Deputy Sheriff

Salary: Up to 38.39 hourly – accelerated starting pay with relevant experience

Shift Schedule: Day OR Night shift

Benefits Include:

Medical (with county contribution), Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and PERA pension retirement plan (Employer contribution is 17.7%), paid leave (including vacation and sick leave).

Total potential compensation package can be up to $116,856.86*

*Subject to employee benefit enrollment and hourly rate*

Training is paid by the hour by Wadena County!

This position is open until filled.

The Deputy Sheriff performs general duty law enforcement work to protect life and property and enforce state and local laws and ordinances throughout Wadena County. Duties to include, general patrol, answering complaints, investigations, civil process service, special events, warrants, SWAT, TZD shifts and many other opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrols Wadena County to preserve law and order and prevent or discover crimes.
• Performs criminal investigation: Responds to complaint reports; provides first response to crime scenes; provides emergency first aid; protects crime scenes; gathers information and evidence; interviews and interrogates victims, witnesses, and suspects; cites or arrests violators; prepares reports; makes controlled buys and seizures of suspected controlled substances; testifies in court; and provides assistance to agency’s Investigator.
• Responsible for enforcement of traffic laws and the investigation of violations.
• Responds to non-traffic, non-criminal complaints and events: Provides rescue and response to medical emergencies; conducts death investigations; monitors and protects property and conducts property watches; investigates animal complaints; assists citizens in need; reports any potentially hazardous concerns; provides crime prevention awareness; and functions as liaison between citizens and other agencies and organizations.
• Enforces DNR, Off Road Vehicle, Boat and Water, and Snowmobile laws and regulations. 
• Provides presentations and service to persons, groups, organizations, and communities for public events.
• Assists Emergency Management Director.
• If assigned, functions as a member of the Wadena/Hubbard Emergency Response Team.
• Manages or assists with Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
• Performs special duties as assigned for Crime Prevention, Canine, TZD, Field Training Officer, Training Officers, Civil Process, Warrant Service, and Prisoner and other Transports.
• Provides Court and Courthouse Security.
• Serves as Deputy Coroners to aid in death investigations and transportation of bodies.
• Prepares a variety of reports and forms for court prosecution, other agencies, and local and state reporting.
• Performs computer data entry.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains knowledge of legislative updates, law changes and court decisions relevant to  the performance of duties.
• Maintains proficiency in use and maintenance of all department owned and issued equipment.
• Available for call-out or extended shifts as required
• Attends training/educational sessions, meetings and seminars to maintain professional competence and required licenses/certifications.
• Attends staff meetings.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices, trends and procedures of law enforcement.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal statutes, laws and ordinances relevant to department operations.
• Knowledge of civil and criminal court proceedings.
• Knowledge of modern law enforcement methods and procedures including rules of evidence, forensic interviewing, investigative techniques, report writing and documentation.
• Skill in self-defense techniques.
• Knowledge of Wadena County geography, street and highway system, and location of significant areas of attention.
• Ability to use computers and relevant software.
• Ability to maintain effective public relations and deal with hostile or aggressive persons.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to be on-call and work extended hours as required. 
• Skill in use of law enforcement equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved.
• Ability to perform work involving many complex and significant variables, requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures and methods to fit unusual and complex situations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts to achieve organizational objectives.

Education and Experience

• Requires a two-year degree in law enforcement or related field as approved by the POST Board; and
• One year of relevant experience. 

Licenses/Certificates

• Minnesota P.O.S.T License
• Valid MN Driver’s License
• Emergency Medical Responder
• Firearm and Taser Certification 

Equipment and Tools

• Office equipment and technology
• Department vehicles
• Law enforcement equipment, including firearms

Physical and Mental Requirements

This job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, driving, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is moderate duty and may require the exertion up to 60 pounds of force.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in office and building environments as well as in vehicles and outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. This position may encounter unexpected and prolonged workdays and stress and pressure from dealing with conflicts and physical altercations. This position may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and illegal/dangerous chemicals and substances.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Wadena County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

Wadena County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.