Position Summary NOW HIRING - DEPUTY SHERIFF! MAKE A DIFFERENCE. SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY. BUILD YOUR CAREER. Are you ready for a rewarding career where integrity, courage, service, and teamwork matter? The Benton County Sheriff's Office is looking for motivated, dedicated individuals who are ready to make an impact and serve their community. Join our team and take the next step toward a rewarding career in law enforcement! Currently licensed, eligible-to-be-licensed, and final-year Criminal Justice students are encouraged to apply!
POSITION OBJECTIVE
This recruitment will be used to fill an immediate full-time Deputy Sheriff vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future Deputy Sheriff openings.
PLEASE NOTE: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. Please monitor your email for additional information and scheduling details.
Why Join the Benton County Sheriff’s Office? We’re proud to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional development, career advancement, and specialized assignments.
Competitive Pay
- 2026 Salary Range: $31.61 – $43.36/hour
- Expected 2027 Salary Range: $32.72 - $44.88/hour
- Lateral placement available for qualified candidates with previous law enforcement experience
- Opportunity to advance to a Senior Deputy Sheriff position after five years of service, with an increased pay range
Take-Home Squad Vehicles
- Available to employees who reside within or near Benton County
Outstanding Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits
- Annual uniform allowance: $1,200
- Holiday bonus: Equivalent to 96 hours of pay
- Shift differential: Additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM
- Fitness Incentive Program: Earn up to 3% of your annual salary by meeting established fitness standards
Overtime & Special Assignments
- Ample overtime opportunities
- Additional compensation available for qualifying special assignment roles
Specialty Units & Career Development Patrol Deputies have opportunities to serve in a variety of specialized roles, including:
- Investigations
- SWAT
- K9 Unit
- Dive Team
- Drone Operator
- Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF)
- ATV and Snowmobile Enforcement
- Water Patrol
- Community Engagement & Youth Programs
- Specialty Instructor Positions
Shift Bidding
- Shift assignments are bid annually based on seniority, providing employees with greater input into their work schedules.
Location: Benton County Sheriff's Office - PATROLApplication Deadline: Friday, November 27, 2026, @ 4:30 PMLearn more and apply: Benton County Career Opportunities
Position Summary Perform general duty law enforcement work to protect life and property and enforce state and local laws and ordinances throughout Benton County.
Scope of Responsibility Provide work direction and training to reserve officers, volunteers, junior deputies, and city police officers.Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities Essential Functions A. Patrol within Benton County for the prevention of crime and enforcement of laws and ordinances. B. Protect life and property by answering calls for service, patrol activities, criminal investigations, enforcement of laws, crime prevention, and providing other general assistance as needed to the citizens of Benton County. C. Respond to emergencies and promote public safety. C. 1. Perform emergency first aid. C. 2. Assist other agencies, such as emergency medical services, fire, and rescue, etc. D. Conduct welfare checks on individuals or families for local agencies, including Human Services. E. Enforce DNR, Off-Road Vehicle, Boat and Water, and Snowmobile laws and regulations. F. Interact with and manage individuals who are in emotional crisis or suffering from mental illness. G. Create and maintain professional relationships with community members and other agencies. H. Create and update a variety of reports and forms for court prosecution, other agencies, and local and state reporting. I. Serve civil process and arrest warrants. J. Complete predatory offender checks. K. Testify in court and perform bailiff duties at courts. L. May serve as a member of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Peer Support Team by providing confidential peer assistance to staff experiencing personal or work-related stress, crisis, or other challenges. L. 1. Participation requires completion of a 40-hour Peer Support training course and availability to respond to staff support needs on a 24/7, 365-day basis. L. 2. Required to attend additional annual training both within and outside of the Sheriff's Office to maintain proficiency and support capabilities. Additional Functions A. Attend training as needed. B. Serve as the Deputy in Charge during the absence of supervisors. C. Maintain equipment and patrol vehicles. D. Maintain, train, and learn to use developing technological devices. E. Assist in community outreach events such as the Police Activities League (PAL) and ATV/Snowmobile Youth Safety Programs. F. May serve as a Drone Operator and maintain all mandated documentation for the Drone program. G. Perform other duties as assigned or apparent. Minimum Qualifications - Training and Experience Required
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications A. Associate degree in criminal justice or a related area; and B. Eligible to obtain a Minnesota Peace Officer License; and C. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota; and D. Must successfully complete a background check and driver’s license verification; and E. Must complete and pass a psychological exam, physical exam, physical ability testing, and drug and alcohol screening; and F. Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures. F. 1. Ability to obtain and maintain, upon hire: F. 1. 1. BCA Single Certification: Training and Certifications are determined by the BCA schedule. F. 2. Ability to obtain and maintain, within six (6) months of hire: F. 2. 1. First Aid/CPR/AED Certification: Training, Proficiency Testing, and Certification are maintained every two (2) years. F. 2. 2. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certification: Training, Proficiency Testing, and Certification are maintained every two (2) years. F. 2. 3. Firearm Training: Training & Qualification/Testing and Certification are maintained annually. F. 2. 4. Use of Force and Portals Training: Complete initial training and certification and maintain required annual training and certifications. F. 2. 5. Taser Training: Training & Qualification/Testing and Certification are maintained annually. F. 2. 6. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray Certification: Training, Testing, and Certification are maintained annually. F. 2. 7. Standard Field Sobriety Testing: Training, Testing, and Certification are maintained annually. Preferred Qualifications A. Prior law enforcement work experience.Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Physical Demands and Working Conditions Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:A. Working knowledge of local, state, and federal statutes, laws, and ordinances relevant to department operations.B. Knowledge of Benton County geography, street and highway system, and location of significant areas of attention.C. Knowledge of civil and criminal court proceedings.D. Ability to effectively use a computer and various software programs.E. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule forms.F. Ability to handle various assignments and problems under moderate supervision within standard operating procedures.G. Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in critical situations through the effective use of de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.H. Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate or possess the ability to safely and effectively learn to utilize use-of-force techniques, including handcuffs, in accordance with established policies, procedures, and training.I. Ability to maintain effective public relations and deal with hostile or aggressive individuals.J. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills.K. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.L. Ability to use independent judgment and react quickly in emergency situations.M. Ability to effectively multitask, prioritize competing demands, and make sound decisions while maintaining safety, security, and public safety.N. Ability to perform standard procedures and tasks where basic analytical ability is required. Detailed guidelines and procedures are generally used to make decisions or determine actions.O. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with regular contact with the department and periodic contact with other departments, outside agencies, and the public to relay basic information or facts.P. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with frequent interaction to carry out organizational programs on matters requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion, or work requiring enforcement of laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.Q. Skill in assessing emergency medical situations and administering First Aid, CPR, and AED in accordance with established policies, procedures, and training.R. Knowledge of emergency medical response principles, techniques, and procedures, and the ability to assess emergency situations, provide appropriate emergency medical care within the scope of EMR certification, and respond effectively until advanced medical personnel arrive.S. Knowledge of modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including rules of evidence, forensic interviewing, investigative techniques, report writing, and documentation.T. Skill in the use of law enforcement equipment and vehicles.U. Ability to apply professional judgment within overall goals.V. Ability to apply widely varied complex and significant variables, requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking, in adapting policies, procedures, and methods to fit unusual and complex situations.W. Ability to travel within your daily work assignment.X. Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.Y. Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed.Z. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.AA. Performs the physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position.BB. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours, as necessary.CC. Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from different organizations, and citizen customers.DD. Must comply with data practices policies and standards related to private data. Access to private data is limited strictly to what is necessary to perform assigned job duties. While accessing such data, the employee must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related need. Once the work-related purpose has been met, private data must be properly secured and stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.Physical Demands & Working ConditionsA. Work is performed in office and building environments as well as in vehicles and outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.B. Headaches, eye strain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury when working in the office.C. Normal hearing and correctable vision are required.D. Duties can include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or walking.E. Work is performed in the field under environmental conditions such as heat, cold, noise, smoke, dust, and other related conditions associated with this position. There is a moderate likelihood of exposure to communicable diseases, including tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis, bloodborne pathogens, airborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials. Protective materials and training are provided to protect employees from these hazards.F. This position may be exposed to illegal/dangerous chemicals and substances.G. Must possess physical strength and the ability to restrain and control individuals, and the ability to defend oneself physically.H. This position requires the ability to lift or assist in lifting injured individuals.I. This position is subject to violence, threats of violence, and verbal abuse from exposure to hostile and angry individuals in the line of duty.J. This position is exposed to mental effort and stress and is exposed to individuals with mental illness.K. This position may encounter unexpected and prolonged workday stress and pressure from dealing with conflicts and physical altercations.L. Likelihood of verbal abuse and exposure to violence in the line of duty.M. This position frequently performs work under moderate attention to detail and deadlines.N. This position is exposed to critical incidents/deadly force encounters, which may involve the death/serious injury of suspects at the hands of a deputy.O. This position is exposed to critical incidents, which may involve the death/serious injury of a deputy.P. This position may require travel to other facilities, meetings, training, etc.Hours of WorkA. Schedule to fit a 24-hour/day, 7 days/week demand.Equipment UtilizedA. Office equipment; computers and related hardware and software; patrol vehicles, including squad cars, ATVs, and boats; law enforcement equipment and tools; security equipment; conducted electrical weapons (Tasers); communication equipment, including two-way radios and telephones; firearms; medical equipment and supplies; personal protective equipment (PPE); a County-issued cellular phone, and phone.This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Benefits
Benton County offers an exceptional benefit package, including paid time off and holiday pay. Also included in this benefit package are health, comprehensive dental, vision, and life insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan); deferred compensation plan, and Public Employees Retirement (pension) - (PERA).
BENTON COUNTY BENEFIT SUMMARY
This summary is intended for general information purposes and does not represent the legal description of our benefit package. The summary plan descriptions, Benton County personnel policies, or applicable labor contracts contain more complete information and will prevail in the event of a discrepancy.
TO VIEW BENTON COUNTY'S BENEFITS GUIDE FOR DETAILS ON BENEFITS, CLICK HERE.
COMPETITIVE AND EQUITABLE COMPENSATION:
It is the policy of Benton County that competitive and equitable compensation be provided to employees, consistent with the Local Government Pay Equity Act and federal standards. We strive to be a market-competitive employer with externally competitive compensation rates and internally equitable. To do so, Benton County has adopted an annual classification maintenance program that provides for the ongoing review of all job classifications on a three-year rotating cycle. The Human Resource Department has information regarding the county’s Compensation Plan, job classifications, and annual classification maintenance program.
PAID TIME OFF (PTO):
PTO is defined as authorized absence from duty with pay granted to employees in permanent employment positions. The amount of PTO earned is dependent upon hours worked and the employee’s length of service measured from his or her last date of continuous service with Benton County in accordance with the following schedule: YEARS
OF SERVICE
ANNUAL
ACCRUAL RATE
PER PAY PERIOD
ACCRUAL RATE
PTO
DAYS EARNED
0 through 2 years
168 HOURS
6.46 HOURS
21 PTO DAYS
3 through 6 years
192 HOURS
7.39 HOURS
24 PTO DAYS
7 through 10 years
216 HOURS
8.31 HOURS
27 PTO DAYS
11 through 15 years
240 HOURS
9.23 HOURS
30 PTO DAYS
16 through 20 years
264 HOURS
10.15 HOURS
33 PTO DAYS
21+ years
288 HOURS
11.08 HOURS
36 PTO DAYS
Employees in regular part-time positions, who normally work fourteen or more hours per week, shall earn PTO on a pro-rata basis.
HOLIDAYS:
Benton County observes the following 13 calendar holidays:
New Year's Day Martin Luther King Day President's Day Good Friday (4 hours) Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day The day after Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve (4 hours) * Christmas Day **If Christmas Eve falls on a workday, County Offices (excluding the Sheriff’s Office) will close at noon.
*Except for the December 24th holiday, if the holiday falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday shall be designated as the official holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be designated as the official holiday.
HEALTH INSURANCE:
Regular full-time employees and their dependents are eligible for group health insurance coverage, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Newly hired employees will be eligible for coverage effective on the first of the month immediately following their date of hire. Regular part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are also eligible for health insurance coverage.
VISION INSURANCE:
Regular full-time employees may elect to purchase supplemental vision insurance through VSP for themselves and their dependents. Newly hired employees who choose this option will be eligible for coverage effectively on the first day of the month immediately following their date of hire. Regular part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are also eligible for health insurance coverage.
HEALTH CARE SAVINGS PLAN:
Several classifications of employees participate in a post-employment pre-tax savings plan designed to help save for future medical expenses. For additional information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Human Resources at extension 5004.
DENTAL INSURANCE:
Guardian dental benefits are available to employees enrolled in the Benton County health insurance plan. The annual maximum is $1,200 per person. For more information or to locate an in-network dentist, please visit https://www.guardianlife.com/.
LIFE INSURANCE:
Regular full-time employees and elected officials shall be provided with a $15,000 employer-paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) term life insurance policy. (As of 1/1/2026, Age Reductions no longer apply.)
OPTIONAL LIFE INSURANCE:
Additional life insurance coverage is available at the employee's expense.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE:
Employees may elect to purchase supplemental insurance through AFLAC. Available policies include short-term disability, accident, cancer, dental, critical illness, life, and vision insurance.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY:
Regular full-time employees may elect to enroll in long-term disability insurance. Long-term disability benefits provide up to 60% of the employee's monthly income, beginning on the 91st day of total disability. Employees must elect a coverage amount at the time of enrollment. Benefits continue until the employee is able to return to work or reaches retirement age. The maximum benefits duration is determined by the Social Security normal retirement date.
RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Retirement benefits are provided through the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). For more information on PERA, visit www.mnpera.org.
PERA covers Minnesota local government public employees and non-teaching school staff. Membership is required once you meet the earnings threshold, and your earnings exceed $425 in a single month. Once you meet this threshold, your employer will enroll you in your membership group, and you will contribute a percentage of each paycheck to PERA.
As an employee of Benton County, you are enrolled in the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA). As noted, participation is mandated for all public employees and includes contributions from your employer.
YEARS EMPLOYEE EMPLOYER
PERA PLAN TO VESTED CONTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTION
PERA–Coordinated Plan 3 Years 6.50% 7.50% PERA–Correctional Plan 5-10 Years 6.83% 10.25% PERA–Police & Fire Plan 5-10 Years 11.8% 17.70% PERA–Defined Contribution Plan 5 Years 5.00% 5.00%
Once "vested" in PERA, you have secured a cash benefit for your retirement in this defined benefit retirement plan. Unlike most retirement plans today, PERA will provide secure retirement payments that are not dependent on the financial market. You can calculate your retirement payments at any time! Alternatively, you may choose to take a refund of your contributions if preferred once you are no longer active in the PERA plan.
PERA – VESTING:
PERA – Coordinated Plan – 3 years (36 service credits) PERA – Correctional Plan – 5 – 10 years (50% vested at 5 years; 100% vested at 10 years) PERA – Police & Fire Plan – 5 – 10 years (50% vested at 5 years; 100% vested at 10 years)
DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
Deferred Compensation plans are voluntary, long-term savings plans designed to help employees prepare for retirement. Employees may elect to defer a portion of their paycheck into a Deferred Compensation plan authorized under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. Both pre-tax and ROTH options are available.
