Communications Officer

Lane County, OR; Oregon; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Communications Officer to provide critical law enforcement telecommunications support in a 24/7 dispatch center. You will answer non-emergency and 9-1-1 calls, dispatch responders, coordinate emergency communications, and perform a variety of professional public safety support duties.

Must have one year of multi-line telephone system experience or related public safety communications experience, and complete LEDS and Telecommunicator certifications

Qualifications

• One year of multi-line telephone system experience, along with police-related clerical work OR public safety communications work OR public contact work.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
• LEDs certification or ability to obtain within six months of initial appointment.
• Telecommunicator certification or ability to obtain within one year of initial appointment.

Responsibilities

• Answer non-emergency and 9-1-1 calls, dispatch law enforcement and fire responders, and coordinate emergency communications.
• Provide professional public safety support duties in a 24/7 dispatch environment.

Skills

Multi-line telephone system

Public safety communications

Public contact work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job 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*

Education:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:

• One year of multi-line telephone system experience, along with police-related clerical work ORpublic safety communications work ORpublic 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.

Communications Specialist

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 partners 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