Job Description
This position is located in Sioux Falls, SD.
The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office is hiring an Air Guard Security Officer to join our team in providing security and protection for the South Dakota Air National Guard (SDANG) facilities and equipment.
Our officers work closely with the military security officers on base in a unique team atmosphere to protect millions of dollars of SDANG assets. We are responsible for 24/7 security services so our officers must be able to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays; shift schedules are established six months at a time.
WHAT DOES THIS CAREER OFFER YOU?
- GREAT WAGES! Hiring range of $25.53/hr - $28.15/hr with a full earning potential up to $37.83/hr PLUS regular opportunities for pay increases. With good performance, new officers will receive up to 5% increases in pay after their first, second and third year IN ADDITION to annual increases.
- 15 SHIFTS A MONTH! 12-hour shifts mean full-time pay by only working half the month PLUS Fri/Sat/Sun off every other week.
- NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL! $1.00/hr night shift differential.
- 12 PAID HOLIDAYS A YEAR!
- GENEROUS PAID TIME OFF! Starting at approximately 130 hours per year.
- GREAT INSURANCE! Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance - competitive rates with excellent coverage. Contact HR for details at 605-367-4337.
- RETIREMENT! Law enforcement retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.
- PAID TRAINING! No experience necessary. All training provided including continuous learning opportunities.
Applications will be accepted until 5 pm cst on 11/4/2026.
This position is funded through September 2027 and may be extended pending additional funding.
How You Will Make an Impact
Protect the mission 24/7. You’ll provide armed security across entry points, aircraft, hangars, munitions and firearms storage, and sensitive facilities - deterring threats and ensuring the Air Guard can operate safely.
Stop problems before they start. Through continuous surveillance, routine security checks, and interior/exterior perimeter patrols, you’ll detect intrusions and suspicious activity early, preventing incidents that could disrupt operations.
Keep our tools and team ready. You’ll maintain and responsibly employ weapons, vehicles, and security equipment so everything works flawlessly when seconds count.
Be the first to respond when it matters most. From FAA control tower calls and intrusion alarms to on-base traffic incidents and accident investigations, you’ll take decisive action, document events, and enforce regulations that keep people safe and the flightline moving.
Be the communications hub. You’ll operate the security desk, monitor DSN/commercial phone lines, fire detection systems, and surveillance cameras, and keep critical information flowing between security police, the FAA tower, local law enforcement, and weather alert systems.
Own the details that drive decisions. By maintaining the blotter, daily activity logs, equipment inventories, and the flightline aircraft status board, your accuracy will give leadership the clear, real-time picture they need.
Lead and connect the force. You’ll brief and dispatch patrols, stay in constant contact with armed teams, surface discrepancies to key personnel, and coordinate swift, unified responses across the installation.
Support the people who power the mission. Whether assisting civilians and military personnel or conducting building and boiler checks, you’ll ensure a safe environment where everyone can focus on the job at hand.
Serve with pride and professionalism. Every shift you stand post, monitor, and respond, you’ll uphold the standards of the Air Guard - and leave knowing your work directly protected people, assets, and national security.
Click here for the full list of responsibilites: Air Guard Security Officer Job Description.
What You Need to Succeed in this Role
High school diploma or GED and one year of relevant work experience. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County. Must successfully complete firearm safety training and the qualifications process including requalifying annually. Must be able to pass the Air Guard background check, physical fitness test, and vision requirements. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
Ability to develop and retain skill in the use of firearms and weapons and maintain qualification. Ability to reasonably and appropriately apply firearm and safety training to situations that arise while in the course of performing the duties of an Air Guard Security Officer. Working knowledge of the principles, policies, and procedures, codes, laws, and statutes of law enforcement operations. Must maintain ability to be a credible witness in court. Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly and to act with tact and impartiality. Ability to perform all functions of physical restraint techniques, as instructed, for suspect safety and the safety of others. Effective verbal and written communication. Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, and the public. Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.
Previous experience working in security or with military operations is also beneficial.
EEO Statement
Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.