Job Description

Job Title: Detention Officer
Location: Bismarck, ND
Terms: Full-Time / Non-Exempt / Full Benefits
Salary: $25.19 - $27.94 Per Hour, Grade 6
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025, by 5:00 PM CST
Interviews: Will begin on November 17, 2025
Projected Start Date: January 20, 2026
About the Role: Under the supervision of the Burleigh County Sheriff, is responsible for inmates within the Detention Center, the protection of life and property, and to perform routine tasks in accordance with North Dakota laws, rules and regulations established by the Attorney General of North Dakota and Burleigh Morton County Detention Center policies.
Am I qualified?
You are qualified if you have:

• Current driver's license
• GED or High School Diploma
• Ability to work shift work (see "Shift Schedule" below)

You are not qualified if you have:

• Any felony-level convictions
• Three or more misdemeanor convictions
• Any use of hard illegal drugs (meth, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, ecstasy, etc.)
• Registered sex offender
• Pending criminal case

Shift Schedule: This position is a shift work position. Every other weekend off, twelve-hour shifts with one-month rotations alternating between night shift and days shifts. Officers work a long week, then a short week, with this repeating. Long weeks are working Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Short weeks are just Wednesday and Thursday. Officers only work approximately 14 days per month.
Other Requirements: * Must successfully complete standard background and criminal record check along with physical and psychological exams. Costs associated with these exams will be paid for by the county.

• Applicant must have the abilities to perform the essential functions, with or without accommodation which may include but not limited to: lifting, extended walking, carrying and dragging objects, climbing up to and down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles and using body force to gain entry.
• Skills to communicate, verbally and written, with some knowledge of appropriate legal terminology for the purpose of legal and non-legal documents.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the protection, life and property of inmates within the Detention Center.
• Process and release inmates, determine the appropriate classification of inmates; assess and respond to the needs of special populations. Conduct visual and audio surveillance of Detention Center.
• Gather information in criminal and administrative investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses and/or suspects. Prepare investigative reports and determine probable cause to recommend disciplinary action.
• Perform searches of people; this may include inspecting unclothed inmates, which may include exposure to bodily fluids and wastes. Perform searches of inmate correspondence items, and objects capable of concealment. Detect and collect evidence.
• Pursue fleeing inmates, perform rescue operations, and effectively restrain an inmate with restraints, forcibly if necessary.
• Transport and escort prisoners, detainees and committed mental patients, using appropriate restraints.
• Perform other duties as assigned which may include but not limited to, preparing and serving food, inspection of doors and windows to ensure security, and working rotating shifts.

Burleigh County Benefits: Burleigh County offers a NDPERS retirement plan, 95% premium Health Insurance coverage through BCBS of ND. We also offer $25,000 life insurance coverage and additional insurance coverage options.
This position requires a criminal background check. If an applicant is chosen to interview for this position a pre-interview phone screening will be conducted. Prior criminal history may be considered in the selection process for this position based on the nature, time and seriousness of the conviction and its relevance to the position. (N.D.C.C.12.1-33)
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The employing agency does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services, and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

Skills Required