Communications Officer

Lane County Government; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life Insurance

On-site Classes

Online Training

Job summary

Lane County is seeking a Communications Specialist to support the Sheriff\'s Office public information and community outreach efforts. The role involves coordinating media inquiries, preparing communications materials, and helping maintain timely, accurate information for residents.

We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. This position requires passing the agency\'s selection process and an emphasis on ethical public service.

Job description

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.

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 [phone].

IMPORTANT!

PLEASE NOTE A YES answer to this question constitutes an automatic DISQUALIFICATION for this position. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF AN OFFENSE involving the unlawful use, possession, delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance, narcotic or dangerous drug?

• No
• Yes

IMPORTANT!

PLEASE NOTE A YES answer to this question constitutes an automatic DISQUALIFICATION for this position. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME which at the time of conviction was classified as a felony, or was punishable at the time of conviction by a maximum term of more than 1 year?

• No
• Yes

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.

• I acknowledge I have provided all relevant education and employment history.

Are you currently receiving PERS retiree benefits?

• Yes
• No

This position requires you to be available to work all days and shifts, including holidays, and overtime as needed. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

In this position, you must be able to work in a closed environment with no windows. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

What is your highest level of education?

• High school or equivalent to completion of twelfth grade.
• Associate's degree or 2 years technical certification or higher degree.

Do you have at least one year of multi-line telephone system experience, along with police-related clerical work OR public safety communications work OR public contact work?

• Yes
• No

Describe your customer service-related experience and provide an example of how you handled a stressful situation while working with the public. (20 points)

Describe your experience using a multi-line telephone system. (20 points)

Describe any work or volunteer experience, if any, working for a criminal justice agency, including information about experience in police dispatching, call-taking and police records. (20 points)

Describe your experience or education related to working with people whose cultural backgrounds are different than your own. (20 points)

In this profession, we are often subjected to situations that may be graphic in nature, such as rapes, motor vehicle accidents, suicide and child abuse. Please tell us what skills you possess that would help you cope in such situations. (20 points)

Required Question