Correctional Deputy

Correctional Deputy

Salary

$58,606.00 - $91,571.00 Annually

Location

Hastings, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

61080.26.002

Department

County Sheriff

Opening Date

01/05/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open-Competitive

DEPARTMENT: Sheriffs Office

HOURS: Full-time

PREFFERRED HIRING RANGE: $65,932- $73,257

FULL RANGE: $58,606- $91,571 (106 Grade)

LOCATION: Law Enforcement Center, Hastings

UNION: Teamsters 320

CLOSE DATE: continuous

Correctional Deputies are responsible for the control, observation and direct supervision of inmate populations to ensure the maintenance of security, operational rules, procedures and guidelines of the Dakota County Jail. Work is performed in a 24/7 secure facility environment and staff are required to work 12-hour shifts, which includes weekends and holidays. Staff may also have to work on-call, over-time, and forced shift extensions. You may have the opportunity to work a Monday-Friday schedule or a rotating schedule. Our office has various positions and specialty assignments including, Hospital Guard Duty, Booking Specialist, Recreation Coordinator, Inmates Motivated to Change Deputy (IMC), Crime Scene Team, Use of Force Instructor, Special Response Team (SRT), Field Training Officer (FTO),Dive Team, Drone Operator, Social Media Team, Community Engagement/Recruitment Team, and Honor Guard. If you are looking for variety, career development, and a work/life balance in a professional career, join us!

Visit our site, Working at the Sheriff's Office:

Dakota County Sheriffs Office Careers - Correctional Deputy (youtube.com)

Lateral candidates from other agencies are strongly encouraged to apply- Starting salary for lateral transfers will be based upon officer qualifications, training, and years of service as a correctional officer.

This position is being posted to fill current and future permanent vacancies. Please be sure to include ALL relevant work experience, education and training on your application form.

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota's third-largest county in the south metro area and home to more than 415,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

The Dakota County Sheriffs Office is a place where you can build a career of a lifetime. We will support you and give you meaningful challenges within a culture grounded by personal growth and well-being. We prioritize diversity and believe in collaboration, growth, and mobility. We hold each other accountable and expect everyone to take an active role in problem-solving. We believe in serving the members of our community by listening to the voices of others and treating them with dignity and respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED

AND

• Two years of full-time work experience from any industry or employer. Convert any part-time experience to full years (i.e. 20 hours week for 2 years equals 1-year full time). Do not round up years of experience (i.e. 2 yrs. 9 mos. would equal 2 years).

OR

• A completed 2-year degree or higher in any field.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must pass ALL recruitment and pre-employment requirements listed below to become a Correctional Deputy. Candidates who are unable to successfully pass the requirements below will be removed from further consideration.

• Educational/Experience Qualifications: candidates must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the posting and be able to produce appropriate documentation.
• Interviews: Candidates will be asked to complete a series of interviews; this may include phone interviews, oral board interviews and/or interviews with the Sheriff and Chief Deputy.
• Background Check: candidates must pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Dakota County Sheriffs Office. Applicants must meet standards regarding acceptable driving and conviction records, law enforcement contacts, employment history, and honesty.
• Medical Examinations: candidates whom have successfully passed all components above will be scheduled to complete a medical examination. This is the final step in the recruitment process.
• Pursuant to Dakota County Policy, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive. "Safety-sensitive position" means a position, including any supervisory or management position, in which impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten the health and safety of any person as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 181.950, subdivision 13.

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the positions management approved work schedule is required for all positions. Core Duties of All Correctional Deputy Staff:

1. Represents the Sheriffs Office in a positive, professional manner.

2. Builds and maintains positive working relationships.

3. Maintains standards of dress in accordance with policy and procedure.

4. Understands and complies with policy and procedure to include Sheriffs Office memorandums, directives and notices.

5. Maintains officer safety and situational awareness.

6. Provide credible and truthful reporting and testimony as needed

7. Monitor security precautions and control the movement of inmates & staff within the secure area of the Dakota County Jail via monitors and control panel access or keys control.

8. Provides direct supervision of up to 60 inmates in a housing unit (inmates are not always locked down in their cells, but rather spend most of the day in a common secure area supervised by a correctional deputy.)

9. Patrol facility and make rounds counting and recording prisoners coming into or out of the Dakota County Jail.

10. Book in prisoners following established procedures to include, initial medical assessment, the taking of fingerprints, photographs, and collecting medical information and personal histories of new inmates.

11. Provide security for medical staff as they administer medication, including narcotics, conduct diabetic checks (blood sugar and insulin), and address other medical issues and treatment of inmates according to physicians orders and/or dietary restrictions.

12. Respond to and assesses emergency situations such as fights, suicide attempts, threats to staff, fire alarms, escape attempts, contraband recovery, and medical situations by applying first aid, enforcing rules, restraining inmates, responding to calls for assistance, or by notifying proper authorities in an attempt to restore order and security.

13. Applies objectively reasonable and necessary amount of force in accordance with Sheriffs Office policy.

14. Respond to calls for assistance throughout the jail and document all incidents and facts by preparing reports on jail problems and discipline.

15. Supervise, coordinate, escort and communicate effectively with inmates in jail housing units. Process, coordinate, and disseminate all needs including, but not limited to, medical issues, courts, programs, visitation, food, clothing, inmate requests and shelter.

16. Conducts searches of inmates (pat or visual strip searches), living areas, cells and visitors for contraband in accordance with jail policy and procedures.

17. Process inmate funds according to standard operating procedures.

18. Process inmate releases to include releasing and returning inmate personal property upon their release from the Dakota County Jail and the processing of bail/bonds.

19. May supervise inmate recreational and visiting periods as well as inmate housekeeping responsibilities within the housing units and inmate worker housekeeping activities throughout the facility such as kitchen and laundry duties.

20. Other duties as assigned or required of a specific job post.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-20 are essential functions as well as regular attendance according to the positions management approved work schedule.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Ability to see, hear and remember facts and circumstances to write an accurate report of the facts.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with inmates, coworkers and the public in a fair and respectful manner.
• Ability to solve varied and diverse problems that require deductive reasoning skills.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, self-motivated.
• Ability to maintain a state of physical fitness to effectively be able to perform the duties of the assignment.
• Considerable ability to work effectively while under stressful situations.
• Ability to lift, carry or drag objects/people weighing up to 100 pounds when responding to emergency situations.
• Knowledge of State, County, and Federal statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the jails records management system (PCI).
• Knowledge of various medical supplies to include an oxygen kit, defibrillator and tourniquet.
• Knowledge of various restraint methods to include a restraint chair, leg restraints, and handcuffs.
• Knowledge of various issues related to mental health and chemical dependency.
• Knowledge of cultural diversity and different religious practices.
• Knowledge of Alco Sensor (Portable Breath Test).
• Knowledge of infectious diseases and blood-borne pathogens.

Candidates for employment with Dakota County Sheriffs Office must be able to comply with Policy 1043.3 which states that non-offensive tattoos which are visible while working are generally allowed. All tattoos must be approved before allowed to be visible. Tattoos may require covering if they are determined to be unsightly, offensive or a job assignment requires it. Visible tattoos on the ears, head, face, neck or any portion of the hand area maybe prohibited. Unless approved by the Sheriff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a secure jail, supervising inmates incarcerated for criminal activities ranging from misdemeanor to felony offenses. Lifting and/or carrying 10 to 50 pounds daily, and occasionally pushing/pulling/lifting over 100 pounds. Standing or walking 8 to 12 hours daily. Climbing, running and kneeling frequently in response to code calls and inmate disturbances. Exposure to disagreeable odors (e.g., body odors, dirty clothing, human feces), body fluids, hazardous chemicals, communicable diseases (e.g., T.B., hepatitis, AIDS), mentally unstable individuals and individuals under the influence of controlled substances. This work environment also includes the need to distinguish between the colors of blue, khaki, red, green, orange, yellow, white and pink to maintain inmate security. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, calculator, copier, 2-way radios, still camera, body-worn camera, intercom, chemical agents, handcuffs, restraint chair, restraints, Alco Sensor, metal detector, control panel, fire and emergency panel, jail policy and procedure manual, Minnesota Rule 2911, mugshot, fingerprint machine, inmate accounting system, medical cart, and blood sugar test kit. Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above, but are inherent in performing the positions essential functions.

Current Dakota County employees are eligible for a $500 referral bonus for this position. To be considered employees must submit the referral form prior to the close date of the posting. Staff can find the referral form (Download PDF reader) online and under policy 3101.

Benefits

• Medical (contributed to by employer)

• Dental (contributed to by employer)

• Vision

• Basic Life Insurance

• Supplemental Life Insurance

• Short-Term Disability

• Long-Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care)

• Retirement-PERA pension

• 11 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday

• Three weeks paid parental leave

• Bilingual pay

• Carry over unused flex vacation year to year

• Higher accrual rate for those with 10+ years of experience

• Facial hair and tattoos allowed, per policy

• Flexible scheduling

• Comprehensive Wellness Program - Peer Support Team, On-site Fitness Center, Annual Wellness Check-in, and Employee Assistance Program benefits

• Cutting edge equipment

• Annual Uniform Allowance of $850

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background investigation, and medical exam before hiring.

Dakota County Human Resources

www.co.dakota.mn.us

Main Number 651.438.4435

(contact 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)

Visit our Benefits site for more information.

01

• Applicants for this recruitment will be rated based on their answers to the supplemental questions listed below and application materials. It is IMPERATIVE that information provided on the application and resume are detailed and clearly outline your work experience & skills. They must also support and/or match answers to the supplemental questions. Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of your knowledge. Falsification may result in disqualification from consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Dakota County for up to three years.

02

Please read the following carefully to ensure you understand the requirements for this position.

Do you understand this position works in a 24-hour Secure Adult Correctional Facility where there are inmates who are charged or convicted on violent offenses and that you will be assigned to shift work, which will include days, afternoons, evenings, and overnights as well as some weekends, holidays, and voluntary & forced overtime?

• Yes
• No

03

Identify your total years of full-time work experience from ANY industry or employer.

Convert any part-time experience to full years (i.e. 20 hours week for 2 years equals 1-year full time). Do not round up years of experience (i.e. 2 yrs. 9 mos. would equal 2 years).

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 plus years

04

Please select your highest level of education COMPLETED by the close date of the posting.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent
• Certificate equivalent to 1 year of full-time post secondary education
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• None of the Above

05

If you have a COMPLETED degree, what is the area of study?

• Corrections
• Criminology
• Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Social Work
• Other
• No Completed Degree

06

If you selected "Other" above, please list your degree and area of study. Indicate how the degree is closely related to Corrections or Criminal Justice.

07

Select the option below that best describes your PAID FULL-TIME experience working with ADULT offenders in a Secure Correctional Facility for a city, county, state, federal or military facility. Convert any part-time experience to years (i.e. 20 hours week for 2 years equals 1 year full-time). Do not round up years of experience (ie. 2.5 years would equal 2 years.)

• No experience but willing to gain
• Less than one year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 or more years

08

If you have experience working with ADULT offenders in a Secure Correctional Facility for a city, county, state, federal or military facility please identify where you gained the experience, your job title, how long you were with that employer, and why you left. If you have no experience type, none.

09

Do you currently work as a Correctional Deputy in a Secure Correctional Facility for a city, county, state, federal or military facility?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have experience working with ADULT/YOUTH offenders in a group home, halfway house or related public/private facility? This experience should be clearly listed on your application.

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have experience working in a Public Safety related setting as a police reserve officer, community service officer, security guard, TSA agent, military police, explorer scout, park ranger/patrol, or EMT? This experience should be clearly listed on your application.

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have experience working, volunteering, or communicating effectively with racially/ethnically diverse people or communities of color?

• Yes
• No

13

Briefly and concisely list the organizations/employers, position title, and length of service where you gained this experience. Any experience you claim here must also be clearly listed under the work experience section on your application or you will not receive credit for this experience.

14

Select the option below that best describes your experience using an electronic/computerized case or records management information system in a law enforcement or correctional setting.

• No experience but willing to gain
• Less than one year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 or more years

15

If you have experience using an electronic/computerized case or records management information system in a law enforcement or correctional setting, please identify where you gained the experience and how long you worked with the system. If you have no experience type, none.

16

Do you have experience as an intern and/or volunteer in a secure correctional facility within the last 2 years, how much time did you put in at the facility? (Intern or volunteer experience identified in this question must be listed on your application as work experience)

• No experience
• Less than 100 hours
• 100 hours
• 200 hours
• 300+ hours

17

Do you have experience providing work direction, delegating duties, or training others while working as a manager/supervisor, lead worker, or in a position of authority?

• Yes
• No

18

Have you applied for the Correctional Deputy position with Dakota County in the past 2 years?

• Yes
• No

19

Have you interviewed for the Correctional Deputy position with Dakota County in the past 2 years?

• Yes
• No

20

Have you ever worked as a permanent, temporary, or volunteer staff person with the Dakota County Sheriffs Office? (Assignments may have been: Intern, Explorer, Mounted Patrol, Reserve Deputy, Park Ranger or Correctional Deputy).

• Yes
• No

21

Are you proficient in a language in addition to English?

• Yes
• No

22

If proficient in another language(s), list the language(s). If not, please indicate NONE.

23

The full salary range for this position is $58,606- $91,571 annually and preferred hiring range is $58,606- $73,257 annually. The amount that is offered is dependent on the candidates overall skills, education, experience and internal equity. The offer would also include the Countys benefits package.

Taking that information into consideration, what would be the minimum salary youd accept if selected for the position?

24

Your response to this question will help Dakota County evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment sources for this specific position. Please select the one source that most closely describes how you first learned about this opportunity.

• Facebook
• Friend, Family or Colleague
• Indeed
• Job Fair or Dakota County Event
• Job Interest e-mails from Dakota County
• League of Minnesota Cities
• LinkedIn
• Diversityjobs.com
• Minnesotaworks.net
• Minnesota Association of Counties
• Monster
• Professional Association Website
• Referred by a Dakota County Employee
• College Website, Instructor, Career Services
• Dakota County Website
• Other

25

If you selected Other, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity with Dakota County.

26

Your response to this question will help Dakota County evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment sources for this specific position. Please select the one source that most closely describes how you first learned about this opportunity.

• Facebook
• Friend, Family or Colleague
• Indeed
• Job Fair or Dakota County Event
• Job Interest e-mails from Dakota County
• League of Minnesota Cities
• LinkedIn
• Diversityjobs.com
• Minnesotaworks.net
• Minnesota Association of Counties
• Monster
• Professional Association Website
• Referred by a Dakota County Employee
• College Website, Instructor, Career Services
• Dakota County Website
• Other

27

If you selected "other" above, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity with Dakota County.

Required Question

Employer Dakota County

Address Administration Center

1590 Highway 55

Hastings, Minnesota, 55033-2372

Phone 651.438.4435

Website http://www.dakotacounty.us