Female Correctional Officer

Location: Watford City

Salary : $64,833.60 Annually
Location : Law Enforcement Center - Watford City
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Correctional Facility
Opening Date: 06/09/2026

Description
The Correctional Officer is responsible for the care, custody, and supervision of inmates, as well as maintaining security and order both within the facility and during off-site activities under general supervision. In accordance with operational needs and North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1-13(5)(a), A correctional facility female staff member shall be available at all times when a female inmate is confined in the correctional facility.

This requires that inmates be searched and supervised by correctional staff of the same gender in certain circumstances, some duties of this position necessitate same-gender supervision and searches. To ensure compliance with these legal and operational requirements within the female housing units, qualified female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

This position reports to the Correctional Lieutenant and is located in Watford City, North Dakota. The position works a rotating schedule consisting of twelve (12) hour shifts. Placement level and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide all aspects of supervision of inmates to ensure custody, control, and care; including recreation and meal periods
• Secure all inmate property and follow standard procedures designated for the care of the property
• Prepare reports; including booking, releases, fingerprinting, and mug shot photography. Assists in the maintenance of carious records and information reporting materials and data bases
• Check inmate mail for possible contraband; maintain a periodic patrol to ensure the security and integrity of the facility; monitor and screen inmate visitor traffic; and observe traffic in and around the facility
• Addresses complaints from staff, inmates, visitors, etc.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be certified Correctional Officer within one (1) year of hiring date
• Extensive knowledge of computers, computer programs, scanning equipment and various other office machines
• Organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Must be a self-starter and goal oriented
• Physical requirements and working conditions:
• Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Moderate work:
  Exerting up to 50 pounds if force occasionally and/ or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Moderate work involves moving most of the time. Jobs are moderate if walking and standing are required frequently and all other moderate criteria are met.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Level and salary commensurate with experience; starting at $31.17 per hour.
Blue Cross Blue Shield

Medical

Single: 100% paid for employees

Single+Child(ren): $269.28 monthly

Family: $397.80 monthly

Dental

Single: 100% paid for employees

Family: $16.98 monthly

Vision

Single: 100% paid for employees

Family: $4.32 monthly

Vacation Time

0-2 full years earn 4 hours per pay period = 96 hours per year

3-5 full years earn 5 hours per pay period = 120 hours per year

6-9 full years earn 6 hours per pay period = 144 hours per year

Over 10 full years earn 7 hours per pay period = 168 hours per year

Sick Time

4 hours earned per pay period = 96 hours per year

Retirement

Main Plan - County contributes 9.26%, Employee contribute 1%-3% - County will match

Public Safety Plan - Employee contributes 1.5%, County matches 16.54%

* Certified Law Enforcement Officers (Deputies/Corrections)

Flex Accounts

Tax-free dollars set aside each month, up to $3,200.00 annually for medical expenses

$5,000.00 annually may be set aside for day care expenses

Life Insurance

McKenzie County provides $12,000.00 life insurance. Additional coverage available at a discounted rate.

Other

Deferred Income - 457B

Similar to a 401k plan; minimum contribution amount is $25.00, max of $22,500.00 per year. Funds cannot be withdrawn until retirement, termination, or an unforeseeable emergency.

Supplemental Insurance

Met Life plans may be purchased for an additional charge.