The Ward County Sheriff’s Department is currently taking applications for the position of Court Security Officer/Evidence Technician.

This is an unsworn position and does not require an ND POST license.

Applications must be received in the Human Resources office before or on May 26th, 2023. The expected start date will be June 15th, 2023, or as soon as possible after that date.

Pay will start at approximately $46,956 to $51,830 yearly depending on experience.

Benefits include: health insurance plans for both single and family which are paid 100% by the county, dental and vision plans with employee contribution, all uniforms and duty gear furnished by the department, ND PERS retirement, vacation, and sick time.

Once applications are received all qualified applicants will receive an email with an interview date and time. The anticipated date for interviews is June 1st, 2023.

Applications can be completed online at wardnd.com/jobs.aspx, mailed to the Ward County HR Department, PO Box 5005, Minot, ND 58701, or emailed to human.resources@wardnd.com. For any questions, contact Captain Jason Kraft at 701-857-6500 or jason.kraft@wardnd.com.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The Court Security/Evidence Technician work activities involve providing for the safety and security of individuals at the Ward County Courthouse and other Ward County facilities, processing evidence and property for the Ward County Sheriff’s Department, assisting civil process serving civil process, and performing other duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Securing the Ward County Courthouse by screening individuals and property entering the courthouse in accordance with Ward County Sheriff’s Department Policy 210.
• Conduct interior and exterior security inspections of the courthouse.
• Provide courtroom security by searching and securing courtrooms, checking alarms and being present in the courtrooms when requested.
• Assist in the transport of prisoners and mental health persons, including persons needing to go to court or being transported to and from another facility.
• Process evidence and other property checked in to the Ward County Sheriff’s Department property rooms.
• Maintain proper accountability of all property and evidence within the Ward County Sheriff’s Department property rooms, to include chain of custody documents, labelling and organization.
• Notify owners of property whenever property may be released and conduct the release with proper documentation.
• Assist the civil process division with serving various types of civil process.
• Completes logs and reports and other records of activities and incidents in which he/she is involved.
• Participate in training programs and exercises to maintain proficiency in performing assigned functions.
• Testify in court.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Captain or Lieutenant.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):

• High school or GED diploma.
• 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 building and court security and human behavior.
• Skill in writing, reading, listening to the English language and effectively communicating with others both orally and in writing;
• Skill in effectively reasoning and dealing with others in stressful and potentially dangerous situations; skills in operating a motor vehicle
• Ability to understand and follow policies and procedures; the ability to exercise judgment in applying policies and procedures and interpreting the law
• Ability to effectively function in emergencies and under stress; the 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, prisoners, employees of other agencies and the public, including those of all cultures and races.

Applicants for Court Security/Evidence Technician must successfully complete:

• Psychological examination
• Possess, or the ability to possess, a valid North Dakota driver’s license.
• Pass an extensive background check
• Complete training relevant to the position as deemed necessary by the Sheriff, to include, but not limited to, CPR, First-aid, Taser, and use of force.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

This position does not require a peace officer license. This position does require a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS: These support the essential functions of the position.

• The Court Security/Evidence Technician spends a divided amount of time between courthouse security, managing the property room and serving civil process.
• The Courthouse Security/Evidence Technician occasionally faces stressful situations which involve the risk of personal safety or the safety of others.
• The Court Security/Evidence Technician may be required to wear protective equipment, and if certified must be ready to use a firearm or taser and physical force in line of duty.
• The Court Security/Evidence Technician 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 the performance of their duties.
• A Court Security/Evidence Technician must be able to lift and or move objects and people weighing up to or in excess of 200 pounds; and stand for long periods of time.
• Excellent overall health, eyesight, and hearing are necessary.
• Depending on the assignment, may spend a large amount of time operating a motor vehicle. 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The Court Security/Evidence Technician usually works day time hours Monday – Friday, although may be assigned to work evening, nights, weekends, and holidays. On occasion, because of work load or emergencies, additional work may be required beyond scheduled hours.

Although courthouse security/evidence technician duties are primarily done indoors, work may also be required in extremes of climate and weather conditions while serving civil process or conducting transports.

OTHER ASSIGNMENTS:

County Department heads and supervisors reserve the right to amend the functions assigned this position, either temporarily or permanently, at any time as they determine the best interest of their department. Further, employees may be assigned other or additional functions to fill-in during the absence of other employees or vacancies in other positions.