Make a difference in your community — 
From Dispatch, to Patrol, and Corrections to Nursing, your next career starts here at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is actively hiring for a number of positions throughout the Sheriff’s Office. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office uses the National Testing Network (NTN) to administer our written exam and physical abilities test (ORPAT) as the first step of the application process for deputy sheriff positions in both Corrections and Patrol. For Law Enforcement go to NTN Enforcement. For Jail (Corrections) go to NTN Corrections. Interested applicants must also submit an application to Linn County through NeoGov for open recruitments once NTN testing is complete. Candidates are not considered eligible for the hiring process until the Linn County Sheriff’s Office receives the required scores from pre-application qualification testing (varies depending on discipline, so please refer to the job posting).
Civilian Employee recruitment information is available on NeoGov.
Preference and Qualification
Veteran Preference: In accordance with ORS 408.230 and ORS 408.235, applicable points will be added to Veterans and Disabled Veterans at each scored stage of the hiring process. Applicants must submit proof of veteran status (DD214/DD215) at the time the application is filed, and fully complete the Linn County Veteran Preference Form. To qualify for disabled veteran preference, applicants must submit proof of veteran status and a copy of their veterans’ disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Physical Abilities Test
Each applicant for Deputy Sheriff in Corrections or Patrol, including lateral applicants from within and outside the State of Oregon, must successfully complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) which is required for successful completion of academy training and certification provided by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. More information about ORPAT can be found at: Oregon Physical Abilities Test. ORPAT times may be submitted electronically (either attached you the applicant’s NeoGov application, or emailed to KGoff@linnsheriff.org) so long as the passing time is at or below 5 minutes 30 seconds, is dated within one year of the application submission date, details the agency administering the ORPAT, and certifies the passing time.
Captain’s Interview Lists
Only applicants who meet minimum eligibility (passing pre-application test scores) will be eligible for placement on a Captain’s Interview list.
Interviews: Applicants who have met the application pre-screening requirements may be offered a Captain’s Interview, which is a short 15-minute scripted interview with the Division Commander overseeing the vacancy. This often also includes a short tour of the Sheriff’s Office, and possibly a Job Shadow Tour.
Oral Board Interview List
Only applicants who successfully pass the Captain’s Interview phase will be eligible for placement on an Oral Board Interview list.
Oral Board: Applicants who have passed the Captain’s Interview phase may be invited to take part in a panel Oral Board Interview, which is typically a three or five person panel interview with individual applicants. These can take between 45 minutes and 60 minutes. Questions can range from scenario-based questions, to decision-making skills, candidate background questions, and more.
Computer Skills Proficiency Testing
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office understands the importance technology and computer skills have in modern policing. To ensure each new employee is capable of being the most successful in their new appointment, applicants may be asked to take online computer skills proficiency testing for job-applicable software. Some examples may include the Windows operating system, the Microsoft Office suite of products, Laserfiche, SunGuard ONESolution CAD/RMS, CritiCall, and more. Typing tests may also be part of these exams.
Background Phase
Only top candidates will be extended a Conditional Job Offer and moved into the Background Phase of the hiring process. All offers are both conditional and contingent. All candidates must pass a thorough background investigation, psychological exam, pre-employment drug screening urinalysis, and integrity interview that establishes strong moral character. Some job classifications may also require a medical physical exam. Any conduct that could compromise the integrity of the employee, other employees, the Sheriff’s Office or the County will be closely evaluated. Failure to read and follow directions during the entire hiring process may also disqualify candidates. No applicant or candidate, nor employee, shall pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.
Based on these examinations, applicants may be disqualified at any time during the selection process. Applicants who are disqualified by the Sheriff’s Office will be notified. Some issues that might cause an applicant to be withheld from further consideration include, but are not limited to the following:
- Felony convictions
- Misdemeanor convictions for:
- Domestic violence (DV);
- Currently named as the Respondent in a Restraining Order;
- Crime of dishonesty; and/or,
- Crime that resulted in serious physical injury to another.
- Illegal manufacture, transport, or sale of a controlled substance.
- Any repeated convictions of an offense, which indicate disrespect for the law, a lack of good moral character or disposition towards violence and disorder.
- Discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior and/or an inability adjusting to discipline.
- Any military discharge with a characterization other than honorable may require additional documentation. Linn County may request written authorization to request official military records from the appropriate branch of service to make a determination regarding fitness for employment.
- Persons convicted of a petty larceny.
Diversity
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office maintains a commitment to recruit the most qualified applicants when filling staff positions. Linn County is an ethnically and culturally diverse area, and the Sheriff’s Office takes every opportunity to be reflective of this diversity in the makeup of its personnel.
Employee Benefits
- The Linn County Sheriff’s Office provides an excellent health coverage plan for employee and eligible dependents, including medical, vision, prescription, dental, and optional life insurance, and long term disability
- Potential of up to 17% in additional pay for certification, education, bi-lingual and special assignments (depending on job classification/position).
- Linn County Sheriff’s Office Deputies/Employees are enrolled in a retirement plan through the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), with county-pickup
- Employees receive a 3% county-pickup deferred compensation plan, to which the employee can contribute more, at their choosing.
- Shift overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate of pay (can be re-directed to employee’s deferred compensation plan too).
- Longevity pay of 2.5% on top of the base salary on 10th year anniversary, and an additional 2.5% on top of the base salary on 15th year anniversary
- At the discretion of the Sheriff, and after successful testing of abilities, bilingual employees are eligible for 5% incentive pay on top of the base salary
- For Deputy Sheriff positions, all uniforms (including dry cleaning) and equipment provided. Yearly equipment allowance of $150.
- Paid vacation, personal and sick time
- Ability to accrue up to 60 hours in Comp Time
Veteran Preference ~ Equal Employment Opportunity ~ Affirmative Action Employer