Minnesota News

Full Time Police Officer - Paynesville

Job Description: The Paynesville Police Department is seeking a hardworking, dedicated, value-adding applicant who is looking to make a difference and join our growing community.

Paynesville has put a focus and emphasis on staffing needs and a work life balance for their officers. In recent years the department has strengthened their compensation package to include:

• Competitive Wages starting at $33.06 per hour in 2026

- Consideration for a higher starting wage will be given based on experience

• Fully Paid Single and Family Medical Premiums

• 1-Month Paid Sabbatical every 3 Years

• Flexible Scheduling

• Wellness program which includes access to a 24 hr. fitness center, access to mental health services and more

• Individualized Training

• Matching Deferred Comp payments up to $600

• $1.50/hr shift differential

• 128 hrs of PTO accrued after the first year

• PTO use available after 4 months

• 14 Paid Holidays per year

Located in Stearns County between St. Cloud and Willmar, and within 75 miles from the Twin Cities Metro Area, Paynesville has a lot to offer. With easy access to hiking and biking trails, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and a strong park system, the City offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. There is also a Level 4 trauma hospital offering state-of-the-art facilities and a local school district. Our community offers everything necessary for our officers to grow and thrive.

Agency: Paynesville

Location: 221 Washburne Ave.

Region: 5

Pay Rate: 2026 Wages: $33.06 to $40.62

2027 Wages: $34.71 to $42.65

Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Website Link: https://www.cityofpaynesville.gov/freeform_jobposting_detail_T6_R67.php

Police Officer - City of Austin

Job Description: Join our dedicated team of 34 officers and serve a community that values its police. We're looking for motivated individuals to grow with us in a supportive environment.

Hiring Incentive: Up to $7,500, with $3,750 paid after 30 days and another $3,750 after six months of satisfactory employment.

2026 rates: $37.67 – $50.23 per hour

2027 rates: $39.08 – $52.11 per hour

Work Schedule: 10-hour days with rotating days off, including 3 or 4 consecutive days off, with the 4-day sets when the rotation reaches the weekend.

Lateral Transfers: Experienced officers can move laterally into our agency at comparable wages and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, including accelerated vacation and sick leave accrual based on years of experience.

Progress to top step within five years with our shortened step progression; senior officer increase after 6 years.

We offer a complete benefits package including health insurance plans with annual HSA contributions of $2,000 (single) and $4,000 (family). 12 paid holidays each year, which can be paid out for additional compensation, and access to our modern and well-equipped fitness facility. We're committed to supporting our officers both on and off the job.

Minimum Requirements: Associates degree in criminal justice or related field; POST licensed or eligible by hire date; valid driver's license; must pass a comprehensive background check, psychological, and physical exam.

Start your law enforcement career with us in Austin today! Visit our website for more information and hear firsthand experiences from our officers.

Agency: City of Austin

Location: 201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912

(shared facility with the Sheriff's office)

Region: 8

Pay Rate: Wage Range: 2026: $37.67 – $50.23 per hour

Night shift differential of 1.00/hr. and Sunday shift differential of .35 cents/hr.

Deadline: August 31, 2026, with on-going review, interview and selection

Website Link: https://ci.austin.mn.us/police-officer2

Deputy Sheriff I - Brown County Sheriff's Department

Job Description: Responsible, under the direction of the Sheriff, for the enforcement of the laws of the State of Minnesota which include, however; not limited to, the apprehension of criminals, prevention of criminal activity and protection of property and life.

Sheriff’s Deputies also assist area police, fire and ambulance services when requested or directed.

Education:

Associate Degree in Law Enforcement and P.O.S.T. license (Peace Officer License required by the State of Minnesota) eligible. A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a peace officer, reserve peace officer, correctional officer, military police, 9-1-1 dispatcher, security officer, or in a detox/detention facility is preferred.

Obtain all required State Licenses/Certifications.

Agency: Brown County Sheriff's Department

Location: 15 S Washington St

New Ulm, MN 56073

Region: South Central Region 7

Pay Rate: $31.34 - $35.14 hourly

Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026 at 4:30pm

Website Link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brownmn/jobs/5348004/full-time-deputy-sheriff-i

Police Officer - Fond du Lac Tribal Police Department

Job Description: Responsibilities

• Deter crime and enhance public safety through community involvement.

• Identify, apprehend, and assist in the prosecution of suspected violators of the law.

• Respond to non-emergency, emergency, and crisis situations.

• Perform other related duties as required.

• Displays a responsive and professional manner in solving all requests, complaints, and problems.

• Maintains a clean and organized work area.

• Represents the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the department in a positive and professional manner in the community.

• Recognizes that employees have certain personal responsibilities which affect the operational efficiency of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

• Required to maintain proper attendance and reports to work on time in accordance with Reservation Business Committee policy.

• Recognizes that each employee is a representative of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and is responsible for demonstrating courtesy, respect, and sensitivity to the needs of every person including visitors and co-workers.

• Due to changes and modifications in the job from time to time, employees are required to be flexible and assume other responsibilities assigned by management as management sees the necessity. Some assignments may not be listed on this description.

Full job description available at https://www.fdlband.org/services/human_resources/employment_opportunities.php

Agency: Fond du Lac Tribal Police Department

Location: 930 Trettel lane Cloquet MN 55720

Region: 3

Pay Rate: Starting pay $29 or determined by qualifications

Deadline: July 24th, 2026 4:30pm

Website Link: https://www.fdlband.org/services/human_resources/employment_opportunities.php

Police Officer - City of Hutchinson

Job Description: The City of Hutchinson seeks applicants to fill 2 Full Time Police Officer positions. Qualified applicants must possess a minimum of a high school diploma/GED, plus, at minimum, an associate’s degree in police/criminal justice or related field. MUST be P.O.S.T. licensed or eligible to be licensed at time of hire. Laterals are welcomed and encouraged. 2026 Salary range: $33.861 - $50.796 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Shift differential for overnights. New facility in July 2023 with 24/7 on-site Fitness Center. The city provides a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, flex spending plan, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), generous paid leave policies, including vacation, sick, ESST, and 11 paid holidays, free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and MN Public Employers Retirement Association (PERA) for qualified employees. Additional details about these programs are available by contacting us at 320.234.5608. Application deadline: Monday, August 10th, 2026. Required application and job description available at City Center, 111 Hassan St SE, Hutchinson, MN 55350. www.hutchinsonmn.gov, snelson@hutchinsonmn.gov.

Agency: City of Hutchinson

Location: Hutchinson, MN

Region: 6

Pay Rate: $33.861 - $50.796 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Shift differential for overnights.

Deadline: Monday, August 10th, 2026

Website Link: www.hutchinsonmn.gov

Police Officer - Prior Lake Police Department

Job Description: Prior Lake PD is seeking PROUD, MOTIVATED Police Officers.

Our mantra is PEOPLE FIRST – MISSION ALWAYS

If you want to be part of a TEAM, improve every day, be valued for who you are and appreciated for the complex and tough job of being a police officer, PRIOR LAKE is the City. Our citizens love our cops. Your leaders here will expect the very best from you and will support you doing that work. You will be supported in making your family the #1 priority while working hard for the Prior Lake team.

Work out on duty, excellent gear, train local and nationally, drones, investigations, traffic, SWAT, task force, leadership opportunities and on and on. We will INVEST in you.

You’ll proudly EARN our shield every day.

Qualifications:

- Meet minimum selection standards set by the Minnesota POST Board.

Starting 2025 hourly wage of $40.81 - $54.00 DOQ, plus overtime eligible.

- Applicants must be MN POST licensed or eligible by date of appointment.

- Newly hired officers with at least one year of directly equivalent experience as a FT peace officer are granted eighty (80) hours of vacation leave immediately upon hire.

– Laterals shall accrue paid vacation leave based upon years of service in a directly equivalent position as a full-time peace officer according to article 21 of the contract.

Visit our website to view a full job description and apply. The position is open until filled. First review of applications - Sunday August 10, 2026

Agency: Prior Lake Police Department

Location: City of Prior Lake

Region: 9

Pay Rate: Starting 2026 hourly wage - $40.81 - $54.00

Deadline: Sunday September 6, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Website Link: https://www.priorlakemn.gov/jobs

Chief of Police - City of Cleveland

Job Description: The city of Cleveland is accepting applications for a Full-Time/Part-Time Chief of Police.

This Position is responsible for providing leadership in the areas of crime prevention, law enforcement, and public safety within the City of Cleveland.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Licensed as a Peace Officer in the State of Minnesota.

(P.O.S.T. Certified)

- Associate degree in law enforcement or criminal justice.

- Five (5) years of experience as a police officer.

- Valid Minnesota Class D driver's license.

- It is a requirement of the City of Cleveland that any applicant being considered for this position undergo the following pre-employment examinations and checks, arranged for and at the expense of the City of Cleveland, before an offer of employment is made:

* Psychological Examination.

* Physical Examination.

* Background Check.

Agency: Cleveland Police Department

Location: 205 4th Street, Cleveland, MN 56017

Region: 7

Pay Rate: $38-$48 (wage negotiable based upon experience)

Deadline: Applications are open until filled.

Website Link: https://cityofclevelandmn.gov/employment

Police Officer (New and Lateral) - St. Anthony Police Department

Job Description: Ever read a posting that says, “We have a great culture!” So have we, but in St. Anthony, we know it to be true. While we believe we’re the right fit for most people, only you know if we are the right fit for you. Here’s more about us:

We are growing to a team of 30 sworn officers that work 12-hour patrol shifts (6AM-6PM, 6PM-6AM) with every other weekend off. In addition to patrol, we are committed to growth and career enrichment opportunities for our officers, which include: grant funded TZD/traffic enforcement details, SWAT positions (tactical and negotiator), investigations, membership on the county Violence Crime Enforcement Team (VCET), training instructor (firearms, defensive tactics, FTO), Drone Team, Peer Support Team, Community Engagement Team with creative opportunities in our social media and outreach programs.

We value the contributions of our new people beginning on day one and are committed to your success. We have a mentorship program to promote a smooth and supportive transition to our team, and most important: we get along! And not just internally, we get along with our fire department, our public works department, our municipal liquor employees, our City Council and city staff. We all share the same focus of providing great public safety service with pride and excellence. If this sounds like the right environment for you, read on:

Hiring Incentive (Conditions Apply)

$5,000 for New Officers

$10,000 for Lateral Officers

Agency: St. Anthony Police Department

Location: 3301 Silver Lake Rd St. Anthony, MN 55418

Region: 9

Pay Rate: $41.14-$56.06

Deadline: September 30th, 2026 at 11:59pm

Website Link: https://www.savmn.com/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=102&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Police-Officer-80

Police Officer - City of Appleton

Job Description: The City of Appleton is seeking applicants for a full-time officer. Applicants must meet the MN POST qualifications to be licensed.

The City of Appleton is a small rural town with 1500 people. Final pay will be negotiated prior to hire and is based on experience. Patrol Officer’s work a 12hr schedule and rotate every other weekend.

Compensation & Benefits:

-$1.00/hr Night shift Differential

-136-176hrs of Vacation and Sick earned after first year.

-13 Paid Holiday per year

-Matching Deferred Comp payments up to 8 percent

-Health insurance: 90 percent covered by City (family or single)

-Dental insurance: 90 percent covered by City (family or single)

-$1,000 Childcare reimbursement

Located in Swift County, approximately 45 miles west of Willmar. Appleton has a lot of things to offer. They have great hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and the second biggest ATV park in the state.

An application packet and instructions to the applicant can be found on the City’s website: https://www.appletonmn.gov/police Phone: (320) 289-1363. Email: sedrick@appletonmn.org Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Appleton Police Department

323 W. Schlieman Ave.

Appleton, MN 56208

Agency: Appleton

Location: 323 W. Schlieman Ave.

Region: 6

Pay Rate: 2026 Wages: $27.19 to $36.00

Deadline: Until Filled

Website Link: https://www.appletonmn.gov/police

Police Officer - Dayton Police Department

Job Description: The City of Dayton, MN is seeking applications for a full-time Police Officer. Applicants must be MN POST licensed or POST eligible. 2026 Pay Range: $42.50 – $60.65 per hour, plus an additional 3% for night shift. (Top pay includes longevity pay up to 13% after 16 years)

Application period will remain open until all positions have been filled. Applicants must pass a complete background check and are preferred to have a minimum of one year experience working as a police officer.

Selection Process:

1. If interested in applying, go to https://www.daytonmn.gov/pdjobs to review the information about employment with the Dayton Police Department, and if interested, complete the interest form under “Interested in applying” section.

2. Interviews will be conducted with the top candidates.

3. Highest ranking candidates will be contacted for possible second interviews and background investigations will be completed.

4. Finalists may be called to an interview with the Chief of Police.

Agency: Dayton Police Department

Location: 13700 Zanzibar Lane Dayton, MN 55327

Region: 9

Pay Rate: 2026 Pay Range: $42.50 – $60.65 per hour, plus an additional 3% for night shift. (Top pay includes longevity pay up to 13% after 16 years)

Deadline: until filled

Website Link: https://www.daytonmn.gov/pdjobs