The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office in Rapid City, SD is now accepting applications for Sheriff Deputies with a October 2026 start date. We are seeking individuals ready to build a long-term career in law enforcement as part of our Patrol team.

Previous law enforcement experience is not required and a comprehensive training program will be provided.

Deputy Sheriffs represent the Pennington County Sheriff's Office mission to promote safety and justice to improve the quality of life in our community and protects life and property for the citizens of Pennington County. In addition to competitive benefits and an employee wellness program, PCSO offers a variety of assignments, ancillary duties, advancement opportunities and progressive leadership.

The Black Hills boasts spectacular scenery, endless recreation for all seasons and a great place to raise a family. We have a strong and growing economic base of agriculture and tourism with regional assets such as Ellsworth Air Force Base, Monument Hospital and the Sanford Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory. The Blacks Hills have a thriving arts and culture scene that encompasses the values and history of our region.

Deputies work 10-hour shifts bid on a 6-month rotation.

This posting may be used to establish an eligibility list for future offers.Essential Functions:

Patrol Pennington County for prevention and suppression of crime, enforce laws (federal, state and local) and ordinances, investigate illegal or suspicious activities and ensure the protection of life and property.
Respond to calls relayed by radio, including domestic disputes, arrests, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons and stranded motorists.
Carry out investigations of assigned cases; collect evidence; identify and apprehend offenders; interview complainants, victims, witnesses and suspects; conduct follow-up investigations as required.
Document work activities into a records management system and manage sensitive data and legal documentation.
Serve as a first responder in emergency situations such as accidents, medical issues, natural disasters, etc.
Interview witnesses/suspects, prepare written reports and appear in court as a witness.
Respond to specified deaths within Pennington County to perform the duties of Deputy Coroner in accordance with SDCL 23-14, which requires specialized training.
Maintain ability to testify as a credible witness in court.
Adhere to Sheriff’s Office Global and Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures (150).
Attend meetings and trainings as required.
Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
Maintain compliance with all county policies and procedures.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.Education and/or Experience Required:

Minimum 64 hours of college credit from an accredited institution, or 2 two years of prior public safety or military experience.
A combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Successful completion of the pre-employment hiring standards, to include a written exam, medical physical and physical agility test.
Minimum 21 years of age.
Able to obtain state of South Dakota Law Enforcement Officer Basic Certification per SDCL 2-01-02.
Successful completion of the South Dakota Law Enforcement Basic Officer Certification Course (520 hours).
Successful completion of the Deputy Training Program (600 hours).
Free of any felony conviction.
Free of any domestic violence simple assault conviction.
Ability to successfully perform the skills required for use of force, which may include the use of deadly force.
Eligibility for employment following a character background investigation and pre-employment psychological exam.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid South Dakota Driver’s License within 90 days of moving to South Dakota.
Outside of state statute, the Sheriff has discretion to waive any of the above requirements.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds.
Ability to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone, over the radio, and in person.
Specific abilities required include data entry, driving, public speaking, hearing, vision, color differentiation, standing walking, bending, stooping, running, carrying and safely and effectively using tools of the trade (firearms, tasers, etc.).
This position may be exposed to hazardous conditions, extreme weather conditions, infectious diseases, air and water borne pathogens, bodily fluids and combative and assaultive suspects and criminals.
Deputies must posses the physical strength and conditioning to render emergency aid or defend themselves or others in a physical altercation.

Working Environment:

Work is typically performed in office, specialized law enforcement vehicle, field environments and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.
The work requires the use of specialized law enforcement equipment to include firearm, taser, OC spray and rifle.
Due to the geography of Pennington County, Deputies will find themselves working in remote, rural areas to include grasslands, mountains, lakes, creeks and the badlands.

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