Job Description

Salary: $24.74 - $32.36 Hourly
Location : Milaca, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00866
Department: Sheriff's Office
Division: Jail
Opening Date: 03/11/2026


Description
The Correctional Officer maintains the health, safety and security of all personnel and inmates within the facility. Ensures safety and security of inmates and members of the public when transporting inmates to court or a medical facility, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the facility.


Complete 2026 pay scale is $24.74-$32.36/hr. This position is covered under the Teamsters - Jail bargaining unit. For a complete position description, click


This posting will be used to establish an eligibility list for filling future vacancies as they become available, based on operational needs for each shift.

Essential Functions
This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

1. Participates in daily operations of the jail; monitors inmates within the jail facility and directs their activities; ensures well-being of inmates in posted area. Checks cell blocks and interacts with inmates in the different housing units; ensures all inmates have access to meals; ensures that inmates have personal hygiene items; stocks and accounts for all clothing and supplies. Observes inmates for symptoms of health problems and notifies medical staff with appropriate urgency for further assessment. Dispenses prescribed medications at scheduled times under the direction of medical staff and ensures medication is taken; completes medication records.
2. Conducts inspections of posted areas for maintenance and/or security issues; conducts searches of inmate cells or common areas to detect and confiscate contraband. Performs inmate counts at beginning and end of shift. Performs required checks and documentation on inmates determined to be security or suicide risk and in segregation. Performs regularly scheduled well-being checks to ensure health and safety of inmates.
3. Provides supervision of all inmates; handles inmate questions, concerns, complaints, grievances, and violations. Orients inmates on procedures, schedules, and expected behavior within the facility. Provides direction to inmates on work assignments, such as laundry or cleaning. Completes all shift log activity and required documentation related to activities including incident reports, disciplinary actions, etc.
4. Uses interpersonal skill to build rapport with inmates as a means of gaining cooperation and limiting aggression; intervenes in disputes among inmates; uses physical restraint when necessary to prevent injury; relocates inmates within the facility to avoid repeat of confrontations. Responds to and assists other officers during critical situations; may be ca required to testify in court regarding observations and/or the content of conversations.
5. Provides security and monitors movement for the jail by controlling the entrances and exits to the outer and inner perimeter of the jail. Operates security doors from a master control location with video and voice communication; controls access to gym and recreation areas; monitors Officer locations at all times; controls phone communications; coordinates emergency response to the facility; monitors access to the facility by family or other visitors, and monitors visits to prevent introduction of contraband. Provides escort to visiting clergy or attorneys.
6. Performs proper and proficient use of all safety, security, and emergency equipment. Participates in ongoing mandatory training and staff meetings and provides suggestions for improvements in operations and policies.
7. Interviews new arrivals; enters data into the computer; checks background of inmate; classifies the inmate on a preliminary basis and determines the degree of security required; determines whether the inmate is under a physician ordered treatment plan, including prescribed medications; verifies medications; notifies medical personnel of conditions and prescriptions for further assessment.
8. Screens inmates on arrival at the facility and determines whether they can be admitted, whether they need immediate medical attention, or would pose a threat to others in the facility. Searches inmates, secures and logs all cash and personal property; photographs and fingerprints new arrivals; may obtain urine samples and operate/take preliminary breath tester (PBT).
9. Introduces inmates to counseling opportunities, such as drug or alcohol programs; announces programs for training, education, recreation, or counseling, and moves inmates to the program area if they participate.
10. Transports prisoners to and from various detention or medical facilities, to court, on authorized leaves for funerals or other special furloughs, or to transfer custody to an authorized third party. Follows security protocol while in transit.
11. Collects/secures/logs bond or bail.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and two years of experience working in a role that requires interaction with others, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Class D Driver's License.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.

Selection Process


Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.

Correctional Officer selection process:

1. Initial screening/oral interview
   1. Averages 20-30 minutes
   2. In-person
2. Background check including a criminal history check
   1. Paperwork averages 1-5 hours to be completed accurately
   2. Must be completed within 7 days of when candidate receives packet (HR will notify candidate of due date)
   3. Background check process averages 2-4 weeks to be completed, once everything is turned in to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office
3. Pre-employment physical/medical examination (time varies)
4. Psychological evaluation (time varies)

Interviews will be held approximately every two weeks for the duration of this job posting.


Upon job offer, candidates will be notified of shift and schedule they will be assigned to.


Overview of shifts:

• 12-hour shifts:
  • 6:00am - 6:00pm or 6:00pm - 6:00am
  • Every other weekend rotation with regular schedule being 7 working days in a 14 day pay period

The following is intended to be a general overview of benefits provided for full-time positions. Insurance benefits become effective the first day of the month following the month of hire. Further details and a complete copy of the applicable contract/policy language are available at the time an employment offer is extended. If you have any questions about the benefits, please contact the Administrative Services Office at
Medical Insurance
Employees have three (3) medical insurance plans to choose from, within three (3) different networks. The rates shown are effective 1/1/2026 through 12/31/2026.

Single Coverage Total Monthly Premium

Single Coverage Monthly Employee Cost

Single Coverage Monthly HSA Contribution

Family Coverage Monthly Total Premium

Family Coverage Monthly Employee Cost

Family Coverage Monthly HSA Contribution

RTS Medica Passport

2000-25% HSA

$971.66

$0

$93.75

$2,582.30

$932.30

N/A

850-40

$1,093.56

$121.90

N/A

$2,906.28

$1,256.28

N/A

400-35

$1,155.78

$184.12

N/A

$3,071.64

$1,421.64

N/A

RTS Medica Elect

2000-25% HSA

$850.20

$0

$208.33

$2,259.52

$609.52

N/A

850-40

$956.86

$0

N/A

$2,543.00

$893.00

N/A

400-35

$1,011.30

$39.64

N/A

$2,687.68

$1,037.68

N/A

RTS Medica VantagePlus

2000-25% HSA

$825.90

$0

$229.17

$2,194.96

$544.96

N/A

850-40

$929.52

$0

N/A

$2,470.34

$820.34

N/A

400-35

$982.42

$10.76

N/A

$2,610.90

$960.90

N/A

Employees may choose to contribute additional funds to their HSA each year, up to the IRS limit of $4,400 for singles, and $8,750 for families. Once at age 55, employees can contribute an additional $1,000 (to either single or family) as long as they are not covered under Medicare. The IRS limit applies to the total employer and employee contributions combined. Employer contributions (if eligible) will go into a Health Savings Account.
Dental Insurance
There is no cost to the employee for single coverage. Family coverage costs the employee $76.46 per month.
Vision Insurance
Vision coverage is available and paid for by the employee at the following monthly rates:

• Employee Only - $5.85
• Employee + Spouse - $11.69
• Employee + Children - $11.31
• Family - $18.35

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) Available
Plan options include medical and dependent care FSAs, as well as a premium only plan (pre-tax deduction of medical and dental premiums). These amounts cannot be changed during the year unless there is a qualifying life event. All funds must be used by the claims deadline.

• FSA Medical/Health max election of $3,400 per year
• Limited Purpose FSA max election of $3,400 per year (funds can only be used for vision, dental or orthodontia expenses when paired with an HSA until medical deductible has been met)
• FSA Dependent Care max election of $7,500 per year per family ($3,750 if married and filing separately)

Paid Time Off
Holidays: Full-time employees have approximately 14.5 paid holidays per year, including floating holidays, subject to the terms of the Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreement as applicable.

Vacation: Full-time employees earn 11 to 23 days per year, depending on tenure. Part-time employees earn pro- rated accruals.

Sick Time: Full-time employees accrue 12 sick days per year. Part-Time employees earn pro-rated accruals.
Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Benefits Provided
Employees fall under the General, Police & Fire, or Correctional defined benefit plan depending on their position. PERA rates and handbooks available on-line:


Contribution amounts are based on the employee's pay each pay period.

Employer Contribution Employee Contribution

• Coordinated Plan 7.5% 6.5%
• Police & Fire Plan 16.2% 10.8%
• Correctional Plan 10.25% 6.83%

Deferred Compensation Program Available
Deferred Compensation Plans are available through Nationwide:
Life Insurance
There is no cost to the employee for $15,000 in basic life insurance coverage. Rates for voluntary additional coverage for employee or spouse vary according to age category:

AgeofEmployee Or Spouse EmployeeMonthlyCost Per $1,000

Underage 35

.06

35-39

.10

40-44

.12

45-49

.17

50-54

.25

55-59

.45

60-64

.68

65-69

1.29

70-74

2.08
Dependent Life & Child Life Insurance Packages Available
Child life is available as a $10,000 policy on each child; the cost is $1.30 per month. Dependent care is available as a $2,500 policy on all tax dependents; the cost is $0.66 per month.
Long-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.

Age

Per$100Monthly Benefit

Underage 25

.26

25-29

.33

30-34

.40

35-39

.48

40-44

.65

45-49

.94
50-54

1.25

55-59

1.51

60+

1.53
Short-term Disability Insurance Plan Available
Rates vary according to age and coverage amount; rates listed reflect monthly costs.

Age

Per$100WeeklyBenefit

UnderAge 30

1.00

30-34

1.10

35-39

1.10

40-44

1.10

45-49

1.30

50-54

1.70

55-59

2.00

60-64

2.40

65+

2.80
Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Insurance Available
01


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02


Have you ever been convicted of, or plead guilty to, a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony criminal offense? You may answer "no" if the conviction or criminal records have been annulled or expunged.

• Yes
• No

03


If "yes", please explain the nature of the charge and the circumstances, and give the date, city, county, and state where convicted.
04


Are you available to work nights/weekends/holidays?

• Yes
• No

05


Please select your highest level of education COMPLETED by the close date of this posting.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Completed coursework, but no degree
• Certificate equivalent to 1 year of full-time post-secondary education
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

06


Are you willing to work in a secure facility where some inmates have been charged with violent offenses, and appropriately deal with aggressive behavior and offensive language from inmates?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you willing to respond to and appropriately deal with disturbances, inmate altercations, medical emergencies, and other urgent situations?

• Yes
• No

08


Please briefly describe any experience or qualities you believe would help you respond in these situations. If none, please enter "N/A."
09


Are you willing to conduct body searches of inmates and search living areas for weapons, drugs, and other prohibited items?

• Yes
• No

10


Are you willing to work, by yourself, in a housing unit to supervise the activities of inmates?

• Yes
• No

11


How many years of full-time (or equivalent) experience do you have working in any of the following settings: a correctional facility, a drug or mental health treatment setting, law enforcement, or in roles involving frequent contact with difficult, hostile, and/or confrontational people?

• 6 or more years
• 3 to 6 years
• 1-3 years
• Less than a year
• None

12


Why do you want to be a Correctional Officer for Mille Lacs County?
Required Question

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Work at office, Immediate start, Relocation, All shifts, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Weekend work

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