Correctional Officer; SDSP

Job Summary

This full‑time Correctional Officer position at the SD State Penitentiary enforces Department of Corrections policies, ensures the safety and security of offenders and staff, and maintains confinement conditions in accordance with institutional post orders.

• Monitors and controls facility access and restricted areas.
• Man an armed post and maintains communication equipment.
• Monitors the perimeter and maintains a controlled movement schedule for offenders.
• Escorts and transports offenders in authorized state vehicles, armed as required.
• Conducts formal, informal, and emergency counts.
• Performs searches per policy (general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip, vehicle).
• Inspects facility and cells, maintaining health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Inspects inmate mail.
• Responds promptly to emergencies such as fights, medical incidents, fires, or escapes.
• Attends shift briefings and documents incidents using established reporting practices.
• Communicates pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors.
• Follows established tool and key control procedures, ensuring proper storage and documentation.

• Effectively communicates fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Applies effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry.
• Visually observes and audibly detects potential security breaches or inappropriate activity.
• Maintains an accurate inmate count in assigned areas.
• Uses physical force, defensive tactics, and restraint techniques to control situations.
• Operates firearms and related equipment, maintaining annual certification.
• Uses computer keyboarding skills and communicates via email.
• Performs searches using tactile sensing and manipulates security equipment.
• Operates mechanical doors safely and monitors ingress and egress.
• Responds quickly to emergencies and utilizes chain of command and safety protocols.
• Climbs stairs, walks on hard surfaces, and carries out tasks in varying temperature and noise conditions.
• Maintains confidentiality and professional conduct with offender families and the public.

• Minimum age 18 years and possess a valid driver’s license.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening.
• Successful pass of all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics and firearms/armed transport curriculum.
• Physical ability to complete Defensive Tactics (e.g., lift arms above head, perform controlled takedowns, deliver blows, endure impact, rotate body, hop on knees with repetitions).
• Ability to work 12‑hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends, and to work certain other shifts (days, afternoons, graveyards).
• Capability to work in diverse populations, dealing with diverse racial/ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders, and the opposite sex.
• Ability to communicate effectively, listen, and signal instructions.
• Willingness to travel and work various scheduled shifts.
• Must be able to see and hear adequately to observe, address, and respond to potential breaches.
• TB (tuberculosis) screening required of all new employees upon hire.

This position is a member of Class B retirement under SDRS with 8% matching contributions. Benefits include a $0 premium employee health insurance option, eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options. Uniforms are provided.

Position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'