Certified - Deputy Sheriff

Certified - Deputy Sheriff

Salary

$30.46 Hourly

Location

300 Kansas City Street, Rapid City, SD

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

01811

Department

Sheriffs Office

Division

Law Enforcement

Opening Date

06/26/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The Pennington County Sheriffs Office is looking for dedicated, currently certified law enforcement officers to join our team as Deputy Sheriffs. This recruitment is open only to applicants who possess a current law enforcement certification. If youre ready to continue your career with an agency committed to protecting our community, we encourage you to apply.

Deputy Sheriffs represent the Pennington County Sheriffs Offices mission to promote safety and justice to improve the quality of life in our community and protects life and property for the citizens of Pennington County. In addition to competitive benefits and an employee wellness program, PCSO offers a variety of assignments, ancillary duties, advancement opportunities and progressive leadership.

The Black Hills boasts spectacular scenery, endless recreation for all seasons and a great place to raise a family. We have a strong and growing economic base of agriculture and tourism with regional assets such as Ellsworth Air Force Base, Monument Hospital and the Sanford Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory. The Blacks Hills have a thriving arts and culture scene that encompasses the values and history of our region.

Deputies work 10-hour shifts bid on a 6-month rotation.

This posting may be used to establish an eligibility list for future offers.

Position Functions

• Patrol Pennington County for prevention and suppression of crime, enforce laws (federal, state and local) and ordinances, investigate illegal or suspicious activities and ensure the protection of life and property.
• Respond to calls relayed by radio, including domestic disputes, arrests, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons and stranded motorists.
• Carry out investigations of assigned cases; collect evidence; identify and apprehend offenders; interview complainants, victims, witnesses and suspects; conduct follow-up investigations as required.
• Document work activities into a records management system and manage sensitive data and legal documentation.
• Serve as a first responder in emergency situations such as accidents, medical issues, natural disasters, etc.
• Interview witnesses/suspects, prepare written reports and appear in court as a witness.
• Respond to specified deaths within Pennington County to perform the duties of Deputy Coroner in accordance with SDCL 23-14, which requires specialized training.
• Maintain ability to testify as a credible witness in court.
• Adhere to Sheriff's Office Global and Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures (150).
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all county policies and procedures.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• High school Diploma or GED
• 64 hours of college credit from an accredited institution, or 2 two years of prior public safety or military experience preferred.
• A combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Successful completion of the pre-employment hiring standards, to include a written exam, medical physical and physical agility test.
• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Able to obtain state of South Dakota Law Enforcement Officer Basic Certification per SDCL 2-01-02.
• Successful completion of the South Dakota Law Enforcement Basic Officer Certification Course (520 hours).
• Successful completion of the Deputy Training Program (600 hours).
• Free of any felony conviction.
• Free of any domestic violence simple assault conviction.
• Ability to successfully perform the skills required for use of force, which may include the use of deadly force.
• Eligibility for employment following a character background investigation and pre-employment psychological exam.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid South Dakota Driver's License within 90 days of moving to South Dakota.
• Outside of state statute, the Sheriff has the discretion to waive any of the above requirements.

Additional Information

Working Environment:

• Work is typically performed in office, specialized law enforcement vehicle, field environments and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.
• The work requires the use of specialized law enforcement equipment to include firearm, taser, OC spray and rifle.
• Due to the geography of Pennington County, Deputies will find themselves working in remote, rural areas to include grasslands, mountains, lakes, creeks and the badlands.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone, over the radio, and in person.
• Specific abilities required include data entry, driving, public speaking, hearing, vision, color differentiation, standing walking, bending, stooping, running, carrying and safely and effectively using tools of the trade (firearms, tasers, etc.)
• This position may be exposed to hazardous conditions, extreme weather conditions, infectious diseases, air and water borne pathogens, bodily fluids and combative and assaultive suspects and criminals.
• Deputies must posses the physical strength and conditioning to render emergency aid or defend themselves or others in a physical altercation.

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.

Dental - Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.

Prescription - The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.

Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.

Life Insurance

Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.

Employee Assistance Program

Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.

Retirement Plan

Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.

Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.

Supplemental Insurance

AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.

Paid Time Off

Vacation - Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.

Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.

Holidays - Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.

All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.

This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.

01

Which best describes your law enforcement certification status? (check all that apply)

• I am not a certified law enforcement officer
• I am currently certified as a law enforcement officer in a state other than South Dakota
• I am a certified law enforcement officer in the state of South Dakota
• I have completed a certification program but am not fully certified

02

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires you to be free of any domestic violence conviction. Answer the following question accordingly.

• No, I do not have a domestic violence conviction.
• Yes, I have been convicted of domestic violence.

04

This position requires you to be at least 21 years of age. Are you at least 21?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a valid drivers license? If yes, please list license number, state issued, and expiration date.

06

This position requires you to be a US Citizen. Are you a US Citizen?

• Yes, I am a US citizen
• No, I am not a US Citizen

07

Have you used any form of federally illegal drugs in the past year? If yes, please explain below.

Required Question

Employer Pennington County

Department Sheriffs Office Address 300 Kansas City Street

Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701