Deputy Sheriff

Salary: $33.95 - $45.81 Hourly
Location : Watonwan County Sheriff's Department, 715 3rd Ave S, St. James, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-23
Department: Sheriff's Department
Opening Date: 11/09/2026

Nature of Work

This is general duty law enforcement work in the Sheriff's Department. Employees in this class act as patrol officers throughout the County in the enforcement of law and securing compliance with traffic regulations, transporting prisoners and undertaking routine investigations. Work is normally performed on a rotating shift basis.

Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise judgment in meeting emergencies. Assignments and general and special orders are received from the Sheriff and Chief Deputy who review work methods and results through reports, inspections and instructions.
Essential Functions

Patrols County areas in a radio-equipped squad car to preserve law and order and to prevent and discover the commission of crime. Enforces traffic laws and arrests traffic violators. Weighs and measures loads on trucks during road postings. Assists fire departments and other agencies in responding to emergencies and natural disasters. Assists other law enforcement agencies.

Answers a wide variety of calls and complaints involving robberies and other felonies, misdemeanors, domestic disturbances, automobile accidents, medical emergencies, drownings, animal control, area searches and other incidents. At scene of crime or accident, administers first aid, conducts investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses and may make arrests and take prisoners to jail.

Serves warrants, summonses and other processes on persons. Performs booking, finger-printing, photographing and other duties. Escorts prisoners and others to and from court, jail and other jurisdictions as assigned. Performs other work as required.

Responsible to observe all Watonwan County safety and health rules and to apply the principles of accident prevention in day-to-day duties.
Desirable Qualifications

Training, Experience and Special Requirements
Requires a two- or four-year degree from a Peace Officer education program. Must be a MN POST Board Licensee or eligible for licensing. Must possess a valid Minnesota Driver's License. Preference given for full or part-time experience.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
Knowledge of the street and highway system of Watonwan County and buildings and areas of special attention, or the ability to gain such knowledge in a short period of time. Knowledge of the applicable laws, rules and regulations and techniques of crime prevention and detection. Skill in the care and use of firearms. Thorough knowledge of current first aid practices.

Ability to deal tactfully but firmly with offenders, suspects, witnesses and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, courts, enforcement agency representatives and the general public.

Physical ability to perform manual tasks requiring coordination, dexterity and strength adequate to lift or move objects of up to 65 pounds. Working ability to perform tasks involving standing, pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping and running. Ability to work indoors or out under conditions of adverse weather and temperature.

Special Requirements
Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays in a variety of hours.
2025 WATONWAN COUNTY BENEFITS

VACATION - 16 days first year
SICK LEAVE - 13 days per year
HOLIDAYS - 11.5 holidays

HEALTH PLAN/FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLANS:
Minnesota Healthcare Consortium - Medica
HSA Qualified Plans with choice of Medica Passport network, or Mayo Accountable Care Organization. County contributes to a VEBA or HSA to cover out-of-pocket costs.
Single, Employee + Children, Employee + Spouse and Family plans available.

LIFE INSURANCE - $15,000 policy paid by County

RETIREMENT - Public Employees Retirement Police and Fire Plan
Employee contribution - 11.8%
County contribution - 17.70%

OPTIONAL BENEFITS (certain items can be purchased pre-tax):
- Dental Insurance - Vision Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance - Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance - Health Savings Account if HSA Plan
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Account - Health Care Reimbursement Account
- Accident Insurance - Hospital Care Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Deferred Compensation - pre/post-tax investment plan
01

Are you licensed, or eligible to be licensed, by the State of Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)? If you select yes, please attach your POST License or letter indicating your eligibility for licensure.

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters or higher
• None of the above

03

Please list the specific degree that you completed. If not yet completed, list your major field of study. If none, type N/A.
04

Within the last 10 years, how many years of FULL TIME experience do you have as a licensed peace officer?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

05

Within the last 10 years, how many years of PART TIME experience do you have as a licensed peace officer?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

06

Within the last 10 years, how many years of experience do you have as a jailer, security guard, or juvenile detention worker?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

07

Do you have at least 6 months of experience at any time as an emergency responder, such as EMT, firefighter or first responder?

• Yes
• No

08

What specialized work assignments have you held in your current or previous positions? (Exclude SKILLS training and curriculum.) Please check all that apply.

• Road Patrol/Traffic Enforcement/Apprehension
• Drug Enforcement/Drug Task Force
• Court Security
• DARE Officer
• Recreational Enforcement, including Boat and Water Patrol, ATV or Snowmobile
• School Liaison Officer
• Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
• Bomb/Arson Squad
• N/A

09

What Continuing Education training or specialized coursework have you completed in the past 5 years? Do not include your initial law enforcement curriculum.
Required Question