Job Description

Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office

Full-Time Deputy Sheriff Opening

Location: Hamlin County, South Dakota
Schedule: Full-Time | Swing Shifts
Closing Date: Sunday, June 7th, 2026, at Midnight CDT

Position Summary

The Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applicants for a full-time Deputy Sheriff position. Deputies perform general law enforcement duties to maintain law and order throughout Hamlin County, South Dakota.

Responsibilities include:

• Responding to calls for service
• Conducting civil process and service
• Investigating illegal or suspicious activity
• Providing law enforcement services to the contract communities of Bryant, Castlewood, Estelline, and Hayti
• Working closely with all three county schools
• Transporting inmates
• Providing court security
• Traffic enforcement
• Serving arrest warrants
• Investigating vehicle crashes

Salary

• $26.00/hour – Certified Law Enforcement Officers in South Dakota
• $24.00/hour – Non-Certified Applicants
• $1.00/hour raise after successful completion of field training and the six-month probationary period
• $2.00/hour increase upon obtaining South Dakota law enforcement certification
• Overtime opportunities available after completion of field training

Schedule

Deputies typically work afternoons, evenings, and overnight shifts throughout the week. Schedules generally consist of four 10-hour shifts with rotating days off.

• Typically, every other weekend off
• One to two nights per week assigned as the primary on-call deputy
• Deputies receive an additional two hours of pay while serving as the primary on-call deputy
• Holiday pay is provided for county-approved holidays
• Additional premium pay for working major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Christmas Day

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Applicants should possess...

• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, policies, procedures, laws, and statutes
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions quickly
• Professionalism, tact, and impartiality
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the public
• Ability to testify credibly in court
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Applicants must reside within Hamlin County within a reasonable period after hire.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old to perform law enforcement duties
  • Applicants who are 20 years old and nearing age 21 are encouraged to apply
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including:
  • Bending
  • Pushing and pulling
  • Reaching overhead
  • Kneeling
  • Gripping
  • Lifting objects over 50 pounds when necessary
• Non-certified applicants must:
  • Be eligible for certification through the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission
  • Obtain certification within one year of hire
  • Maintain certification in accordance with South Dakota law

Benefits

• South Dakota Class B Retirement
• 100% Employee Health Insurance Paid by County
• Sick Leave – 8 hours per month
• Vacation Leave – 3 hours per month during the first year
• Holiday Pay
• Longevity Pay after 5 years
• Take-Home Patrol Vehicle
• County-Paid Training
• Overtime Opportunities after Field Training
• Typically, Every Other Weekend Off and Typically a Three-Day Weekend
• $1.00/hour raise after successful completion of field training and probation

Questions or Application Information

Lieutenant Tayt Alexander
Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office
605-783-3232 ext. 102
tayt@hamlinco.us