Water Patrol Officer

Otter Tail County is accepting applications for Water Patrol Officers in the Sheriff's Department. The purpose of this position is to protect persons and property on the waterways throughout Otter Tail County. Water Patrol Officers are seasonal non-sworn employees who assist law enforcement officers in keeping the lakes and waterways of Otter Tail County safe through boat patrol, responding to water complaints and emergency complaints from citizens. Water Patrol Officers work with Lake Shore Associations, resorts, and civic groups to provide education on water safety. The responsibilities of the Otter Tail County Water Patrol unit make a direct impact on public safety. The deadline to apply is May 8, 2026 by 4:30p.m. Examples of Duties: Keep the public safe on lakes. Prepare reports about accidents, and water related issues. Administer first aid to people who are injured. Testify in court to present evidence. Evaluate requests for service to determine how to respond. Patrol lakes in boats. Investigate suspicious activities. Investigates water safety hazards. Investigate water accidents and drownings. Conduct water search and rescue operations. Interview witnesses. Inspect watercraft for rent, lease or hire. Communicate with emergency dispatchers via radio. Provide information on water conditions to the public. Assist Municipal, State and Federal emergency agency personnel within the county. Respond to drowning victims, assist in recovery of bodies and evidence retrieval. Prepares reports. Prepares and issues water safety permits. Prepares and presents water safety programs to public. Maintains personal safety equipment in good repair. Maintains specialized equipment and supplies. May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan. Supplemental Information: Water Patrol Officers are seasonal, non-sworn employees that work variable hours during the boating season (primarily late spring, summer, and early fall). The starting hourly salary is $20.85, depending on qualifications, with potential for advancement to $31.27. The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. Please note: This position is considered a safety-sensitive position due to the essential job duties in accordance with Minn. Stat. 181.950, Subd. 13. Safety-sensitive employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing. In addition, all employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post-accident. How to Apply To apply for this position, go to: https://ottertailcounty.gov/employment/. Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees have access to the information submitted. When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete. Veterans Preference Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference. Background Investigation All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include but are not limited to gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant. Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is onsidered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the application or background investigation process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment. Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace. Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information. Equal Opportunity Employer