Small Town Sheriff Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $32.16 - $35.45 Hourly
Location : 415 N. Dakota Ave Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-64
Department: Sheriff's Office
Division: Sheriff Administration
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 5:00 PM Central
Why Join Our Team
The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications to join our patrol team as a Deputy Sheriffto provide law enforcement services throughout the County, including several surrounding towns. Previous law enforcement experience is not required and a comprehensive training program will be provided. Being a Deputy Sheriff with our organization means upholding the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office mission to preserve public safety and quality of life in Minnehaha County.
Minnehaha County is located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota at the crossroads of Interstates 90 and 29. It is the most populous county in the state with an estimated population of around 216,000. Minnehaha County is home to many thriving communities and is a vibrant blend of cities, peaceful small-town settings, and rural neighborhoods. Residents and visitors alike enjoy our beautiful parks, walking and biking paths, major medical facilities, and variety of cultural centers. The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is located in the heart of historic, downtown Sioux Falls which is the largest city in South Dakota.
We are actively building an eligibility list for several anticipated vacancies in 2026. Whether you are ready to start soon or planning your next career move in early 2027, now is an excellent time to apply and be considered for future opportunities with our team.
We Offer You:

• GREAT WAGES! The hiring range is $32.16/hr - $35.45/hr with a full earning potential up to $47.65/hr PLUS regular opportunities for pay increases. With good performance, new officers will receive up to 5% increases in pay after the first, second, AND third year IN ADDITION to annual increases.
• NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL! $1.00/hr night shift differential!
• RETENTION BONUS! A Deputy Sheriff newly hired into our organization is eligible to receive $1,000 at 9 months, 18 months, 27 months, AND 36 months of service with good performance.
• BILINGUAL PAY! Specialty pay for bilingual officers who pass a language proficiency exam.
• 15 SHIFTS A MONTH! 12 hour shifts mean full-time pay and benefits by only working half the month PLUS Fri/Sat/Sun off every other week.
• DIVERSE SPECIALIZATIONS! Crisis Negotiations, SWAT, Fugitive Task Force, EMT, Criminal Investigations, School Resource Officers, Community Engagement Committee, and more!
• THOROUGH FTO EXPERIENCE! After graduating South Dakota's 13-week law enforcement academy, our Field Training Officers instruct new Deputies through an intensive 15-week training program. Newly hired Deputies who are already law enforcement certified jump right into FTO!
• COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS! Generous PTO and extended sick leave programs, health/dental/vision/life insurance, paid holidays, and retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System!
• EMPHASIS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING! Annual mental health visits are provided to officers to confidentially discuss concerns or issues with a professional. Additional sessions are offered by the County for officers and family members along with access to financial resources, legal advisors, work and lifestyle support, and educational resources. The Sheriff's Office has an onsite workout facility and strong partnerships with local gyms. The County also offers gym reimbursement, wellness challenges, and health and fitness education throughout the year.
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT! We believe in a community-oriented policing approach which allows our Deputies to be actively involved in our schools, local parades, and town celebrations. Check out our Facebook page!

Keywords: law enforcement, justice, certified officer
This posting may also be used to staff other vacancies at a lower pay grade.
How You Will Make an Impact
As a Minnehaha County Deputy Sheriff, you will work to keep our communities safe by patrolling throughout the county to investigate illegal or suspicious activities. You will conduct thorough investigations and interview victims and witnesses to ensure every voice is heard. As a Deputy, you will enforce traffic laws to promote roadway safety and assist victims at accident scenes to protect and support those in need. You will uphold the justice system by serving warrants and legal documents, performing civil process procedures, and locating individuals with arrest warrants to maintain public safety. Your quick response to dispatch calls and skill in mediating disputes will help restore order and provide timely assistance to our community members. Your outreach efforts as a Deputy Sheriff will build strong relationships, foster trust, and enhance the overall well-being of our communities.
Click here to read the full Deputy Sheriff Job Description.
What You Need to Succeed in this Role
Applicants must meet one of the following minimum requirements for education/work history:

• Two years of college or vocational school (48 credit hours); or
• Two years of work experience as a certified law enforcement officer; or
• Two years of active, full-time military experience; or
• Four years of military reserve experience; or
• Four years of professional work experience.

Must be a minimum of age 21 at the time of hiring. Must be eligible for certification under the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission. Full list of requirements is listed on the Deputy Sheriff Job Description.
***In addition to the online application, applicants must attach documentation including a college transcript, proof of law enforcement certification, or DD214 to verify their minimum qualifications. Documents may also be presented directly to Human Resources.***
EEO Statement
Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran's status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.
Insurance
* Coverage effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
* Available for employees and dependents.
Health/Prescription - Minnehaha County's health benefit plan offers low deductibles with two network options for coverage: Avera or Sanford. The county pays for 75% of the premium rates. Pharmacy benefits included.
Dental - Minnehaha County offers dental insurance through Delta Dental which covers 100% of diagnostic and preventative services.
Life Insurance - Minnehaha County provides a $15,000 basic life insurance policy for every full-time employee along with and additional $15,000 accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. Additional term life insurance and AD&D may be purchased by employees for themselves and dependents through payroll deduction.
Retirement
Retirement Plan - Minnehaha County participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match (8% for certified law enforcement). Other SDRS benefits include long term disability. Employees are vested after 3 years of continuous employment.
Deferred Compensation Plan - Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth IRA) basis through our supplemental retirement program.
Paid Time Off
Paid Time Off (PTO) - earn approximately 130 hours annually, with increasing accruals with each year of service. PTO available beginning on day one.
Holiday Leave - 12 days per calendar year
Extended Sick Leave - approximately 65 hours per year
Flexible Spending Plan
Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA) - Minnehaha County offers FSA for Health Care and Dependent Care. This is a great way to put money aside for health and dependent care costs on a pre-tax basis.
Eye Med Vision Policy
Eye Med Insight Network - Minnehaha County offers a vision plan for employees and dependents! The plan offers low premiums with a frame or lens allowance of up to $130 per year and an annual eye exam. Choose from participating retailers such as Pearle Vision, Target Optical, LensCrafters and many others!
01
Please indicate the highest level of your completed education:

• Some high school
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

02
A link to the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission's requirements to become a law enforcement officer is listed in the job posting. After reading through the information, do you believe you will be able to meet the requirements?

• Yes
• No

03
Please mark all that apply:

• I have completed a minimum of two years of college or technical school.
• I have been a certified law enforcement officer in the state of South Dakota for a minimum of two years.
• I have been a certified law enforcement officer in a state other than South Dakota for a minimum of two years.
• I have been active, full-time military for a minimum of two years.
• I have at least four years of military reserve experience.
• None of the above apply to me.

04
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications must submit a copy of the document(s) that verifies possession of one (or more) of the minimum requirements for the position, when applicable. Please indicate the document(s) you have attached to your online application.

• I have attached my college transcript. Transcript must display student name, school name, grade earned, credit hours earned for each course, and the term in which each course was completed.
• I have attached my law enforcement certification.
• I have attached by DD-214.
• I have not attached any documents to my online application.

Required Question