Description
About the Position
Are you someone who thrives in high-stakes, real-world situations where your work directly impacts lives and community safety? Lane County is seeking a skilled and mission-driven professional to support one of the busiest Search & Rescue (SAR) programs in the state.
In this role, you will serve as a key coordinator and leader within the Lane County Sheriff’s Office SAR program—helping ensure our teams are prepared, equipped, and ready to respond when it matters most. This is a fully performing professional-level position that combines technical expertise, operational coordination, and leadership.
You’ll play a critical role in planning for and responding to nearly 200 SAR missions annually, working alongside trained volunteers, emergency responders, and partner agencies. From coordinating search operations and supporting emergency medical and technical rescue efforts, to training and mentoring volunteers, your work will directly contribute to safe, timely, and effective rescue outcomes.
This position also supports broader emergency preparedness efforts, including potential collaboration with Emergency Management on initiatives like the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
We’re looking for someone who can bring sound judgment, strong coordination skills, and a calm, solutions-oriented approach in dynamic and often unpredictable environments. If you’re passionate about public service, teamwork, and making a tangible difference in your community, this is an opportunity to step into meaningful, impactful work.
About The Division
Lane County is in the top 3 busiest counties in the state for Search & Rescue Coordinator (SAR) with an average of nearly 200 missions per year. The mission of SAR within Lane County is to ensure proper resources are available in the form of trained volunteers, appropriate equipment, and professional leadership to perform the duties of search, rescue, and recovery in a safe and timely manner. This position will report to the SAR Program Manager of the Lane County Sheriff's Office and duties will include preparing for and responding to SAR missions and related emergencies including the development, training, and supervision of volunteers, performance of emergency medical services and technical rescue, managing searches, and maintaining equipment. This position may assist Emergency Management with the implementation of Lane County's Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Schedule: Typically Monday through Friday; but must be available to work all days and shifts, including but not limited to evenings, weekends and holidays.
- This is a non-represented position*
Qualifications
Training and Experience
- A minimum of four years of education and/or experience in emergency management, emergency medical services, wilderness and/or water search and rescue, investigations, wilderness navigations, or similar; or a combination sufficient to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position.
- Oregon Driver’s License upon appointment.
- Firearms Certification within (6) months of appointment.
- Within (1) year of appointment, must possess a Search Management Certification.
- High School diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
- Wilderness Search & Rescue experience
- Experience with leadership of volunteers in the public safety setting
- EMT or higher level of pre-hospital emergency care provider
- NFPA Rope Rescue Technician or equivalent certification or experience
- Wildland Firefighting certification or experience
Notes
Employment for Search and Rescue Coordinator is contingent upon successful completion of:
- Pre-Employment background check.
- 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 which may include 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 our department 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
Search & Rescue Coordinator Classification Details
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.
01
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.
02
Please answer YES if you meet one of the following criteria: a. You have a valid Oregon Driver's License. b. You have a valid driver's license from another state AND are able to obtain an Oregon Driver's License by the time of appointment.
03
Are you a current PERS retiree?
04
Do you have at least four years of education and/or experience in emergency management, emergency medical services, wilderness and/or water search and rescue, investigations, wilderness navigations, or similar; or a combination sufficient to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position?
05
Please describe your training, certifications, and experience providing wilderness emergency medicine, performing technical rope rescue, and instructing these disciplines. Include in your response a discussion of your experience developing lesson plans, training curriculum, and operating guidelines for any related disciplines. (20 points)
06
Describe any experience with wildland firefighting, emergency management and disaster response planning. (10 points)
07
Please describe your supervisory experience. Include information that demonstrates your knowledge and ability to select, train, evaluate, discipline, and assign work of volunteers and support staff. Please include the number of supervisors, professionals and or line level staff and volunteers that you have previously supervised. (20 points)
08
List any extraordinary accomplishments you achieved in your prior job(s), or other unique skills or qualifications you acquired which may be beneficial to this position (separate from those discussed in questions 1-4 above). Include in your answer the employer, position and dates of employment. (10 points)
09
Search and Rescue Coordinator is a diverse job. It is a balance of office (management) functions, outdoor skills and experience, personnel supervision in a risk oriented environment and equipment organization and management. The position also requires work and on-call periods at any hour of the day, and any day of the week. Tell us how you would handle a position with so many competing demands. (10 points)
10
This position involves engaging community members to help prepare them for disasters. Describe any experience you have with public speaking, public information, and media relations. (20 points)
11
This position involves supervising and training volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Please describe how you would support diversity and inclusion among the volunteers in order to strengthen the operational capabilities of the program. (10 points)
