Ward County Sheriff's Department

The Ward County Sheriff's Department is now hiring for the position of Deputy Sheriff.

This position offers an excellent salary and exceptional benefits, including single or family health insurance, a premium retirement plan, and more!  

Read on to learn why so many have chosen the Ward County Sheriff's Department as the pinnacle of their Law Enforcement Career. 

This position will remain open until filled.

Come visit us at the Sheriff's Office and learn more!  We will be holding an Open House event on July 14th, 2026 from 6pm to 10pm for anyone interested in applying for the open position. This is an excellent opportunity to meet current employees and take a tour of  the department.  There may even be the potential for a short ride along if time allows.

 204 Front St SE, Minot, ND 58701 

• Deputy Sheriff starting pay range is $26.77 to $29.55 per hour depending on experience.
• Potential credit given for lateral transfers
• Eligibility for promotion to Corporal after one year provided conditions are met

Ward County offers a benefits package that provides security for you and your family :

• 97% paid Single and Family Health Insurance
• ND Pers Retirement Plan -Deputy contributes only .5% while the county contributes 17.5% resulting in increased take-home pay!
• Dental Insurance Available
• Vision Insurance Available
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays

Additional benefits to working for the Ward County Sheriff's Department include:

• Many opportunities for overtime
• Uniforms Provided
• Duty Gear Provided 

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Ward County Patrol Deputy serves and protects the public and enforces the laws of the State of North Dakota by routinely patrolling the roads and highways of Ward County, checking the security of property, responding to calls for assistance, investigating crimes and accidents, and keeping records of his/her activities. 

GENERAL DUTIES: 

• Operate assigned vehicles in patrolling the roads and highway of the County, enforcing traffic laws, checking on the security of property, responding to calls for assistance and rendering aid
• Investigate accidents and crimes by securing crime scenes, interviewing witnesses and victims, gathering data, taking measurements, and searching for and securing physical evidence
• Completes logs and reports and other records of activities, investigations, and incidents he/she is involved with
• Locate individuals and serves civil papers and criminal warrants as assigned
• Takes prisoners to court appearances, in the courthouse or via video, while maintaining the safety and security of the public and prisoners.
• Participate in training programs and exercises to maintain proficiency in performing assigned functions
• Locate and arrest persons for whom criminal warrants have been issued
• Assist other law enforcement agencies as requested or directed
• Make court appearances to testify in traffic and criminal cases
• Take reports of a runaway juvenile, attempt to locate the juvenile, and remain with him/her until released to their family or other appropriate person or agency
• Attend meetings and briefings and provide public relations activities as directed
• Keep vehicle servicing and maintenance records for assigned vehicle and make arrangements for servicing and maintenance when needed.

QUALIFIATIONS REQUIRED

•  High School degree and at least one year of full-time work experience in law enforcement, security, or a public contact position or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A two year college degree, one year experience working in the field of law enforcement, and license as a law enforcement officer in North Dakota are preferred.
• Current North Dakota Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
• Knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken; a general knowledge of the law and the functions of law enforcement; and a good understanding of human behavior, particularly in stressful situations.
• Skill in writing, reading, speaking and listening to the English language and effectively communicating with others both orally and in writing and particularly under pressure and in emergencies.
• Skill in effectively reasoning and dealing with others particularly in tense and potentially dangerous situations.
• Ability to understand and follow policies and procedures and exercise judgment in applying policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret the law, particularly under stress and in emergency situations.
• Ability to physically restrain another person if necessary.
• Ability to learn and effectively use the County’s computer software, organize assigned work and perform work productively, learn and effectively use new methods, procedures, and technologies in carrying out the functions of the position.
• Ability to work effectively and cordially with other employees, inmates, employees of other agencies and the public, including those from other cultures and of other races.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

A Deputy is required to be licensed by the State of North Dakota as a law enforcement officer within one year of employment in the position.  The position also requires a valid driver’s license.  The failure to obtain or maintain current licensure in either or both of these areas may result in suspension or termination of employment.
 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

• May spend a large amount of time operating a motor vehicle depending on the assignment.  Must be able to work in a mid-sized vehicle, in a cramped space for an extended amount of time, to include the entirety of a scheduled shift or more.
• Occasionally faces stressful situations which involve the risk of personal safety or the safety of others. 
• May be required to wear protective equipment, and must be ready to use a firearm or physical force in the line of duty.
• May be required to run distances in pursuit of suspects; jump over or across obstacles, climb obstacles such as fences or walls, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, crawl, or stretch in performance of the job.  Must be able to lift and/or move objects and people weighing up to or in excess of 200 pounds; physically control people; sit in a patrol car or elsewhere or stand for long periods of time; and push vehicles for short distances.  
• Excellent overall health, eyesight, and hearing are necessary.

All candidates must complete testing as noted below.

• Licensed North Dakota peace officers are not required to complete the physical agility test but must still take the written examination.
• Applicants who do not hold a current peace officer license in good standing will be required to complete both a written examination and a physical agility test.  
• Testing dates will be determined on an on-going basis. 
• After applying applicants will be notified by email of their specific test time and testing location. The physical agility test will consist of the current North Dakota POST–certified obstacle course. 

 For any questions, contact Captain Jason Kraft at 701-857-6500 or jason.kraft@wardnd.com.  

Gather your cover letter and resume.

Click the "Apply Here" button below and complete the online application. Once complete, your application, cover letter, and resume can be submitted completely online by following the instructions 

Ward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer