General Duty Deputy- Apprehension Unit (Sheriff's Office)

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Sheriff
HOURS: Full-time; various shifts
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $79,333- $88,148 /year DOQ (2025 rates)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518- $110,185 /year (2025 rates)
*** This position qualifies for an additional $8.35/hr or $17,434/annually***
Additionally: Take home vehicle for deputies living within 15 miles of the county line
LOCATION: Law Enforcement Center, Hastings
UNION: Law Enforcement Labor Services
CLOSE DATE: Continuous

We are looking for an experienced deputy to work an assignment in our Apprehension Unit. This assignment is responsible for locating and apprehending wanted individuals with active arrest warrants and holds as well as other special enforcement projects which contribute to the overall goals and mission of the office. If you are looking for an opportunity where your tactical experience and investigative savvy can be utilized, this assignment presents a thrilling opportunity to make a real difference! Join the ranks as a General Duty Deputy working this specialty assignment immediately after an abbreviated training and onboarding. In the Apprehension Unit you will play a vital role in boosting public safety for Dakota County and dive into a fulfilling career that positively impacts those we serve every day!

This isn't merely another job; it's a full-time permanent General Duty Deputy position for a highly talented and driven individual looking to utilize their knowledge and skill set to investigate and conduct apprehensions. The length of this assignment will be based on performance and dynamic needs of the office however there are numerous investigative roles that will ensure professional growth and continued opportunity for a highly driven person wanting more. You can expect to engage in collaborative efforts with local, state, federal and other Office professionals.

Your work here will be supported by a robust team of investigative professionals, including a full-time criminal intelligence analyst, a highly trained crime scene team, and electronic forensic examiners to help you succeed. Your days will be filled with exciting challenges gathering and sharing vital intelligence, conducting surveillance, utilizing cutting-edge technology and organizing strategic warrant services and fugitive apprehensions.

If you're a self-motivated individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for community safety, this position offers an electrifying chance to be at the forefront of law enforcement and make a lasting impact! Experience the thrill of becoming a Deputy for Dakota County!

This is an exciting General Duty Deputy position that offers a Special Duty assignment with additional perks! You'll qualify for an extra stipend of $4.35 per hour, along with a $4.00 per hour licensed deputy stipend, for a total of $8.35 per hour, or $17,434 annually. Beyond the financial benefits, joining our team gives you the opportunity to explore a wide variety of thrilling positions and specialty assignments that keep each day exciting, while also fostering career growth and advancement.

Some of the diverse opportunities available include Patrol, Water Patrol, Snowmobile Patrol, ATV Patrol, School Resource Deputy, K9, Courts, Prisoner Transport, Civil Process, Crime Scene Team, Use of Force/Firearms Instructor, Investigations, Drug Task Force, US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, DEA Task Force, SWAT Team, Dive Team, Drone Operator, Social Media Team, Community Engagement/Recruitment Team, Honor Guard, and Electronic Crime Unit.

As a General Duty Deputy, regardless of your specific assignment, you'll play a vital role in serving the community while enjoying incredible opportunities for professional development, career enrichment, and a variety of assignments to keep you challenged and engaged. Join us and make a meaningful impact!

• Medical (contributed to by employer)
• Dental (contributed to by employer)
• Vision
• Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care)
• Retirement-PERA pension
• 11 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Three weeks paid parental leave
• Bilingual pay
• Carry over unused flex vacation year to year
  • Higher accrual rate for those with 10+ years of experience
• Facial hair and tattoos allowed, per policy
• Flexible scheduling
• Comprehensive Wellness Program - Peer Support Team, On-site Fitness Center, Annual Wellness Check-in, and Employee Assistance Program benefits
• Cutting edge equipment
• External/Load-Bearing vests
• Annual Uniform Allowance of $1,050
• Take home squad for a majority of positions
• Countless training opportunities

• Associate or bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, or another closely related field.

AND

• P.O.S.T. Licensed OR eligible for P.O.S.T. licensing prior to starting.

AND

• Valid Driver's License

AND

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience working as a licensed peace officer.
• Five years' experience working patrol.

Or

• A combination of five years' experience working patrol, task force, or investigations.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must pass ALL recruitment and pre-employment requirements listed below to become a General Duty Deputy. Candidates who are unable to successfully pass the requirements below will be removed from further consideration.

1. Educational/Experience Qualifications: Upon request, candidates must be able to produce appropriate documentation regarding their current status with the P.O.S.T. Board.
2. Interviews: Candidates will be asked to complete a series of interviews; this may include phone interviews, oral board interviews, and/or interviews with the Chief Deputy & Sheriff.
3. Background Check: The background check includes an electronic packet designed to speed up the process and create efficiency.
4. Psychological Examinations: after passing the background check a conditional offer of employment, will be extended. To proceed to the final step in the recruitment process the candidate must be recommended for hire based on the psychological examination results.
5. Medical Examinations: candidates who have successfully passed all components above will be scheduled to complete a medical examination, drug test, and work simulation exercise.

*Pursuant to Dakota County Policy, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive. "Safety-sensitive position" means a position, including any supervisory or management position, in which impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten the health and safety of any person as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 181.950, subdivision 13.

Core Duties of General Duty Deputy Sheriffs:

1. While in this assignment, primary focus will be service of arrest warrants and Apprehension and Detention Orders, coordinate efforts between state, local, federal, jurisdictions and other fugitive task forces. Coordinate and facilitate the service of warrants, civil orders, protection orders, subpoenas, and other legal paperwork.
2. Represents the Sheriff's Office in a positive, professional manner.
3. Builds and maintains positive working relationships.
4. Builds effective relationships with the public by attending community meetings, giving educational presentations, etc.
5. Meets the standards of dress in accordance with policy and procedure.
6. Understands and complies with policy and procedure to include Sheriff's Office memorandums, directives, and notices.
7. Recognizes, responds, investigates, and enforces violations of criminal, civil, and traffic laws.
8. Performs proactive activities and responds promptly to calls for service.
9. Maintains radio protocol in normal and stressful situations.
10. Demonstrates knowledge of geographic locations in assigned areas.
11. Adheres to proper arrest procedures and warrant confirmations.
12. Operates vehicles in an efficient and safe manner.
13. Maintains equipment to ensure it is in good working order and immediately reports equipment failures and takes proper steps to alleviate the problem.
14. Follows security procedures while transporting inmates, civil commitments, and suspects.
15. Obtains pertinent information from suspects, witnesses, or victims by applying appropriate interviewing techniques.
16. Submits concise and accurate reports in a timely manner.
17. Utilizes and understands commonly used forms, computer programs, and applications.
18. Maintains officer safety and situational awareness.
19. Follows evidentiary procedures as required by identifying evidence and handing it appropriately to maintain evidence integrity.
20. Communicates feedback and pertinent information to supervisor.
21. Provide credible and truthful reporting and testimony as needed.
22. Other duties as assigned.

All General Duty Deputy Sheriffs must be able to perform the core duties listed above, regardless of their work unit. Unit specific duties and expectations in Transport, Court Security, Patrol, School Resource Officer, Parks, Investigations, and Civil will be reviewed with and assigned to staff upon hire or movement into the unit.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1 - 21 are essential functions.

• Knowledge of the geography of Dakota County.
• Knowledge of Minnesota State Statutes, traffic laws, County and township ordinances.
• Considerable ability to work effectively while under stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively author reports stating complete facts while lacking opinions.
• Ability to drive in a variety of conditions both emergency and non-emergency.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with co-workers and the public in a fair and respectful manner.
• Ability with assigned handgun, rifle and self-defense techniques.
• Knowledge, understanding and ability to apply reasonable amount force when applicable.
• Ability to solve varied and diverse problems that require deductive reasoning skills.
• Ability to see, hear and remember facts, people and circumstances.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, self-motivated.
• Ability to effectively testify in a court of Law.
• Ability to maintain a state of physical fitness to effectively be able to perform the duties of the assignment.

Candidates for employment with Dakota County Sheriff's Office must be able to comply with Minnesota Administrative Rule, 6700.0700 Minimum Selection Standards, including all candidates shall be a citizen of the United States or eligible to work in the United States under federal requirements.

All visible tattoos will be reviewed and recommend to the Sheriff if they should be allowed. Tattoos may require covering if they are determined to be unsightly, offensive or a job assignment requires it. Visible tattoos on the ears, head, face, neck or any portion of the hand area are prohibited.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a number of locations based on your assignment. Those areas include, County office buildings, jail facility, transport vehicles, and in patrol vehicles. Occasional out of state and overnight travel is required for courts and prisoner transport. Lifting requirement of over 100 pounds on an occasional basis. Exposure to hazardous physical conditions may exist and could include things such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, and vibration; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; hazardous materials such as chemicals, body fluids; workspace restricts movement, occasional intense noise and environmental temperatures may occur on the job. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, copy machines, squad car, radar, Alco-Sensor, DataMaster DMT-G, digital recorder, squad camera, first aid kit, defibrillator, oxygen, handgun, rifle, handcuffs, body worn camera, electronic control device, baton, and chemical agents. Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.

Current Dakota County employees are eligible for a $500 referral bonus for this position. To be considered, employees must submit the referral form prior to the close date of the posting. Staff can find the referral form (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) online and under policy 3101.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct a background investigation, medical exam, and psychological evaluation before hiring.
• The names of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications stated above and who file a properly completed application, supplemental questions, and proof of their P.O.S.T. licensure or eligibility to be licensed will be placed on the eligibility list. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.