Patrol Deputy (Experienced/Entry Level), Sheriff's Office

Salary

Hiring Rate: $32.33/hour, Grade 19, Non-Exempt, MNPEA Patrol Unit

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Hiring Range: $36.39-$47.45/hour

If Candidate has 1-3 completed years of lateral experience upon effective date of hire - 40 hours of PTO If Candidate has 4+ completed years of lateral experience upon effective date of hire - 80 hours of PTO

• Shift Differential of $1.30/hour between 3:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

• Agency Wellness Program

Position Objective
To perform a range of duties involving the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances through routine patrol, investigation, and traffic regulation. This position performs in-depth investigations of crimes against persons and property, oversees complex criminal cases and provides various services and actions related to civil process and is responsible for ensuring the safety of life and property throughout the County. This position may be eligible for lateral pay depending on the applicant’s experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1. Conducts patrols in a squad car to preserve law and order, to prevent and detect crime and to enforce criminal and traffic codes.
2. Performs detailed investigations of accidents, criminal activities and public safety incidents.
3. Conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence and interviews witnesses.
4. Makes arrests for violations of laws and ordinances and executes court-ordered arrest warrants.
5. Enforces state and local laws and ordinances.

6. Serves criminal subpoenas and other court orders.
7. Prepares for and testifies in court proceedings.

8. Completes reports and documents to maintain accurate records and provide information to investigators and prosecutors.

9. Responds to medical emergencies, including mental health crisis, and assists fire and ambulance services.

10. Escorts and transports prisoners and others to and from court, jail and other jurisdictions or facilities.

11. Serves as a team member promoting community-orientated policing and conducts presentations on topics of concern to various community groups.

12. Attends work in a regular and timely manner.

13. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications: In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• Two years of post-secondary formal education in law enforcement, criminal justice or similar field by January 31, 2026
• Must be Licensed or eligible to be licensed by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (POST Board) by January 31, 2026
• Valid Minnesota Driver's License or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications :

• Progressively related experience in law enforcement, a correctional facility or similar setting
• Emergency Medical Responder Certificate or ability to obtain

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of the geography of Stearns County, as well as the road and street system.
2. Knowledge of the Minnesota criminal code and Minnesota motor vehicle and traffic laws with the ability to recognize and apply the appropriate statutes for recognized violations.
3. Knowledge of public service activities and county policies.
4. Knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures.
5. Skilled in the care and use of law enforcement equipment, including firearms.
6. Ability to identify persons with mental health issues, including those who may be depressed and/or suicidal.
7. Ability to make quick decisions handling non-routine emergency situations.
8. Ability to multi-task and handle periods of stress.
9. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
3. Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
4. Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
5. Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
6. Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
7. Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed 95% outdoors or operating a County squad car under normal and emergency situations, under all weather conditions, and indoor work 5% of the time. Will have regular exposure to health hazards and accidents. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota. Click the following to view the: Functional Job Analysis for this job .

The ability to hear and analyze information at a normal range of radio and speech is required. The ability to visually observe persons and conditions is required.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Sergeant-Patrol.

Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.

Supervision of Others
None.

Hours of Work
Fixed yearly shifts which include weekends and holidays bid annually by seniority.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. A job specific physical, drug and/or psychological exam may be required before appointment.

Benefits

To view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits Page

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.