Correctional Officer

JOB TITLE

Correctional Officer

Sheriff’s Office (Jail location)

Full‑Time (Typically, 12‑hour shifts)

The starting salary is $51,792 annually ($24.90 per hour) based on the 2025 pay grid. A $1.35 per hour differential is paid for night shifts and weekend shifts. The 2026 salary will be determined by collective bargaining agreements. All employees receive annual cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLA) as provided by the collective bargaining agreement.

Applicants must be able to work 12‑hour rotating shifts that fit a 24‑hour/7‑day operation, including night, holiday, and weekend shifts. Overtime may be required. The schedule is 80 hours every two weeks, with 5 on, 5 off, 2 on, 2 off, and the 5‑day weekend off every other weekend. A shift differential of $1.35 per hour is paid for hours worked between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. and for hours worked on Saturday and Sunday.

A Correctional Officer provides safety, security, and assists in managing the daily operations of the Douglas County Jail. The officer enforces facility security policies and procedures and ensures that all state guidelines, rules, and laws are observed during their shift.

• Monitor and enforce correctional facility security policies and procedures.
• Intake, book, and manage incoming inmates; release inmates at their designated times.
• Directly supervise inmates in cell blocks and living units to maintain security and protection of all cell areas.
• Conduct cell block searches and continuously monitor inmate movement.
• Maintain accurate documentation and review all paperwork before accepting or releasing inmates.
• Fingerprint, photograph, inventory, and return inmate property.
• Brief incoming inmates on facility rules and regulations.
• Administer medications, provide first aid, and arrange medical attention when needed.
• Manage laundry distribution, sanitation of cell areas, and coordinate inmate daily activity schedules.
• Secure facility doors, remove potential weapons, and inspect inmate mail for contraband.
• Deliver meals, supervise tray delivery, and account for all trays and utensils.
• Oversee the release and return of work‑release inmates.
• Receive and route telephone calls and take messages as appropriate.
• Transport inmates to and from other facilities when necessary.
• Assist probation officers, courts, and attorneys.
• Comply with all policies to maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

• Valid Class D Minnesota Driver’s License at all times.
• Operating a telephone at residence for emergency contact.

Must be free of physical disabilities that prevent execution of duties and be capable of meeting all physical fitness standards set by the Sheriff's Office.

• Good character, judgment, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong social skills, general intelligence, and aptitude for correctional duties.
• Knowledge of modern detention methods.
• Proficient in writing and preparing legible documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of first aid and CPR.
• Ability to defend self and others from unruly inmates.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, court, and enforcement agency representatives, and the public.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and county correctional policies, laws, and regulations.

Education:

• Completed education beyond high school.
• Previous education in law‑enforcement related field.

Experience:

• Experience involving substantial public interaction.
• Experience in law‑enforcement related field.
• Relevant skills related to correctional officer duties.

Licensing and Other:

• Current CPR, First Aid, Medication Delivery, and Use of Force certificates.
• Computer and typing skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience entering and retrieving data from databases.
• History of volunteer work in the community.

Public building – Douglas…