What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Water Patrol Officer position at Benton County?
NOW HIRING!
Benton County – Seasonal Water Patrol Officer
Benton County is now accepting applications to fill the position(s) of Seasonal Water Patrol Officer with the Benton County Sheriff's Office/Patrol.
This seasonal part-time position is expected to work approximately 12 hours every other weekend. The intended 2026 hiring wage is $20.00 per hour.
Recruitment efforts for these open positions will be maintained until the positions have been successfully filled.
The application pull for evaluation will be on THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026.
The application pull for evaluation will be on THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026.
PLEASE NOTE: INTERVIEWS ARE TENTATIVELY SET FOR THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026.
Position Summary
Promote a safe boating environment by enforcing watercraft laws on all Waterways in Benton County.
Candidates should expect to work approximately 12 hours every other weekend.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions
A. Respond to watercraft-related situations (boat accidents, drownings, medicals, and citizen complaints).
B. Ensure watercraft laws are being followed.
C. Assist in placing and retrieving regulatory buoys at the beginning and end of the boating season.
D. Operate County vehicles and equipment according to department procedures.
E. Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
F. Be able to work a schedule that includes mostly weekend shifts.
G. Complete written reports to the water patrol supervisor at the end of the shift.
H. Interact in a positive manner with the public, including the possible de-escalation of angry individuals.
I. Complete other duties that may be requested of you by patrol staff.
Essential Functions
A. Respond to watercraft-related situations (boat accidents, drownings, medicals, and citizen complaints).
B. Ensure watercraft laws are being followed.
C. Assist in placing and retrieving regulatory buoys at the beginning and end of the boating season.
D. Operate County vehicles and equipment according to department procedures.
E. Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
F. Be able to work a schedule that includes mostly weekend shifts.
G. Complete written reports to the water patrol supervisor at the end of the shift.
H. Interact in a positive manner with the public, including the possible de-escalation of angry individuals.
I. Complete other duties that may be requested of you by patrol staff.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A. High School Diploma or equivalent; and
B. Must be 18 years or older.
Preferred Qualifications
A. Prior boating experience preferred.
B. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and First Aid/CPR/AED certification preferred (not required).
Conditions of Employment
A. Must possess a valid MN driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
B. Must successfully complete a background check.
Minimum Qualifications
A. High School Diploma or equivalent; and
B. Must be 18 years or older.
Preferred Qualifications
A. Prior boating experience preferred.
B. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and First Aid/CPR/AED certification preferred (not required).
Conditions of Employment
A. Must possess a valid MN driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
B. Must successfully complete a background check.
Physical Requirements:
A. Must be able to physically operate equipment such as a pickup truck pulling a boat trailer, including loading and unloading the boat from the trailer.
B. Must be able to operate a patrol boat.
B. Must be able to operate a patrol boat.
C. Must be able to perform moderately physically demanding work in a variety of weather situations (heat, wind, cold, precipitation).
D. May involve the lifting or carrying of moderately heavy objects.
E. Must be able to lift 60 pounds. (weight of buoy anchors).
D. May involve the lifting or carrying of moderately heavy objects.
E. Must be able to lift 60 pounds. (weight of buoy anchors).
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability:
A. Must possess the ability to solve problems and determine an appropriate course of action.
B. Must possess the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrams, or schedule forms.
C. Must possess the ability to use independent judgment and react quickly in emergency situations.
Communication Skills:
A. Requires the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with other law enforcement staff, court personnel, other county employees, and the public.
Environmental Adaptability:
A. This job requires extensive time spent outdoors. Will be exposed to various elements of weather, including heat, cold, and rain.
B. Possible confrontation with the public.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.