Public Safety Dispatcher

The City of Ames is looking to fill at least one position as Public Safety Dispatcher, within the Police Department. A Public Safety Dispatcher with the Ames Police Department performs work involved in the operation of a complex communications system; receives and handles both emergency and non-emergency communications from a wide range of sources; dispatches appropriate services, personnel, and and/or equipment in response to police, fire, or medical emergencies;

and performs other related work as required. The work for this position is within a 24/7/365 environment and is subject to shift assignment and creates occasional mandatory overtime.

The starting annual salary for this position is $57,147 ($27.4745 per hour) as of July 1, 2026. Specified months of City of Ames Dispatcher service are applied in step increases to salary, per the PPME bargaining agreement. The current steps are outlined below:

• 0-18 $ 57,147
• 19-36 $ 59,903
• 37 & up $69,239

Anyone who begins employment from this recruitment shall receive a hiring wage incentive to equal $1000.

• 50% upon hire
• 25% after 6 months of employment
• 25% after probationary period ends or 12 months of employment (whichever is later)

Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:
City of Ames Benefits.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program:
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.

Please see the Residency Requirement MAP outlining in turquoise the living area boundaries required for Police Boundary or Public, Professional and Maintenance Employees Local 2003 (PPME) bargaining unit agreement for this merit position.

• Conducts in depth research by utilizing multiple various resources.
• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Receives and relays messages to appropriate personnel.
• Directs requests for assistance for police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) to the appropriate agency.
• Prioritizes calls for service and dispatches appropriate resources in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Provides emergency medical instruction.
• Operates radio console by receiving and transmitting radio communications.
• Maintains contact with units at all times during shift assignment.
• Maintains a continuous record of the status of mobile units, manual/automated logs, and records, including a log of all information received and transmitted.
• Sends/receives computer terminal messages and routes messages to appropriate destinations.
• Monitors cameras, alarms, and City Hall doors in case of required emergency lockdown.
• Works with other Police divisions, such as Animal Control and Records, and all other City of Ames departments.
• Operates other equipment essential to the position.

• Regularly exposed to sensitive and confidential information that cannot be discussed or shared outside the workplace.
• Act as essential emergency personnel and are required to come to work in disaster and bad weather situations.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another;

promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Successful completion of high school, HiSet, or G.E.D. is required.

Applicants with related college coursework and/or two years relevant work experience, including working in a team environment while maintaining effective working relationships within fast paced ever changing environments, may be preferred.

Must obtain IOWA/NCIC, CPR, and Emergency Medical Dispatching certifications within six months of appointment and re-certify as required. Must attend and successfully complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy 40-hour training course within one year of appointment.

Must be able to maintain confidentiality with regard to work. Must be able to work in customer-oriented environment and demonstrate customer service principles, including exercising skill in responding to difficult…