Deputy Sheriff - Eligibility List

Salary: $31.90 - $41.73 Hourly

Location : Milaca, MN

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 00846

Department: Sheriff's Office

Opening Date: 11/21/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

The Deputy Sheriff ensures the protection of the citizens of Mille Lacs County by providing law enforcement services. Duties include protecting life and property, preventing crime, apprehending criminals, and enforcing laws, rules, and regulations in Mille Lacs County.

This position operates under the LELS bargaining unit. Complete 2026 pay scale is $31.90-$41.73/hr. For a complete position description, click

Fully paid single medical insurance is available for full-time employees and begins the 1st of the month following employment.

Shift differential of $1.25/hr is paid for all hours worked between 6 pm and 6 am.

This posting will be used as an eligibility list to fill future vacancies as they become available.

Essential Functions

This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

Works to prevent crimes and preserve public safety. Patrols county roads and enforces traffic laws, rules and regulations; issues warnings or citations. Reports road conditions or hazards to dispatch for communication with the responsible department or jurisdiction. Observes condition of signs, signals, road surfaces, and severe weather conditions.

Performs various administrative duties, such as writing clear and concise reports related to essential function activities and attending in-service training and meetings. Accounts for activities during a shift. Assumes responsibility for the care of department vehicles and property, including assigned patrol unit and issued equipment.

Performs traffic control to allow emergency responders to work safely while at the scene of a fire or medical emergency; provides assistance to other law enforcement agencies on request.

Performs initial investigations and determines whether the case needs to be handed off to an Investigator for further work or completes the full investigation. Preserves evidence at the scene of petty misdemeanor to felony level crimes. Interviews suspects, victims, and witnesses of crimes to obtain statements and gather evidence. Investigates natural deaths within the county, prepares a report and files the report with the Medical Examiner's Office. Watches for and investigates to find wanted or missing persons or property. Transfers cases to an Investigator when the nature of the case indicates a need to transfer based on Sheriff's Office guidelines. Testifies in court as needed. Secures major crime scenes until investigation personnel arrive.

Responds personally to emergency calls per established Sheriff's Office procedures. Evaluates each situation upon arrival to determine whether additional assistance is needed; conducts a preliminary investigation and brings the event to a conclusion; depending on the situation, requests deployment of the Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.), K-9, or Search and Rescue.

Makes contact with and resolves situations with violent, mentally ill, mental health crisis, and/or uncooperative citizens in a manner to protect the community and preserve the health and safety of the general public, deputies and bystanders.

Administers medical or trauma aid until the situation is stabilized or there is relief provided by paramedics or ambulance personnel. Makes arrests when justified by the circumstances. Participates in searches and rescue for lost, missing, or drowned persons.

May Participate in special assignments as delegated or as a volunteer, such as:

Court Security Officer to maintain an orderly courtroom and provide for the safety of judges, attorneys, court personnel, witnesses, defendants, and the public; maintains rapport with all parties; schedules and provides work direction to civilian bailiffs.

Boat and Water Patrol Officer; enforces laws while on the water; operates watercraft; inspects watercraft and checks operators for equipment or safety violations; issues warnings or citations.

School Liaison Officer. Responds to requests for help from school officials, families and students; promotes a safe school environment; interacts and maintains rapport with all parties; participates in school committees.

Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) as a volunteer; receives special training and equipment to resolve critical and high-risk situations.

Drug Task Force Officer. Investigates drug related crimes; writes search warrants; monitors and uses surveillance related equipment; works with confidential informants and works undercover.

Domestic Violence Surveillance Officer. Provides intense supervision on released offenders court ordered on Domestic Violence Court. Conducts investigations and apprehends known violent individuals. Conducts surveillance in home and job-related compliance checks; administers breath and urine tests to monitor sobriety; performs daily, weekly, and monthly meetings with clients; monitors defendants' current locations through monitoring devices and through a dedicated monitoring phone line to ensure victim safety.

Drug Court Officer. Supervises and monitors individuals court ordered to Drug Court. Conducts in home and job-related visits; administers breath and urine tests to monitor sobriety; performs daily, weekly, and monthly meetings with clients.

Communicates professionally with the public in order to build rapport and solicit public cooperation with law enforcement activities. Develops materials and provides presentations oriented toward the public to inform them about safety or security matters.

May transport prisoners to the jail or medical facility.

Serves Civil Process paperwork. Minimum Qualifications

Eligibility for Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board license, and firearms certification.

Class D Driver's License.

Must successfully complete a criminal history background check, pre-employment physical, physical agility testing, and psychological examination.

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Qualifying candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.

Deputy Sheriff selection process:

Initial screening/oral interview

Averages 20-30 minutes

In-person

A second-round interview may be required

Background check including a criminal history check

Paperwork averages 1-5 hours to be completed accurately

Must be completed within 7 days of when candidate receives packet (HR will notify candidate of due date)

Background check process averages 4-8 weeks to be completed, once everything is turned in to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office

Pre-employment physical/medical examination (time varies)

Psychological evaluation (time varies)

The entire hiring process typically averages between 60 and 75 days from beginning to end.

Upon job offer, candidates will be notified of their assigned shift and schedule.

Permanent part-time employees are eligible to earn pro-rated holiday, vacation and sick time benefits.

The following is intended to be a general overview of benefits provided for full-time positions. Insurance benefits become effective the first day of the month following the month of hire. Further details and a complete copy of the applicable contract/policy language are available at the time an employment offer is extended. If you have any questions about the benefits, please contact the Administrative Services Office at

Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Benefits Provided

Employees fall under the General, Police & Fire, or Correctional defined benefit plan depending on their position. PERA rates and handbooks available on-line:

Contribution amounts are based on the employee's pay each pay period.

Coordinated Plan:

Employer Contribution 7.5%

Employee Contribution 6.5%

Police & Fire Plan:

Employer Contribution: 17.7%

Employee Contribution: 11.8%

Correctional Plan:

Employer Contribution: 10.25%

Employee Contribution: 6.83% Paid Time Off

Holidays: Full-time employees have approximately 14.5 paid holidays per year, including floating holidays, subject to the terms of the Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreement as applicable.

Vacation: Full-time employees earn 11 to 23 days per year, depending on tenure. Part-time employees earn pro- rated accruals.

Sick Time: Full-time employees accrue 12 sick days per year. Part-Time employees earn pro-rated accruals.

Medical Insurance

Employees have three (3) medical insurance plans to choose from, within three (3) different networks. The rates shown are effective 1/1/2025 through 12/31/2025.

Single Employee Cost HSA Contribution Family Employee Cost

RTS Medica Passport

2000-25% HSA $0 $93.75 $832.98

850-40 $117.22 N/A $1,144.50

400-35 $177.04 N/A $1,303.50

RTS Medica Elect

2000-25% HSA $0 $208.33 $522.60

850-40 $0 N/A $795.18

400-35 $38.12 N/A $934.30

RTS Medica VantagePlus

2000-25% HSA $0 $229.17 $460.52

850-40 $0 N/A $725.32

400-35 $10.34 N/A $860.46

Employees may choose to contribute additional funds to their HSA each year, up to the IRS limit of $4,150 for singles, and $8,300 for families. Once age 55, employees can contribute an additional $1,000 (to either single or family). The IRS limit applies to the total of employer and employee contributions combined.

Employees may choose to have their employer HSA contribution (if eligible) go into a VEBA account.

Dental Insurance

There is no cost to employee for single coverage. Family coverage costs the employee $74.22 per month.

Vision Insurance

Vision coverage is available and paid for by the employee at the following monthly rates:

Employee Only - $5.85

Employee + Spouse - $11.69

Employee + Children - $11.31

Family - $18.35 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) Available

Plan options include medical and dependent care FSAs, as well as a premium only plan (pre-tax deduction of medical and dental premiums). These amounts cannot be changed during the year unless there is a qualifying life event. All funds must be used by claims deadline.

FSA Medical/Health max election of $3,050 per year

Limited Purpose FSA max election of $3,050 per year (used when you also have a H.S.A. Can only be used for vision, dental or orthodontia expenses).

FSA Dependent Care max election of $5,000 per year per family ($2,500 if married and filing separately) Deferred Compensation Program Available

Deferred Compensation Plans are available through Nationwide:

Life Insurance

There is no cost to the employee for $15,000 in basic life insurance coverage. Rates for voluntary additional coverage for employee or spouse vary according to age category:

Age of Employee Or Spouse Employee Monthly Cost Per $1,000

Under age 35 .06

35-39 .10

40-44 .12

45-49 .17

50-54 .25

55-59 .45

60-64 .68

65-69 1.29

70-74 2.08

Dependent Life & Child Life Insurance Packages Available

Child life is available as a $10,000 policy on each child; the cost is $1.30 per month. Dependent care is available as a $2,500 policy on all tax dependents; the cost is $0.66 per month.

Long-term Disability Insurance Plan Available

Rates vary according to age and coverage amount.

Age Price per Month/Per $100 Monthly Benefit

Under age 25 .26

25-29 .33

30-34 .40

35-39 .48

40-44 .65

45-49 .94

50-54 1.25

55-59 1.51

60+ 1.53

Short-term Disability Insurance Plan Available

Rates vary according to age and coverage amount.

Age Price per Month/Per $100 Weekly Benefit

Under Age 25 11.20

25-29 8.90

30-34 9.60

35-39 8.90

40-44 8.00

45-49 8.80

50-54 9.40

55-59 12.00

60-64 13.80

65+ 15.50

Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Confinement Insurance Available

01

Do you have a valid Minnesota POST license?

Yes

No, but I am POST-eligible

No

02

Do you have an active POST license?

Yes

No

03

If yes, please indicate your P.O.S.T. license number:

04

How many years of experience do you have as a full-time, licensed peace officer?

6 or more years

3 to 6 years

1-3 years

Less than a year

None

05

Briefly describe this experience. If none, write "N/A".

06

Do you have First Responder Certification?

Yes

No

07

If no, are you able to obtain certification within 6 months of beginning employment?

Yes

No

Required Question