Corrections/Bailiff Officer (FT/PT)

Otter Tail County is creating eligibility lists for full-time and part-time Corrections/Bailiff Officer positions for current and future openings.  Applicants may apply for both positions in this application. 

The purpose of this position is to maintain order, safety, and security in a medium sized correctional facility within applicable rules, regulations, ordinances, and statutes.  Maintain legal inmate and officer records, perform intake and release of inmates, supervise inmates, and perform bailiff officer duties in court.

The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026.
*Qualified applicants are required to take the REACT for Correction Officer's Exam, date to be determined. More information about the REACT for Correction Officer's Exam and an option for a practice exam is available at https://ergopracticetests.com/?REA/.
Examples of Duties:
  • Supervises, coordinates, escorts, and advises incarcerated adults.
  • Processes and disseminates all inmate needs including, but not limited to, medical issues, courts, programs, visitations, food, clothing, personal hygiene, and shelter.
  • Books in inmates following established procedures to include  medical and alcohol intake assessments, fingerprints, photographs and collects proper medical and demographic information.  Conducts security searches on arrested or sentenced persons.
  • Staffs the central control areas in order to monitor and report on inmate behavior, calls for assistance, and controls the flow of movement throughout the facility by operating electronically controlled doors, cameras, two-way radios, security elevators, and intercom equipment.
  • Patrols facility by making rounds, conducting inmate counts, assessing inmate status, and making referrals as necessary.
  • Maintains the integrity and security of the living units.
  • Escorts and transports inmates.
  • Performs court bailiff duties.
  • Maintains documentation logs, reports, forms, ledgers for inmate accounts, fees, fines, and bail.
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualified applicants must:
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent; AND
  • Possess a valid driver's license; AND;
  • Be able to pass a background investigation, physical agility test, medical examination and psychological evaluation, which will be conducted prior to hire
In addition, applicants must possess one of the following:
  • Associate's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Psychology, or related field; OR
  • One year work experience in corrections or related field; OR
  • Three years of responsible work experience in any field
Preference given to candidates with experience in corrections.
Supplemental Information:

This job posting will establish an eligibility list for current and future openings for full-time and part-time Corrections/Bailiff Officer positions.  The creation of this eligibility list will replace all prior eligibility lists for this classification.

Applicants must be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. A standard 12-month probationary period applies.  

The 2025 starting salary for the full-time position is $24.55 per hour, with advancement to $36.85 per hour.

The 2025 starting salary for the part-time position is $28.23 per hour, with advancement to $42.38 per hour. 

* The 2026 starting salary rates are pending union contract negotiations. 

The selection process will include an online employment application and REACT for Correction Officer's Exam for all qualified applicants.  Semi-finalists will be invited to an interview.  Finalists will be required to pass a physical agility test, background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screen prior to hire.

*Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be notified by email with information on how to register for the REACT for Correction Officer's Exam.  You will be required to show identification (valid driver's license) prior to taking the exam. The exam will be administered at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls.  The exam is comprised of the following components:  human relations (situational video), counting, reading, and report writing.  You will need to allow three hours to take the exam.  Applicants that pass the REACT for Correction Officers Exam will be invited to interview.  Please keep us informed of any changes in your contact information throughout this process.  If you have previously taken the REACT for Correction Officers Exam, please call 218-998-8060.

Please note:  This position is considered a safety-sensitive position due to the essential job duties in accordance with Minn. Stat. §181.950, Subd. 13. Safety-sensitive employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.  In addition, all employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post-accident. 

How To Apply
To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link.  Online applications are stored on a secure site.  Only you and authorized employees have access to the information submitted.

When filling out any employment application materials, you must include your entire employment and education history.  
 
Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process.  A DD214 and any supporting documentation must be included with the employment application.  
 
Background Investigation
All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include but are not limited to gathering information from the following sources:  Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.
 
Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought.  Making false statements or withholding information during the application or background investigation process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.

Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.

Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer

Additional Info

Job Type : Full-Time, Part-time

Education Level : High School

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