Full Time Search And Rescue Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $32.83 - $46.08 Hourly
Location : Medford, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 8901
Department: Sheriff
Division: Patrol
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Jackson County Employment Opportunity
This recruitment is for Criminal Deputy. Applicants MUST be currently Oregon Corrections Officer certified through DPSST. Copy of current corrections certification must be submitted with application.
Jackson County Sheriff's Office has been approved for the On-The-Job Training (OJIT) Program, which allows for GI Bill/OJIT training benefits paid to those who are qualified for the GI Bill. This cash benefit can total as much as $20,000 over your 15-month probationary period, in addition to your salary.
Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees!
Pre-Employment Requirements and/or Preferences

• Applicant must be Oregon Corrections Officer certified through DPPST.
• Qualifying applicants must be at least 21 years of age, possess a clean criminal history, and be either a high school graduate or have a GED equivalency.
• Must be willing to work weekends/holidays and shift work.
• You will be required to pass a physical agility (SOPAT) test, as well as an interview.
• Must pass a psychological exam and Code 3 physical prior to hire.
• Must pass a credit and criminal background check prior to hire.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana. Click on the link to review
• Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire. Click on the following link to review
• Submit transcripts, if using college education to meet educational minimum requirements.
• This position is represented by union group JCSEA.

Job Duties and Requirements
I. Position Summary
Serves as a sworn police officer to patrol highways and waterways of county, enforce laws, investigate crimes.
II. Examples of Essential Position Duties (The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)

• Enforces criminal, traffic, marine, game, park laws in accordance with state law and county ordinances.
• Responds to calls for service in accordance with department policies, assesses and controls situations, secures the scene, determines what additional resources are needed, and reestablishes normal functions.
• Arrests individuals, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints. Subdues resisting suspects using maneuvers, chemical agents and weapons and resorts to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense.
• Operates law enforcement vehicles during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow.
• Provides traffic enforcement and control, motorist assistance, crowd control, and assistance to disabled persons. Conducts welfare checks, makes death notifications, and serves and enforces court orders and civil processes.
• Performs searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Engages in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking doors and windows to ensure they are secure. Provides visible patrol presence allowing for public access and for crime detection and deterrence.
• Pursues fleeing suspects and performs rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic and standing for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from unsafe areas. May encounter situations that involve hazardous materials, body fluids, communicable diseases, seriously injured persons with traumatic injuries and/or deceased persons.
• Loads, unloads, aims and fires handguns, rifles and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions and under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in department standards.
• Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers. Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches and photographs, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations and distributes according to policy.
• Detects, collects and processes evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Assimilates information to obtain a search warrant or arrest warrant and executes warrant.
• Reads, comprehends, and complies with or enforces legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants, department policies and procedures, and labor agreements.
• Processes and transports prisoners, detoxification holds and committed mental patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
• Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications. Effectively communicates with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
• Demonstrates communication skills in court, grand jury and other formal settings. Prepares for trial/hearings, presents physical evidence and visual aids. Communicates effectively with other agencies in the coordination of activities and investigations. Provides information to the media.
• Coordinates searches for lost or missing persons. Coordinates rescue missions and other tasks related to search and rescue activities.
• Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
• Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
• Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.

III. Minimum Requirements(Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)
Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; OR
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

License, Certificate or Other

• Requires possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Must be 21 years old and a United States citizen.
• Shall not have a criminal history or background which prohibits receiving certification through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
• Must pass an entry-level employment examination, in-depth background investigation (including credit check), and complete physical examination. May be required to pass a psychological evaluation and pre-employment drug screen.

IV. Other Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Position requires the ability to learn and apply Oregon criminal and traffic laws and rules of search and seizure, arrests, evidence, and use of force; ability to learn department rules, procedures, patrol principals and techniques; ability to deal with the criminal element and the public in stressful and non-stressful situations; ability to endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment; ability to subdue aggressive individuals; ability to lift, drag or carry heavy objects; ability to climb over and pull oneself over obstacles; ability to climb through openings and crawl in confined areas; ability to jump over obstacles, ditches, and streams; ability to balance on uneven surfaces; ability to use body force to gain entrance through barriers; ability to listen, evaluate and analyze facts and draw correct conclusions promptly; ability to understand and carry out instructions promptly; ability to speak and write effectively; ability to record information clearly and concisely; ability to perform simple mathematical calculations and draw simple diagrams; and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands)
Requires the ability to exert moderate to extensive amount of physical effort involving stooping, crouching, climbing and lifting; must maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations and communicating with others; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination and dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs or body to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements such as use of law enforcement equipment, data entry and/or use of other office equipment or supplies; must be able to perceive forms and colors; requires driving and the ability to operate motor vehicles. Tasks involve frequent walking over rugged terrain and on steep slopes, standing, lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds, pushing carts up to 200 pounds, and some climbing. Tasks are regularly performed outdoors with exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as heat, cold, wetness, dust, odors, and vehicular exhaust fumes. Must be able to work in areas populated with noxious plants and wildlife. Requires driving.
Working Conditions (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions)
Work is performed in a variety of settings including a jail, office, outdoor environments, and in a vehicle and may include exposure to adverse weather, including extreme temperatures, rain, snow, sleet, hail, dangerous or unpleasant conditions and substances, including noise, dust, chemicals, paint, traffic hazards, noxious plants and wildlife. May include exposure to disruptive and combative people.
V. Additional Information
This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management's decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ADA and Equal Opportunity Employer
In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its amendments, Jackson County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. A person who requires an accommodation for any part of the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Office, Attn. ADA Coordinator, at (541) 774-6036 or by TTY/TDD 711 or (800) 735-2900 as far in advance as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled need.
Jackson County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. For a copy of Jackson County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, visit our web site at or call 541-774-6036.
Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the County must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Jackson County Benefit Summary - JCSEA
Jackson County provides an excellent, generous and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their dependents, as applicable.
This overview provides highlights of the comprehensive benefits package Jackson County JCSEA represented employees receive. If any statement conflicts with the applicable plan documents, Codified Ordinance, Jackson County policies, and/or collective bargaining agreement, the applicable documents will govern.
Insurance
• Health Insurance - As of November 6, 2023, regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents receive medical insurance, including prescription and chiropractic, dental, and vision coverage at a cost of $23.74 per pay period to the employee. Regular full-time employees may not waive coverage. Regular part-time employees may enroll in the full plan, with a prorated composite premium depending on their hours worked in the pay period, or may elect to waive benefits. Coverage begins on the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.
• Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment - Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for r