Grand Forks County

The Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a motivated, professional individual to join our team as a Deputy Sheriff. This is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in law enforcement while making a positive impact on our community.

Deputy Sheriffs play a vital role in maintaining public safety, responding to emergencies, enforcing laws, and serving the citizens of Grand Forks County. This position offers meaningful work, professional development, and the chance to be part of a respected and supportive law enforcement team.

This is a great opportunity to become part of the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, contribute to the safety and well-being of our community, and develop a stable, fulfilling career. If you are dependable, team-oriented, and committed to making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

For additional details about the position, please review the Sheriff Deputy Position Description.

Starting Salary Range: $62,668.80 ($30.13/hour) - $89,350.73 ($42.96/hour), paid semi-monthly Starting rate negotiable based on full-time law enforcement experience. Grand Forks County offers excellent benefits, including retirement, paid leave, and health coverage (see benefit information below).

Application Process: Interested applicants are required to submit a completed Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office Application along with a resume and cover letter to received consideration. Applicants claiming veteran preference must submit a copy of their DD214 with the application.

Applications may be obtained and/or submitted in person or mail: Sheriff Office, 3005 Heartland Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58201 or by email to joel.lloyd@gfcounty.org.

Application Deadline: Interested applicants must submit their application packet prior to April 5, 2026, 11:59 pm.

Anticipated Start Dates and Training Information

Post Licensed/Post Eligible: Applicants who are currently POST licensed or eligible to become POST licensed will start with the Sheriff’s Office on June 1, 2026, and begin their paid Field Training Program.

Non-Licensed: For applicants that are not currently licensed or licensable as a peace officer, the Sheriff’s Office will provide all required training beginning on May 15th, 2026. This process will include in-house paid training at the Sheriff’s Office as well as enrollment in the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA). The first week of the academy beginning June 1, 2026, will consist of online coursework completed at the Sheriff’s Office. Following this, the selected applicant will be required to attend in-person paid training at the LETA in Bismarck, ND, from June 8, 2026, through August 21, 2026. All training time is paid. Upon successful completion of the ND LETA, the applicant will become ND POST licensed as a peace officer and begin the Field Training Program with the Sheriff’s Office.

Education, Experience, and Special Requirements

• Must be 19 years of age
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Must be able to start with the Sheriff’s Office on May 15 or June 1, 2026, depending on license status
• Must be able to attend ND LETA in Bismarck, ND, June 8 – August 21, 2026
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship

Out-of-State Candidates

• Must be a licensed or licensable Peace Officer in their current state
• Or have graduated from a qualified law enforcement training academy
• Or be currently enrolled in a POST-approved academy and eligible for ND Peace Officer License
• Must comply with the special requirements listed above

Disqualifying Factors

• A false statement or any omission of information, on the employment application, consent form, or verbally is disqualifying and grounds for termination of employment.
• A felony conviction.
• Applicants on criminal probation at time of intended hire.
• Any unlawful use of any drug while employed as a peace officer.
• Any involvement in the sales of illegal drugs.
• Lack of a valid driver’s license at time of intended hire.

Following Factors may be Disqualifying

• Prior drug usage will be evaluated for what was used, the extent of the use, and how recent the usage has been (including marijuana).
• A misdemeanor conviction.
• An arrest for which the punishment could have been one year in County Jail or imprisonment in State Prison.
• A theft.
• Unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon.
• A sex act in which the other party was under eighteen years of age.
• Demonstrated history of irresponsible motor vehicle operation.
• A “Failure to Appear” on your driving record.
• A D.U.I. conviction.
• Applicants under psychological/psychiatric care.
• Military discipline or less than honorable discharge.
• Demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility.
• Failure to keep appointments or submit documentation in a complete, neat or timely during the background process.

Why Work for Grand Forks County? At Grand Forks County, employees play an important role in supporting services that impact the local community every day. In addition to meaningful work, the County offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and long-term career stability.

Employees enjoy generous paid holidays and paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, and a strong retirement contribution through NDPERS. This position qualifies for the Public Safety Retirement Plan.

For more information about available benefits, please review the Grand Forks County Employee Benefits Summary.

Selection Process: Prior to the start of employment, prospective employees will undergo a thorough background investigation including a medical fitness for duty examination, psychiatric evaluation, and drug/ alcohol screening. Applicants will be evaluated based on their education, training, and experience, and the top-scoring candidates will be forwarded for further consideration.

Reasonable Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department Office, in writing, at the time of application.

The County of Grand Forks will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.