Public Safety System Specialist

Public Safety System Specialist

Salary: $6,977.10 - $9,350.01 Monthly Location: Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District Building, OR Job Type: Regular, full time, full benefits Job Number: 2026-00046 Department: 9-1-1 Service District Opening Date: 03/23/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Description

About the Department: Our mission is to provide prompt assistance in a caring, resourceful, and professional manner to those we serve. The Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District became a consolidated public safety dispatching agency in 1988, taking all calls for police, fire, and medical service assistance in Deschutes County. The District dispatches for 15 police and fire/emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and works closely with the U.S. Forest Service, AirLink, Life Flight, Oregon State Police, and other State and Federal entities.

About the County: We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices. Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods. We hope youll consider joining our talented team.

About the Job: The Public Safety Systems Specialist position provides technical support for 9-1-1 Service District emergency communications systems users; prioritizes request for service, defines problems, identifies and isolates errors and implements technical solutions to solve problems; performs work within scope of authority and training; duties may vary according to job assignment. The qualified candidate for this position will need to be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and establish cooperative working relationships with co-workers, District partner agencies, and other regional government agencies. This position is a member of a central technical support team that works collaboratively with users and team members to achieve successful technical outcomes.

As a Public Safety Specialist at Deschutes County, you will ensure the reliability and efficiency of public safety communication systems through software and network management and user support. This role involves conducting regular updates, maintenance, and implementation of public safety software solutions to enhance operational efficiency and security. This role will oversee the configuration, operation, and security of network systems supporting communication channels, troubleshooting issues and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Providing technical support and developing documentation is essential to assist end-users in both software and hardware. Candidates with extensive experience in systems administration, particularly in emergency services, with strong proficiency in software, hardware and network troubleshooting are ideal, but candidates with strong baseline knowledge that are eager to learn will excel. This role is pivotal in maintaining the technological backbone crucial for public safety operations, with opportunities to explore advancements in communication technology and cybersecurity strategies.

What You Will Bring:

Knowledge of or experience with:

• Networked computer system environments and peripheral device capabilities.
• Installing, repairing, and maintaining computer software, hardware, and peripherals.
• Working in a collaborative, service desk and technical team support role.
• Troubleshooting techniques for communications equipment and software applications.
• Knowledge of network fundamentals.
• Workstation applications, operating systems, SaaS environments, active directory, DNS, etc.
• Identity management in a Microsoft Active Directory environment.

Skill in:

• Analyzing, inspecting, and diagnosing equipment and system malfunctions, troubleshooting computers and software applications, and determining effective solutions.
• Maintaining, adjusting, and repairing equipment to meet technical performance standards.
• Installing, configuring, testing, operating, and managing communications network systems and equipment.
• Operating and maintenance standards for a variety of complex computer and communication systems and software applications.
• Operating electronic test equipment, analytic tools, and specialized hand tools.
• Diagnosing and resolving problems in a technical environment with interlinked and changing priorities.
• Responding professionally, effectively, and efficiently to customer service requests.
• Working in a fast paced, high stress environment.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, District partner agencies, and other regional government agencies.
• Demonstrating courteous behavior when interacting with visitors and district staff.
• Promoting district goals and priorities and complying with all policies and procedures.
• Maintaining and enforcing all aspects of security and confidentiality of records and information.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Note: This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the positions scope and function.

Compensation $6,977.10 to $9,350.01 per month for a 173.33 hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately.

Benefits Our robust healthcare package covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $100 for employee only and $121 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

This position is opened until filled.

Minimum Qualifications Associates degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related field; AND three (3) years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and application of communications systems; OR any equivalent combination of education and work experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with emergency communication systems.
• Knowledge and experience in analyzing, inspecting, and diagnosing equipment and system malfunctions, troubleshooting computers and software applications, and determining effective solutions.
• Assessing customer support needs, and implementing effective solutions.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing management of emergency communications services.
• Knowledge of public safety communications principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, principles and technologies.
• Knowledge of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) best practices for data security, storage, information transmission and retention.
• Knowledge of phone systems, including VOIP phones.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Driving is a requirement for this position.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon drivers license within 30 days of hire date.
• The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable drivers license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.
• Must have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions.
• Must be able to use a variety of tools, equipment, and procedures for repairing computers and peripheral devices.
• Must be willing and able to work after hours pager duty on a rotational basis to meet department needs, which may include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to respond to the center within one hour while on pager duty.

Physical Requirements Must have the ability to work in an office that is environmentally controlled; possess sufficient hand coordination to perform keyboarding and data entry; arm/hand movements to retrieve work materials and operate a variety of general office equipment; and an ability to sit, walk, stoop, bend, crawl, kneel, climb, reach, stand, grasp, talk, hear, see, push and pull 75 pounds, and lift and carry up to 25 pounds, on a regular basis.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences. If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans Preference, please click HERE for information.

When Are you Eligible: If you are hired on the first business day of the month, your benefits will start on the first of that month (immediate benefits, either that day or back to the first of the month if the first is on a Saturday or Sunday). If you are hired after the first business day of the month, your benefits will start on the first day of the following month.

Employer paid benefit offerings include:

• Life Insurance for employee and dependents
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Program through Oregon PERST

Employee paid voluntary benefit offerings include:

• 125 Flexible Spending Program
• 457 Deferred Compensation Program
• Supplemental Life and Accident Insurance

To learn more about Deschutes Countys generous benefit offerings, please visit www.deschutes.org/hr and click on Employee Benefits or click HERE for full benefits guide.

Application Questions

01 This position requires an Associates Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related field AND three (3) years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and application of communications systems; OR any equivalent combination of military technical school, training, education, and work experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job. Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position? Yes / No

02 Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications as listed above. Be specific with regard to education and years of experience.

03 Preference will be given for familiarity with emergency communication systems. Do you have this experience? Yes / No

04 If yes, please describe your familiarity with communications systems.

05 Preference will be given for knowledge and experience in analyzing, inspecting, and diagnosing equipment and system malfunctions, troubleshooting computers and software applications, and determining effective solutions. Do you possess knowledge and experience in these areas? Yes / No

06 If yes, please describe your experience.

07 Preference will be given for experience in assessing customer support needs, and implementing effective solutions. Do you have this experience? Yes / No

08 If yes, please give an example of this experience.

09 Preference will be given for knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing management of emergency communications services. Do you possess this knowledge? Yes / No

10 Knowledge of public safety communications principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment is preferred. Do you possess this knowledge? Yes / No

11 If yes, please describe your understanding of public safety communications principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment.

12 Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, principles, and technologies is preferred. Do you possess this knowledge? Yes / No

13 If yes, please describe your understanding of cybersecurity best practices, principles, and technologies.

14 Knowledge of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) best practices for data security, storage, information transmission and retention is preferred. Do you possess this knowledge? Yes / No

15 Knowledge of phone systems, including VOIP phones, is preferred. Do you possess this knowledge? Yes / No

16 Please give an example of your training and technical support experience.

17 Successful candidates must have the ambulatory ability to drive throughout Deschutes County, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. Can you meet these requirements? Yes / No

18 Are you able to meet the requirements of the position with or without accommodation? Yes / No

Required Question

Employer: Deschutes County Human Resources Address: 1300 NW Wall Street Suite 201, Bend, Oregon, 97703 Phone: (541) 388-6553 Website:https://www.deschutes.org/jobs