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, located in northeast South Dakota and home to Lake Poinsett, is seeking applicants for a full-time Deputy Sheriff position. The county has six communities, three schools, and a population of just over 6,000 people, with an increase in the summer months due to Lake Poinsett. Deputies perform general law enforcement duties to maintain law and order throughout Hamlin County, South Dakota.

Applicants MUST complete the provided application.
Applicants must reside within Hamlin County within a reasonable period after hire.

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