Deputy Sheriff - FULL TIME ELIGIBILITY LIST

About the Role

The Deputy Sheriff is responsible for providing protection of life and security of property, crime prevention, criminal apprehension, enforcement of State and Federal law and local ordinances through routine patrol, investigation, and traffic regulation. This position requires proficiency in patrol duties and may include assignments in investigation, civil process, court security, K9, drug task force, mobile field force, boat and water, and emergency response units. Deputies work to strengthen the community through engagement activities and must exercise sound personal judgment during high-stress and critical situations.

The Deputy Sheriff conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations, provides support to the correctional division by transporting inmates, and coordinates with local and State law enforcement agencies. This role involves professional communication with law enforcement personnel and the public.

Responsibilities

• Patrol McLeod County roads, cities, and contracted areas to protect people and property, prevent crime, and enforce statutes and ordinances using Sheriff’s Office vehicles and necessary technology (e.g., police radio, computer, radar, firearms).
• Respond to calls for service regarding criminal activity, determine violations, take enforcement action, mediate disputes, administer first aid, and advise complainants on courses of action.
• Conduct initial investigations, including collecting evidence, gathering witness and suspect statements, and maintaining chain of custody for evidence.
• Respond to and investigate accidents and catastrophic events; administer first aid, secure scenes, and gather evidence.
• Prepare detailed written and electronic reports reflecting incidents, investigations, citations, training, and inter-agency activities.
• Enforce Minnesota State Statutes, Federal Laws, and local ordinances; issue citations, arrest violators, transport prisoners, and process civilians as required.
• Participate in court proceedings and provide credible testimony regarding cases, law enforcement procedures, and evidence collection.
• Support the Correctional division through inmate transport and handling adverse situations with prisoners.
• Serve arrest warrants and civil process papers; conduct or participate in Sheriff sales (auctions).
• Conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations, interview victims, witnesses, and suspects, and process evidence.
• Weigh and measure loads on commercial vehicles during road restrictions.
• Assist other law enforcement agencies with emergency and non-emergency activities.
• Coordinate special law enforcement assignments (e.g., warrant attempts, traffic saturations, Towards Zero Deaths programs).
• Communicate with citizens on public safety matters and attend community events to educate the public.
• Recommend equipment needs for assigned areas and provide court security and bailiff services.
• Respond to complaints, interview complainants, and take appropriate resolution actions.
• Maintain and care for assigned equipment, including vehicles, firearms, computers, and other law enforcement tools.
• May be assigned to special units such as Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Field Training Officer (FTO), Drug Task Force (DTF), or instructor roles.
• Stay informed of legal updates through training and meetings; maintain certification and training requirements, including in-state and out-of-state travel.
• Work in hazardous environments, including severe weather, high-traffic areas, insecure structures, hazardous materials, and incidents involving bodily fluids or injured/deceased individuals.
• Follow all office policies and procedures; remain alert and capable of responding to any assigned call or activity.
• Perform relief dispatching in the Communication Division and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Two-year post-secondary education in law enforcement or related field, and/or P.O.S.T licensed or eligible to be licensed by the Minnesota P.O.S.T.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Minnesota POST licensed or eligible to be licensed upon employment.
• Valid MN driver’s license with proof of insurance and a good driving record.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• U.S. Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Criminal Justice plus four years of law enforcement experience.
• Experience in crime scene investigation, investigator roles, and public contact.
• Certifications in Firearms, Less lethal, Chemical Munitions, Taser, Radar, Lidar, and DataMaster Transportable (DMT).

Skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively with others in authority.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to write legible and timely reports.
• High ability to communicate with staff, law enforcement agencies, and the public through various means (e.g., radio, telephone, technical equipment).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department employees, courts, law enforcement agencies, and the public.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations; exercise independent judgment.
• Knowledge of Minnesota state statutes and County/City ordinances.
• Ability to qualify with an approved duty weapon and maintain handgun qualification and job-related training.
• Tactful but firm interaction with offenders, suspects, and witnesses.
• Ability to remain awake and alert during shifts and respond to assigned calls.
• High ability to react decisively in highly stressful situations and de-escalate physical or assaultive conditions.
• Ability to manage, store, and retrieve sensitive information using manual and computerized records.
• Skill in using visual and audible warning devices to record status and react appropriately.

Working Conditions

• Work is mainly performed in a patrol vehicle, law enforcement facilities, field locations, and court facilities.
• Duties involve working with individuals who may become combative or assaultive.
• Risk of exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens (e.g., hepatitis).
• Patrol and prisoner transportation required during all hours and weather conditions.
• Work performed on an eight, ten, and/or twelve-hour rotating shift basis.
• Hazardous environments, including severe weather, high-traffic areas, insecure structures, hazardous materials, and incidents involving bodily fluids or deceased individuals.

Physical Requirements

• High intensity of effort for law enforcement duties, including prolonged sitting in a patrol vehicle and movement in and around facilities.
• Repetitive small mechanical motions (e.g., keyboard, mouse, technical equipment).
• Physical coordination to operate motorized vehicles and walk on uneven terrain.
• Strength to move supplies and boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to subdue suspects during arrest and defend self or others during physical encounters.
• Olfactory ability to detect threatening odors.

Relationships

• Communicate with the public on areas of special concern and public safety advisement.
• Interact with staff, elected officials, citizens, court administration, judges, attorneys, and local/State law enforcement agencies.
• Coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other local agencies.

Pay

The 2026 hourly range for this position is $32.37 to $48.55. Relevant experience will be considered when determining starting pay. Offers at the top of the range are not typical.

Benefits

For 2026 benefits information, visit the McLeod County website under the Employment tab.