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
• Physical demands include lifting/carrying 10–50 pounds daily and occasionally over 100 pounds; standing or walking 8–12 hours daily; frequent climbing, running, and kneeling in response to emergencies.
• Exposure to disagreeable odors, body fluids, hazardous chemicals, communicable diseases, and mentally unstable or intoxicated individuals.
• Ability to distinguish colors (blue, khaki, red, green, orange, yellow, white, pink) for inmate security.
• Equipment used includes computers, printers, telephones, radios, cameras, restraints, chemical agents, metal detectors, control panels, medical carts, and more.

Benefits

• Employer-contributed medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care).
• Retirement through PERA pension.
• 11 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday.
• Three weeks of paid parental leave.
• Bilingual pay.
• Flexible vacation carryover and higher accrual rates for employees with 10+ years of experience.
• Facial hair and tattoos allowed per policy.
• Flexible scheduling options.
• Comprehensive Wellness Program, including a Peer Support Team, on-site fitness center, annual wellness check-ins, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Annual uniform allowance of $850.
• Cutting-edge equipment.

Current Dakota County employees are eligible for a $500 referral bonus for this position. Referral forms must be submitted prior to the posting close date.