Correctional Officer

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

Job

Agency:
Department of Corrections, Yankton Minimum Center

Location:

Yankton

Salary: $25.50 - $30.00 per hour, depending on experience

Pay Grade: GH‑G

Closing Date: 2/16/2026

This is a full‑time position with the Department of Corrections.

Maintains security by enforcing DOC policies and institutional post orders to ensure the safety and security of offenders and employees and that confinement conditions are maintained.

Service as a correctional officer is an excellent way to begin a law‑enforcement career and to gain supervisory experience. New officers are trained in all aspects required of the job; no prior education or experience is necessary. Officers are eligible for Class B retirement with 8% matching contributions. Uniforms are provided.

Correctional Officers must be able to work all shifts. Weekday and weekend shifts are twelve (12) hours. Correctional officers are required to work every other weekend along with some holidays.

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation

• Effectively communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing
• Apply effective correctional methods to prepare inmates for community reentry
• Participate in the criminal justice system regarding treatment of inmates and/or incarcerated individuals, which includes state statutes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and department Administrative Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines
• Visually observe and audibly hear in order to identify changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information
• Visually observe and monitor inmate whereabouts and maintain an accurate count in assigned areas
• Verbally communicate clearly and with willingness to do so respectfully
• Perform intermediate computer keyboarding skills and communicate via computer‑based email
• Study information and recount events in a written, comprehensive, legible method
• Incorporate the South Dakota DOC Mission statement while completing daily job duties
• Willingness and ability to respectfully communicate with offender families and the public
• Effectively communicate and work with offenders through daily monitoring in a variety of situations
• Control, direct and instruct offenders individually and in groups
• Willingness to respectfully work with a diverse population
• Remain alert and observant throughout shift
• Conduct searches (general area, metal detector, pat, perimeter, strip or vehicle)
• Use fingers to detect attributes of objects such as size, shape and texture during searches and to manipulate security equipment
• Safely operate and monitor ingress and egress mechanical doors
• Learn about and utilize firearms, restraints, chemical agents, and tasers in a safe and professional manner, as outlined in policy
• Learn to operate communications equipment in a professional manner (e.g., two‑way radio, telephone, public address equipment)
• Willingness to follow chain of command and established safety and security protocols
• Quickly respond to emergencies (such as fights, medical emergencies, fires or escapes)
• Use physical force to control a situation
• Climb stairs and walk on hard surfaces throughout shift
• Interpret and apply department policies and institutional post orders and procedures

• Monitor and control access to the facility and restricted areas
• Man an armed post (this requires annual firearms certification)
• Monitor facility perimeter
• Maintain a controlled movement schedule for offenders
• Escort and transport offenders in authorized state vehicles, while armed
• Monitor visiting areas
• Conduct formal, informal, and emergency counts
• Conduct searches per policy
• Inspect facility and cells to maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards
• Inspect inmate mail
• Utilize proper protocols when responding to emergency situations
• Follow established tool and key control, ensuring proper storage and documentation
• Attend shift briefings
• Document incidents utilizing established reporting practices
• Communicate pertinent information to coworkers and supervisors

• Must be at least 18…