Martin County is currently accepting applications for a full-time Deputy Sheriff Sergeant. The available position is scheduled four days per week from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM (rotating weekends and weekdays).
The Deputy Sheriff Sergeant performs duties to enforce federal, state and local laws; protect citizens of and property in the County; and promote public safety. Operates County vehicles, utilizes emergency equipment, completes administrative tasks, and provides court testimony based on accurate, complete, and timely reports. Sergeants are first level supervisors and are responsible for the full supervision of staff on an assigned shift. While much of this work is performed independently and without the immediate presence of a supervisor, sergeants are required to draw upon their life experience, general education, federal, state, and local laws, extensive training, departmental policies and procedures, and other mandates regarding their own response and conduct, both while on and off duty.
Deadline for application submission is 12:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Thorough knowledge of state laws relating to criminal acts and the control of the behavior of citizens.
- Thorough knowledge of highway regulations and what constitutes a violation.
- Good knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and methods.
- Good knowledge of what constitutes evidence in the prosecution of a criminal violation.
- Ability to act quickly and decisively under difficult circumstances.
- Good knowledge of first aid.
- Ability to direct traffic and handle crowds.
- Courteousness and consideration in dealing with the general public.
- Ability to effectively direct the work of others.
- Aptitude for leadership.
- Makes and directs investigations of crimes and collects evidence.
- At the scene of highway accidents gives first aid to the injured and directs traffic.
- Takes statements from witnesses and make measurements and diagrams of the accident. May assist the State Patrol in carrying out these duties.
- Makes investigations of complaints of citizens regarding the behavior of known or unknown persons.
- Questions suspects and witnesses.
- Investigates reports of fights or the activities that disturb the peace.
- Makes arrests using only the force necessary to bring suspects into County Jail.
- Assists other law enforcement agencies and officials in carrying out their duties.
- Directs the work of Deputy Sheriff’s in carrying out the above duties.
- Respond to calls for service, traffic enforcement, accident investigations, enforce laws, issue citations, arrest law violators, traffic control, investigate illegal or suspicious activities and submit written reports.
- Conduct criminal investigations; DWI’s, domestic assaults, harassment/stalking, protection order violations, thefts, fraud, drug offenses, sexual assaults, and other violent crimes.
- Serves civil process for subpoenas, wage garnishments, property executions, commitments, and show-cause orders.
- Review written reports submitted by deputies, supervise night time operations and make decisions to ensure proper functionality of Sheriff’s Office.
- Provides emergency medical/fire aid before, during, and after medical/fire personnel arrive.
- Conduct death investigations as deputy coroner throughout Martin County to include giving next of kin death notifications.
- Supervises all felony criminal investigations, outside of Fairmont, as well as assisting all agencies with criminal and civil investigations.
- Assisting courts, communications, and corrections by providing security, answering phone calls, securing and transporting inmates.
- Assists the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with hunting, fishing, boating, off-roading, and snowmobile engagement, education and enforcement as well as federal and state grant management.
- Completes training, maintenance of vehicle, office, and other duty equipment, and manages licensing records per requirements of the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board.
- Participates in continuing education and training sessions on position applicable law and regulation changes, computer skills and other position related matters. Ensures required certification and licensure credentials remain valid.
- Performs other work-related duties as required.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel so classified.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate’s Degree with principal coursework in criminal justice, police administration and law enforcement.
- Four years of recent progressive law enforcement experience along with the skills, knowledge and abilities required; or equivalent combined education and experience. Minimum of three years as a Deputy Sheriff.
LICENSURE
- Valid Driver’s License
- Minnesota P.O.S.T License
CERTIFICATION
- Firearms
- Use of Force/Taser
- Emergency Vehicle Operations
- Medical CPR/AED
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Considerable knowledge of MN State Statutes relating to criminal and civil justice.
- Considerable knowledge in the areas of Search and Seizure.
- Considerable knowledge of laws concerning Data Practices.
- Social and general intelligence, physical fitness and hardiness, tact, good character and good judgment.
- Ability to treat the public courteously and with firmness when the occasion demands.
- Skill in the use of firearms.
- Aptitude for leadership.
- Knowledge of the principals, practices and procedures of radio communications work governing the receipt and transmission of radio messages as they pertain to the department.
- Ability to prepare clean and comprehensive reports.
- Knowledge of the ability to apply pertinent federal and state laws and local ordinances.
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of Deputies on an assigned shift in the absences of the Chief Deputy Sheriff.
The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience could provide necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job.
POSITION COMPETENCIES
ACCOUNTABILITY & DEPENDABILITY
- Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with limited oversight.
- Follows instructions and adheres to all County policies and procedures as required.
- Maintains an acceptable record of work attendance and punctuality in accordance with County and Department requirements.
COMMUNICATION (VERBAL & WRITTEN)
- Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain working relationships to produce results, and a work environment that builds rapport and trust.
- Communicates professionally and effectively with internal and external customers through spoken and written correspondence, including emails. Listens well; respects viewpoints different than own.
- Contributes knowledge, experience, and feedback appropriately to others.
DECISION MAKING & JUDGEMENT
- Makes timely, informed decisions that take into account the facts, goals, constraints, and risks.
- Displays balanced thinking, combining wisdom, analysis, experience, and perspective when making decisions or producing results.
- Finds solutions that are acceptable to diverse groups with conflicting interests and needs.
ENFORCING LAWS, RULES & REGULATIONS
- Enforces laws, rules, and regulations, and initiates enforcement actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective, and reasonable.
- Clearly explains laws, rules, and regulations, as well as what constitutes a violation.
- Remains calm during the course of enforcement activities to lessen the chance of hostility.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT & INTEGRITY
- Demonstrates knowledge and actions consistent with the County’s values and the County’s code of ethics and conduct.
- Respects and maintains confidentiality.
- Demonstrates high moral principles and professional standards with others through truthfulness and sincerity; makes ethical decisions.
- Shows respect for others’ ideas, perspectives, and styles. Demonstrates appropriate business etiquette and social skills.
QUALITY OF WORK
- Maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrates the ability to use resources productively, effectively, and efficiently.
- Demonstrates the ability to think proactively, anticipates potential problems, and provides workable solutions and alternatives with a ‘can do’ approach.
- Develops and maintains good working knowledge of job responsibilities and prescribed procedures, which facilitates the efficient performance of duties. Takes initiative to utilize job knowledge to analyze situations, resolve problems, and reach decisions.
STRESS TOLERANCE
- Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations. Handles high workloads, competing demands, vague assignments, interruptions, and distractions with poise and ease. Remains steady or thrives under pressure.
- Stays calm and maintains focus in turbulent, threatening, or emergency situations. Makes rational decisions and continues to perform effectively.
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The position has good working conditions in general, but is a diversified job requiring sustained mental effort related to public contacts, organizational issues, planning and technical areas.
The individual may encounter significant emotional strain or tension, and physical encounters. There is sustained exposure to public contact and sitting. There is also moderate exposure to Video Data Terminals (VDT’s) and moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds). A high level of physical effort is sometimes needed where energy, alertness or awareness is significant. There may also be periodic exposure to extremely disagreeable conditions where temperature, odor exposure to hazardous materials and other environmental factors could produce a work environment that requires exceptional physical or mental accommodation to perform the job.
Continuous: Lift or carry less than 10 lbs.; Lift or carry 11-25 lbs.; Repetitive movement; Exposure to emotional public; Work alone.
Frequent: Walk; Stand; Sit; Keyboarding; Working in cold weather below 32 degrees; Inability to leave work station for long periods of time; Exposure to offensive language; Exposure to threats; Considerable mental effort and stress; Work requires high attention to detail; Work with frequent deadlines.
Occasional: Bend or stoop; Kneel or squat; Work with arms above shoulder; Climbing; Lift, carry, push, pull 26-60 lbs.; Working in hot weather above 90 degrees; Exposed to toxic/caustic materials; Exposed to blood borne pathogens; Exposed to fumes or airborne particles; Exposed to wet conditions; Exposed to machine tools; Exposed to moving mechanical parts; Exposed to slippery conditions; Exposure to deadly assault; Exposure to trauma; Some mental effort and stress involved resulting in frustration; Work requires moderate attention to detail.
Intermittent: Lift, carry, push, pull over 60 lbs.; Exposed to annoying odor; Exposed to sickening odor; Exposed to grease/grime; Exposed to high, precarious spaces; Exposed to risk of electrical shock; Limited mental effort and/or stress.
This position is responsible for the use of: Squad Cars, Squad SUV, Mobile Command Center, Boats, Snowmobiles and Utility-Terrain Vehicles under all conditions including extreme weather.
Martin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.