Deputy Sheriff: Part Time (Actively Hiring)

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 reports directly to an assigned Sergeant and may include duties with investigation, civil process, court security, K9, drug task force, mobile field force, boat and water, and emergency response unit. Deputies must be able to act without direct supervision while exercising sound personal judgment during high-stress and critical situations.

The on-duty Deputy Sheriff exercises knowledge of law enforcement methods and techniques to provide services during emergency events and other situations, conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations, and provides support to the correctional division by transporting inmates and handling adverse situations with the inmate population. The role requires professional communication and coordination with local and State law enforcement agencies and Communications personnel.

Responsibilities

• Patrols McLeod County roads, cities, and areas under contractual agreement to protect people and property by preventing crime and enforcing statutes and ordinances using Sheriff’s Office vehicles, boats, all-terrain vehicles, and other equipment.
• Responds to calls for service regarding criminal activity, determines if laws have been violated, takes enforcement action when appropriate, mediates disputes, administers first aid, and advises complainants on courses of action.
• Conducts initial investigations, including collecting evidence, gathering suspect and witness statements, and maintaining chain of custody for evidence.
• Responds to and investigates accidents and catastrophic events; administers first aid, gathers evidence, and secures scenes.
• Prepares detailed and accurate written and electronic reports reflecting incidents, investigations, citations, training, and inter-agency work.
• Enforces Minnesota State Statutes, Federal Laws, and local ordinances; issues citations, places violators under arrest, transports and processes prisoners, and transports civilians as required.
• Participates in court and legal proceedings; provides truthful and credible testimony regarding cases, law enforcement procedures, and evidence collection.
• Provides support to the Correctional division through inmate transport and handling adverse situations with prisoners.
• Serves arrest warrants and civil process papers; conducts or participates in Sheriff sales (auctions).
• Conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations, interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects, and processes evidence.
• Weighs and measures loads on trucks or commercial vehicles during road restrictions.
• Assists other law enforcement agencies with emergency and non-emergency activities.
• Coordinates activities with peace officers for special assignments such as warrant attempts, traffic saturations, and other programs (e.g., Towards Zero Deaths - TZD).
• Communicates with citizens regarding public safety concerns and attends township board meetings, safety events, fairs, and other venues to educate the public.
• Makes recommendations for equipment needs related to assigned areas.
• Provides bailiff and security/weapon-screening services for Court and Security while acting as Deputy.
• Responds to complaints, interviews complainants, and takes appropriate actions for resolution.
• Ensures care and maintenance of assigned equipment, including vehicles, firearms, computers, and other law enforcement tools.
• May be assigned to special functions such as Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Field Training Officer (FTO), Drug Task Force (DTF), Towards Zero Deaths (TZD) coordinator, Boat and Water coordinator, and various instructor duties.
• Keeps informed of and attends trainings to stay current on changes to laws, statutes, and local ordinances; maintains certification and training requirements.
• Travels throughout the state; out-of-state travel may be required.
• Performs work in hazardous environments, including severe weather, high-traffic areas, insecure structures, incidents involving hazardous materials, illicit substances, bodily fluids, injured or deceased individuals, and unsafe or injured/deceased animals.
• Follows all office policies and procedures; remains awake and alert at all times to respond to assigned calls or activities.

Qualifications

• 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 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 experience, and work involving 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.
• Ability to communicate accurately and effectively verbally and in writing, including completing reports in a timely fashion.
• High ability to communicate with staff, law enforcement agencies, and the public through direct contact, radio transmissions, telephones, and technical equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department employees, the District Court, law enforcement agency representatives, and the general public.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to act without direct supervision in the face of danger and exercise independent judgment.
• Knowledge of Minnesota state statutes and County/City ordinances.
• Ability to qualify with an approved duty weapon in accordance with department policy and maintain current handgun qualification and other job-related training.
• Ability to deal tactfully but firmly with offenders, suspects, and witnesses.
• Ability to remain awake and alert at all times during the shift and respond to any assigned call or activity.
• High ability to react decisively and appropriately in highly stressful situations and de-escalate physical or assaultive conditions.
• High retention of department policies and procedures; ability to manage, store, and retrieve sensitive information using manual and computerized records.
• High ability to complete duties using numerous visual and audible warning devices.

Pay

The 2026 hourly range for this position is $32.37 - $48.55. Relevant experience will be considered when determining pay. Offers at the top of the range are uncommon.

Schedule

Hours vary based on departmental needs. Employment will not exceed 67 shifts per year.

Working Conditions

• Work is mainly performed in a patrol vehicle, law enforcement facilities, various field locations, and court facilities.
• Duties include working with individuals who may become combative or assaultive.
• Risk of exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens (e.g., hepatitis).
• Patrolling and transportation of prisoners during all hours and weather conditions.
• Responsibilities are performed on an eight, ten, and/or twelve-hour rotating shift basis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to expend a very high intensity of effort for duties involving law enforcement.
• Prolonged time seated in a patrol vehicle; ability to move in and around facilities while sitting, standing, walking, or running.
• Repetitive small mechanical motion of keys, computer keyboard & mouse, and other 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 a suspect during arrest and defend self or others during a physical encounter.
• Olfactory ability to determine odors that may be threatening to oneself or others.
• Visual acuity (corrective vision of 20/20, minimum 20/40) to read computerized screens, documents, and view crime scenes.