Come join our team of committed and motivated professionals in a growing department with a combination of city life and county living all in the same geographical location. With county wide jurisdiction, our deputies patrol neighborhoods, highways, and rural areas, investigate crimes and work to strengthen community ties during each shift. The mission of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is to work in partnership with the community to provide quality public safety services in a reasonable manner through innovation, leadership, and the cooperation of dedicated people.

Once deputies demonstrate proficiency in general patrol duties, a wide range of career-enhancing opportunities become available, including:

• General and Specialized Investigations
• Narcotics
• Water, Parks, and Trails Unit
• Court Security
• Civil Process
• School Resource Officer
• Special Enforcement Teams
• K9 Unit, and more

Additionally, there are broad-range technical roles & tactical roles: SWAT, Water Rescue & Recovery, Mobile Field Force and more. These assignments allow deputies to expand their skills, take on new challenges, and grow within the department.

Department Focused on Officer Wellness:

• Take Home Squads
• Generous benefit program
• On-site access to mental health providers
• Peer support
• Tuition reimbursement
• Ability to earn an extra day off each year through County Wellness Program
• Lateral transfer opportunities
• Vacation & sick pay
• Holiday pay
• Yearly uniform allowance
• Shift differential of $1.10/hour
• Comprehensive insurance package

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1) Must have a valid driver's license; AND

2) Must be eligible to possess and lawfully use a firearm, and successfully qualify with a handgun and other department weapons according to existing department qualification standards; AND

3) Must be P.O.S.T licensed or be eligible for licensing by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. board at the time of hire. At the time of application a resume and a copy of your Minnesota P.O.S.T license, P.O.S.T. eligibility letter, or a letter addressing when Minnesota P.O.S.T eligibility can be expected must be included with your application. Eligible for a Minnesota P.O.S.T. license prior to hire. (Individuals completing their classroom and skills training are encouraged to apply)

For more information on becoming a licensed Peace Officer in the State of Minnesota, visit the MN P.O.S.T Board website. Application, resume, P.O.S.T. license, P.O.S.T. eligibility letter, or document outlining when P.O.S.T. eligibility is expected must be submitted at the time of application.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• Currently POST eligible or soon to be eligible for a Minnesota P.O.S.T. license (Individuals completing their classroom and skills training within the next two months are encouraged to apply)
• Successful completion of a degree program in law enforcement or similar field.
• Eligible to possess and lawfully use a firearm under local, state and federal law.

All finalist(s) must achieve a passing score in each of the following phases of the hiring process: Interviews (3 phases); background investigation; psychological examination; medical examination; and drug test.

HOURS / DAYS: Deputy Sheriff-Patrol Officers work five days on, three days off, 9 hour days.

Shifts are as follows: Day shift: 6:30 AM-3:30 PM

Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM-11:30 PM

Night Shift: 10:30 PM-7:30 AM.

Work schedules (hours and days) and location are subject to change based on department needs.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: 2025 Salary Range: $81,931.20 ($39.39/hour) - $110,510.40 ($53.13)

Lateral wage consideration will be based on paid experience as a law enforcement or military police officer, longevity as a paid police officer or military police officer, specialized assignments and specialized training.

Click here for more information on the 2025 Deputy Sheriff Experience Pay Scale

E-Verify Participation: Washington County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Washington County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Washington County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
E- Verify Participation
Right to work Poster
The Deputy Sheriff is responsible for the protection of life, the security of property, the prevention of crime, the apprehension of criminals, and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances byway of routine patrol, investigation, and traffic regulation performed in a squad car or on foot. Deputies are also tasked with working to strengthen our community through community engagement activities. A variety of career enhancing assignments are available once proficiency in General Patrol has been established including Investigations, Water, Parks and Trails, Court Security, Civil Process, School Resource Officer, Special Enforcement Teams, K9 and more. Additionally, there are a broad range technical roles and programs available including SWAT, Water Rescue & Recovery, Mobile Field Force and more. While this position reports directly to assigned Sergeant, the work involves an element of personal danger. Deputies must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise sound personal judgment in high stress situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have a valid driver's license;

Must be eligible to possess and lawfully use a firearm, and successfully qualify with a handgun and other department weapons according to existing department qualification standards.

Must be P.O.S.T licensed or be eligible for licensing by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. board at the time of hire.

For more information on becoming a licensed Peace Officer in the State of Minnesota, visit the MN P.O.S.T Board website.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Education and Experience: Must be 21 years of age or older at time of examination with a high school graduate or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license. Licensed or eligible for licensing by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. board. Candidates with law enforcement experience are encouraged to apply. Experience will be considered when determining pay. See lateral pay consideration documents.

Want to know if you are more about becoming a peace officer in the State of Minnesota? Visit the Minnesota POST site for more details.

Must achieve a passing score in each of the following: testing/interview process, psychological examination, background investigation, physical examination, and drug test at the time an appointment is offered. Must successfully qualify with a handgun and other department weapons according to existing department qualification standards.

Knowledge: Social and general intelligence with an aptitude for police duty; knowledge of modern methods of patrol, detection, identification, evidence handling, reporting and communications. Working knowledge of Washington County geography; familiarity with Sheriff’s Office rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives. Knowledge and skill in keyboarding and computer programs.

Abilities: Good judgment and character; ability to meet and treat the public courteously, tactfully, and fairly; accurate, legible compilation and preparation or dictation of reports. Ability to report to work on a regular and timely basis.

Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Skill in the competent operation of motor vehicles and other vehicles necessary to law enforcement operations; skill in the competent use of firearms and other law enforcement weapons of the department.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB-SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE

Core Competencies outline essential business and professional traits necessary to perform this job.

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace

• Demonstrates knowledge of modern methods of patrol, detection, identification, evidence handling, reporting and communications
• Demonstrates knowledge of Sheriff's Office rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives
• Demonstrates skills in communication in order to meet and treat the public courteously, tactfully, and firmly

All Deputy Sheriff-Patrol Officers must be able to perform the essential duties listed below, regardless of their work assignment. Unit specific duties and responsibilities for deputies assigned to Patrol, Investigations, Court Security, School Resource Officer, Water, Parks & Trails, K9 and Civil Unit will be reviewed with staff upon assignment to the unit. The examples of essential duties and work examples by a Deputy Sheriff-Patrol Officer do not include all possible tasks encountered in this work area and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time.

Essential duties common to a Deputy Sheriff assigned to Patrol Division

Patrols the roads, waterways, parks, trails and cities or areas under contractual agreements for the purposes of protecting people and property by preventing crimes and enforcing statutes and ordinances.

Responds to calls for service from the public and other agencies; determines if any laws have been broken, take enforcement if appropriate; mediate disputes, administers first aid when appropriate; advise complainants as to course of action or possible solutions.

Prepares detailed written and electronic reports regarding incidents and activities that occur during a shift; maintains and keeps appropriate records related to investigations, ticketing, training, work with other agencies,

Conducts initial investigations to include such activities as: collecting evidence, dusting for prints, interviewing suspects or witnesses, taking photographs of crime scenes and other investigative activities.

Issues citations, makes arrests, & transports prisoners to jail; processes prisoners.

Provides truthful and credible testimony in court regarding facts of cases, law enforcement procedures, collection of evidence and findings of investigations.

Investigates automobile accidents and crimes, gathering information and making detailed reports; assumes charge of major incident scenes until relieved, ascertains facts available at the scene, gathering, preserving, and processing evidence.

Ensures the proper use and maintenance of law enforcement related equipment, including, cars, trucks, snowmobiles, boats, trailers, ATV's, haulers, computers, search, and rescue apparatus, etc.

Attends meetings, forums, and events to connect with the public about a variety of public safety issues as well as to have a presence at community-oriented events; plans and coordinates giveaways, booths, PowerPoints, presentations, and curriculum used to educate and inform others about law enforcement activities and public safety issues.

Creates, promotes, monitors, and supervises community crime prevention programs such as Neighborhood Watch and National Night Out.

Conducts residential and commercial premise surveys incorporating the principals of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design as well as other basic crime prevention techniques; conducts alcohol & tobacco compliance checks at local businesses.

Keeps informed of and attends trainings and meetings to stay current on recent changes to laws, statutes, and local ordinances

Performs other duties as assigned

Examples of work performed by a Deputy Sheriff assigned to Investigations Division

Conducts the investigation of crimes to include such activities as interviewing suspects, witnesses, and informants, dusting for fingerprints, tracking the location of suspects, photographing the crime scene, and other related activities.

Investigates homicide, criminal sexual conduct, and other serious felony investigations; cultivates and uses Confidential Informants; coordinates with the BCA and other LE Agencies on large scale investigations.

Provides case information and recommendations to the County Attorney's Office and Child Protection; conducts detailed Crime Scene evidence collection; works with the County Attorney's Office for trial preparation; logs and stores evidence to be used in criminal matters.

Conducts forensics work on computers used in crime or may contain evidence; coordinate and make requests of the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in forensic area.

Compiles evidence and prepares written reports on criminal investigations. Collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to resolve criminal complaints.

Reviews evidence and reports with the County Attorney staff to determine the need to collect additional evidence or to process a complaint/warrant.

Examples of work performed by a Deputy assigned to Water, Parks, and Trails Unit

Investigates deaths and accidents involving boats, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and other recreational vehicles.

Performs safety inspections of all rental watercraft within Washington County.

Conducts commercial vehicle and weight restriction enforcement.

Examples of work performed by a Deputy assigned to Transport Unit

Performs the pick-up and delivery of inmates to or from the Washington County Jail, Minnesota Department of Corrections, various medical or dental facilities, multiple city jails, county jails, and state and federal prisons as directed by the Transport Sergeant.

Ensures all policies and procedures are followed while transporting inmates to and from the Washington County Jail thereby ensuring the safety of the public and inmates.

Responsible for the physical screening of inmates ensuring no weapons or contraband are in the inmates' possession at any time.

Examples of work performed by a Deputy Sheriff assigned to Civil Process Unit

Prepares notices of third-party levies and sales and executes these functions; traces and collects taxes from individuals owing delinquent mobile home taxes.

Prepares returns of service for all instruments received and served.

Records fees for service and performs other accounting/record keeping activities.

Examples of work performed by a Deputy Sheriff assigned to Court Security Unit

Provides a visible presence in the court area and serves as the primary law enforcement officer in the Government Center.

Reviews the court schedule and coordinates court security activities including special details with the Court Administrator or designee; coordinates additional security for high-risk trials or high-risk inmates.

Monitors the metal/contraband detector to prevent the introduction of unauthorized weapons or illegal contraband and conducts searches of people entering the court area. Conducts inspections of the courts and reviews security procedures at the Government Center and satellite court facilities.

Examples of work performed by a Deputy assigned as a School Resources Officer:

Assists school administration in achieving a safe learning environment for students and staff. Interacts with students to prevent physical violence, disorder, or problems involving the school population.

Presents law enforcement related information and programs to students.

Performs or assists investigations of law enforcement incidents occurring in the schools and make proper referrals or petitions to court.

Directs traffic on school grounds and maintains security in all school buildings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work may require lifting and carrying up to 80 lbs and pushing/pulling heavy objects. Other physical requirements include the ability to climb, chase, run and apply physical restraints. Vision and hearing acuity are needed on a continuous basis. Use of equipment includes personal computers, office equipment, police-related safety and special equipment i.e., weapons, radio, first aid kit, surveillance equipment, radar speed measurement devices, field sobriety test devices, camera, accident investigation tools, boats, snowmobiles, and personal watercraft.

Inside/outside work time varies by shift and assignment; work is performed in all types of weather conditions in an unsecured environment. This position may encounter life-threatening situations, which require substantial physical and mental capabilities. Exposures may include, but are not limited to, disagreeable odors, communicable diseases, body fluids, hazardous chemicals, elevated noise levels and dangerous individuals who may be armed.

Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.

This job description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time.