Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

09/18/2026

Application Deadline:

10/01/2026

Agency:

Judicial Department

Salary Range:

$5,004 - $7,763

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Probate Commissioner

Job Description:

Interviews: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, it may take several weeks after the application deadline for us to schedule interviews.

Who We Are

Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) serves the public, and the people we serve may be facing challenging life circumstances, high levels of stress, or confusion about their next steps. The work you will do in this role affects members of our community who come to the court to have their cases resolved. We need people who want to impact their communities, value OJD’s efforts to remove barriers to access justice services, and welcome interacting with the public.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We consider relevant work experience, education, and any transferable skills and abilities that may meet our qualifications or the skills and attributes we need for this position. We welcome all candidates who are inspired by our work and mission.

Benefits to You

• We pay 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 3 personal business days, separate sick and vacation paid leaves (prorated for part-time employees), and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• OJD will pay you a 5% allowance for bilingual skills (includes ASL) if you can pass a skills test and are assigned to use those skills on the job.
• Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate’s education and experience.

Position Highlights

The Jefferson County Circuit Court in Madras, Oregon, is hiring a Probate Commissioner.

In this role, you will handle all aspects of our probate caseload, including performing data entry for estates, conservatorships, and guardianships, reviewing documents for accuracy and completeness, reviewing transfer or change of venue cases, and accepting and rejecting cases as appropriate. You will also review wills, sign orders appointing personal representatives, recommend bond amounts, grant extensions, conduct audits, and prepare documents for the judge’s signature.

Additionally, you will meet with self-represented litigants to describe court processes and fees and to review their forms for completeness. You will provide information about available resources such as victim assistance, domestic violence services, mediation, crisis centers, and public law libraries. You will collaborate with other court staff to prepare training materials, including handouts and brochures, and will help prepare and update local procedures, business processes, resource materials, and manuals by conducting research.

You will spend part of your time tracking legislative updates related to domestic relations laws, answering phones, helping the public, and providing coverage for the front office and for your counterpart at the Crook County Circuit Court in Prineville as needed.

Assigned tasks may be changed to accommodate workload and organizational needs.

Instructions for REQUIRED Cover Letter and Work History/Resume

Your cover letter and work history/resume should demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications, the Special Qualifications, and the Requested Skills and Attributes, which are listed below.

Cover Letter (REQUIRED)

• Attach your cover letter (not to exceed two pages) in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application. Your cover letter and filename should include your name.
• Address the cover letter “To the Hiring Manager.”
• In the body of your cover letter, please include responses to all Requested Skills and Attributes listed below.
• Do not use a generic cover letter; please personalize your cover letter for this position. We read every letter.
• Prepare your cover letter before starting your Workday application.

Work History/Resume (REQUIRED)

• Attach your updated resume in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application. Your resume and filename should include your name.
• OR
• Complete the Job History/Work Experience portion of your Workday profile if you are not using an updated resume.

Document Format

• Preferred format: PDF (.pdf, .tiff) or Microsoft Word (.docx)
• Acceptable format: Image (.jpg, .jpeg, .png) or Notepad (.txt)
• We are unable to accept: Apple (.pages), Google Docs (.gdoc), ZIP (.zip), and Microsoft Word 97-2003 (.doc)

Failure to follow these instructions may result in rejection of your application. All application materials will be evaluated for consistency of information, and your letter will be evaluated for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language use in addition to demonstrated experience.

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. PT on the date listed above.

Minimum Qualifications

(These must be evident in your resume or work history.)

The qualified candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in business, court administration, public administration, or a related field.

AND

Three (3) years of professional legal secretarial, progressively responsible court support, or paralegal experience.

OR

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

Special Qualifications

(These must be verifiable.)

None.

Requested Skills and Attributes

(These must be addressed in your cover letter.)

• Experience performing a variety of clerical or administrative support tasks that included using a computer to enter and retrieve information, meeting strict deadlines, and maintaining accuracy when interrupted or distracted by a noisy work setting.
• Experience responding professionally to customers or clients who are facing challenging life circumstances, stressful situations, or trauma.
• Experience explaining processes, procedures, policies, or decisions on behalf of an employer.
• Experience identifying, handling, and securing confidential information and materials.
• Experience and skill in writing and reviewing documents for accuracy, content, grammar, and punctuation.

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time position, and the work schedule generally is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; however, the hours may be irregular on occasion. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 per workweek.
• Occasional after-hours or weekend overtime work may be required.
• Occasional travel, including during inclement weather, is required between the Jefferson County Circuit Court and the Crook County Circuit Court.
• Frequent phone and in-person contact with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Frequent phone and in-person contact with people who may be facing challenging life circumstances, highly stressful situations, or trauma, including people who are angry, hostile, confused, or frustrated.
• Possible exposure to hostile or violent situations.
• Possible exposure to disturbing or hazardous court exhibits.
• Long periods of sitting or standing.
• Regular use of the following equipment: telephone, OJD-assigned computer with multiple monitors, copy machine, fax machine, and scanner.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Criminal Background Check

You will be subject to a criminal background check if you are a finalist. Adverse results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification if the circumstances are directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Reference Checks

By submitting your application to OJD, you consent to reference checks about your qualifications, your workplace performance, and your work product.

United States Employment Eligibility

OJD does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. OJD will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Future Vacancies

Apply now if you are interested in this or future vacancies. This job announcement may be used to fill future vacancies in this class of work.

Age-Based Discrimination

OJD does not request or require your age, date of birth, or attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Veterans’ or Oregon National Guard Preference

Eligible veterans and current or former servicemembers with the Oregon National Guard who meet the qualifications will be given preference in the recruitment process. To receive preference, veterans and current or former servicemembers with the Oregon National Guard must attach the appropriate documentation after they receive an email in their Workday inbox requesting the information to verify eligibility. The action item, asking for documentation, will arrive after they have submitted their initial application materials. Visit the Oregon job opportunities Veterans, Disabled Veterans & State Servicemembers web page for additional details, information, and resources.

Conduct Expectations

Because of OJD's role in providing justice and upholding the rule of law, employees of the department are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while on the job, and to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect on the department. As an employee, you will be expected to preserve the confidentiality of information received in the course of OJD employment.

Pay Equity

As an employer, OJD complies with Oregon’s pay equity law. Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate’s education and experience. For more information on pay equity, click here.

Employee Benefits

Click here to access information specific to OJD employee benefits.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

OJD is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. To learn more about this program, and how to qualify, please click here.

Questions and Support

• If you require an alternate format to complete the application process, call 503-986-5930, or TTY: Oregon Relay Service 711 for the hearing impaired. Be prepared to describe the alternate format needed.
• Workday related information and resources are available here.
• For questions about a specific OJD job posting, call 503-986-5930 or email ojd.hrsd@ojd.state.or.us.

The Oregon Judicial Department embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action. We are committed to building a diverse team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.