Communications Officer

DESCRIPTION

About the Position

In this role, you will provide critical law enforcement telecommunications support in a fast-paced, 24/7 dispatch center. Responsibilities include answering non-emergency and 9-1-1 calls, dispatching law enforcement and fire responders, coordinating emergency communications, and performing a variety of professional public safety support duties.

About the Department - Lane County Sheriff’s Office

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office provides public safety and law enforcement services to residents and visitors throughout more than 4,600 square miles of urban, rural, coastal, and wilderness areas.

With a workforce of sworn, corrections, and professional staff — supported by dedicated volunteers — the Sheriff’s Office provides a wide range of services, including patrol and criminal investigations, adult corrections, emergency communications, search and rescue, court security and prisoner transport, civil process, records, property and evidence management, and specialized law enforcement services.

From responding to emergencies and investigating crimes to operating the Lane County Jail and supporting the systems behind 24/7 public safety operations, Sheriff’s Office employees serve communities across one of Oregon’s largest and most geographically diverse counties.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is committed to justice and integrity and is sworn to protect and honored to serve.

About the Division – Support Services

The Support Services Division provides the operational and administrative infrastructure that keeps the Lane County Sheriff’s Office functioning effectively around the clock.

The division includes emergency communications and dispatch, police records, property and evidence, fiscal services, training, planning and other administrative functions that support Sheriff’s Office operations. Support Services employees connect the public, deputies, corrections staff and partner agencies with the information, resources, and systems needed to deliver effective public safety services.

The division also supports department-wide functions including budgeting, accounting, personnel administration, labor relations, policy and procedure, training, fleet, and organizational planning.

Whether answering an emergency call, maintaining critical records, managing evidence, or supporting department operations behind the scenes, Support Services employees play an essential role in the Sheriff’s Office public safety mission.

Schedule**:**Must be available to work all days and shifts, including, but not limited to evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Overtime may be required.

*This is an LCPOA represented position*

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:

• One year of multi-line telephone system experience, along with police-related clerical work OR public safety communications work OR public contact work;

Or an equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of LEDS certification or ability to obtain within six months of initial appointment.
• Possession of Telecommunicator certification or ability to obtain within one year of initial appointment.

Notes:
Employment for this position is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment examination process; thorough background investigation, including criminal records check, drug screen, TB test, hearing and vision testing. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor crimes will not qualify.

Employment for Communications Officer is contingent upon successful completion of:
• Zone Testing: Work performance, multi-task, manipulative skills test.

• **Interview:**All eligible candidates will be contacted by phone to schedule a date and time for an interview. You must pass the interview in order to continue in the hiring process.

• Background Investigation: A thorough background investigation will be conducted including a psychological examination, an evaluation with a psychologist, and a medical examination with a drug screen and TB test. You must pass the background investigation in order to continue in the hiring process.

Lane County Sheriff's Office examples of minimum standards and disqualifying factors

Rejection for employment with the Sheriff's Office does not preclude an applicant from applying for another position of employment with Lane County.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

CLASSIFICATION DETAILS

Communications Specialist

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection Process

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Veteran Preference Information

Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits

At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.

Introducing ALEX, Lane County's benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in today's date.

*****The below information describes typical benefits available for Regular Full-time Employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position, employment status (regular, temporary, or extra help) and/or bargaining group.

ALEX Benefit Advisor (click here)

Collective Bargaining Units:

Admin-Pro

AFSCME

AFSCME Nurses

AFSCME Physicians

FOPPO

LCPOA

Local 626

Prosecuting Attorney's

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically

Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30-days as an eligible employee.

Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2026 are outlined below:

If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA:

For eligible members of unions LCPOA, 626, Admin Pro, and AFSCME Physicians $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage.

For eligible members of unions AFSCME General, AFSCME Nurses, FOPPO, PAA, and non-represented employees $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Those who complete the requirements to receive the Live Well Credit by November 30, 2026, will receive an additional contribution of $400 individual or $800 family, funded in 2027.

These amounts are prorated based on date of hire.

All eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.

Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.

Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.

Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.

Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially

Retirement - Lane County pays for and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment.

Disability - Lane County provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.

Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.

Holidays - Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:

New Year's Day

Independence Day

Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday

Labor Day

Presidents' Day

Veterans' Day

Memorial Day

Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth

Christmas Day

Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.

County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well

On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.

Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.

Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.

Lane County offers these other valuable benefits

Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.

Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.

Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.

Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.

Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.

Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.

For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.