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GENERAL INFORMATION AND BENEFITS

Certified Deputy Positions

Deputy Sheriffs possess all of the powers normally conferred upon law enforcement officers of the state of Oregon and use these powers to enforce laws affecting the criminal, traffic, and civil laws of Yamhill County, the State of Oregon, and the United States. Minimum standards for employment as a Law Enforcement Officer in Oregon are outlined in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0010.

Enforcement (Patrol) Deputy Sheriffs are responsible for responding to and investigating crimes and complaints of violations of the criminal and traffic laws. Some of these duties include patrolling roads, highways, and business areas in the enforcement of traffic and criminal laws; patrolling rivers in a patrol boat, enforcing water safety laws and regulations; making arrests, booking prisoners, transporting prisoners and patients under custody to institutions, courts, and on extraditions; and informing the public and answering inquiries regarding laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. For a more detailed description of Enforcement (Patrol) division deputies, please click here.

Corrections (Jail) Deputy Sheriffs are responsible for performing work in the care and custody of adult prisoners in the Yamhill County Corrections Facility. Some of these duties include maintaining the custody, safety, security, and sanitation of prisoners confined in the correctional facility; escorting and transporting prisoners within the facility to other agencies and any other appointments as necessary; and controlling public movement within the correctional facility. For a more detailed description of Corrections (Jail) division deputies, please click here.

Benefits

Competitive wages and incentives include:

• entry-level deputies earn a starting base salary of $67,000/yr
• certified deputies with 2+ years experience earn a minimum starting base salary of $73,500/YR DOE
• certified deputies with 7+ years of experience earn a starting base salary of $93,000/YR
• all deputies are eligible to earn education, certification, and bi-lingual incentives in addition to base salary

In addition, we provide

• generous county-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits
• maximum PERS (retirement) contribution paid by County
• paid vacation and sick leave
• 10 paid holidays + 3 floating holidays

For more information on generous County-paid benefit offerings and several optional benefits, see our Benefits Brief.

PREFERENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, AND DISQUALIFIERS

What are we looking for in applicants?

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office is looking for individuals who possess strong moral fitness and good character. We believe that the technical aspects of law enforcement can be taught, but the work ethic, integrity, and commitment needed to successfully complete the mission of the Office must be inherent traits.

We are interested in candidates who possess good moral character, demonstrate strong customer service and communication skills, and put forth a professional image. We are looking for creative problem solvers who work well in teams but can also handle the responsibilities of the position at an individual level.  

VETERANS 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 Copy 4) at the time the application is filed, and fully complete the Yamhill 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.

QUALIFICATIONS --

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 21years of age for sworn positions.
• Must successfully complete an interview with appropriate staff personnel.
• Must submit to a complete background investigation. 
• Must submit to a complete a physical examination including drug screen and hearing test (specified positions only).

DISQUALIFIERS -- In conjunction with the Mandatory Certification Disqualifiers outlined in OAR 259-008-0070, the Sheriff's Office has identified the following disqualifiers:

Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers:

• Domestic Violence Conviction
• Felony Conviction
• Misdemeanor Conviction (reviewed on a case-by- case basis)

Driving Disqualifiers:

• Multiple moving violations

Drug Use Disqualifiers:

• Illegal manufacture, transport or sale of a controlled substance.
• Repetitive or continual drug use.

Employment Disqualifiers:

• Discharge from employment related to poor performance, attendance, policy violations, or inability to adjust to corrective discipline.
• Any discharge from any military force other than honorable will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Disqualifiers:

• 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.
• Any conduct that could pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Behaviors which do not necessarily reach the level of severity of the disqualifiers listed above may still be a basis for rejection after consideration of each case on its individual merits.

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CERTIFIED POSITIONS

Pursuant to Oregon Administrative Rules, candidates for certified law enforcement positions must meet the minimum standards. These standards include the categories of Citizenship, Age, Fingerprinting, Moral Fitness, Education, Physical Standards, and successful completion of a Pre-Employment Psychological Assessment (conducted by a licensed mental health professional at the request of the agency). For specifics on each, please see OAR 259-008-0010.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR CERTIFIED POSITIONS

You must successfully pass each step in order to progress to the next step in the screening process. The entire process may take from 3 – 6 months to complete.

TO APPLY -- When there is an open recruitment posted on the County Human Resources Career Opportunities website, interested applicants must complete and submit the County employment application through the NEOGOV websit. 

Complete applications received by the posting deadline proceed through the screening process as follows:

STEP 1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS --

• For entry-level recruitments, we ensure that you meet minimum qualifications for the position by reviewing your application.

• For certified recruitments, we ensure that you meet minimum qualifications for the position by reviewing your application and verifying your certified status.

STEP 2. ASSESSMENT TESTING --

• For entry-level recruitments, you will need to submit National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline A scores as part of your application. If you score 70% or above on each section, you will be invited to participate in an agency-run ORPAT test:
  • ORPAT requires completing the ORPAT physical ability test in 6:00 or under, with a pass on the Dummy Drag.

• For certified recruitments, qualified applicants are not required to participate in POST exams or ORPAT, as long as you meet ONE of the following academic proficiencies equivalencies:
  • In-state candidates must have possession of a Basic certification from Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) in the relevant discipline and successful completion of an agency FTEP program; 
  • Out-of-state candidates must possess an equivalent certification in the relevant discipline, successful completion of an agency FTEP program AND
    • a four-year, post-secondary degree issued by an accredited, degree-granting college or university recognized by the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization under the provisions of ORS 348-604;  OR
    • a minimum of three years’ certified law enforcement experience in the relevant discipline.