Communications Dispatcher

communications dispatcher testing - applicants who pass the application review will receive a link via email to take the online communications dispatcher test.

incumbents work under the direction of the on‑duty supervisor or designee, supporting law enforcement and fire/emergency medical services (ems) in strict adherence to established policies, procedures, protocols, and regulations.

• operate multiple automated systems (e.g. Computer-aided dispatch [cad], multi-channel radio, emergency telephone, and local and other jurisdictional databases).
• maintain information confidentiality and security.
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, county employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• comply with civil service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, county policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• receive incoming emergency calls requesting law enforcement or fire/medical assistance, identifying the type, seriousness, and emergency location and determining incident priority.
• dispatch law enforcement, fire and/or ems based on emergency type, needed units, and location of the closest and most suitable available units.
• retrieve information (e.g. Wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, criminal histories, gang affiliation, parole status) from jurisdictional databases; provide information to law enforcement officers.
• provide assistance to coworkers.
• transfer calls to external agencies and relay information.
• issue “all point bulletins,” stolen vehicle, and missing person’s information.
• direct callers in emergency medical dispatch efforts, initiate pre‑arrival emergency medical treatment, and provide extensive first‑aid instructions to callers prior to emergency unit arrival.
• provide updates to emergency personnel on caller’s condition while in route.
• coordinate field units, track status and location of fire/ems apparatus, maintaining contact, ensuring orderly fire/ems resource usage, and communicating between fire/ems units and local hospitals.
• respond to requests for assistance/information from fire/ems units.
• provide responding field personnel ongoing updates.
• refer non‑emergency calls to other agencies/companies.
• use multi‑channel radio system to open ems facility doors or unlock station medical boxes.
• activate community sirens in case of weather emergency.
• alert supervisor when fire/ems units fail to clear or respond.
• perform duties of a 911 operator.
• maintain knowledge and skill set through continuing education (e.g. On‑the‑job, classroom, webinar, seminar, workshop training).
• maintain knowledge of and adhere to department policies, procedures, protocols, work practices and government regulations.
• answer outside agency calls for douglas county sheriff and answer non‑emergency calls (e.g. Mud, sprinkler systems, road conditions) or refer to appropriate agency.
• complete assigned projects.
• testify at court hearings.
• provide constructive process and procedure improvement suggestions.
• safely operate a motor vehicle when traveling on county business.
• report to work with regular, consistent attendance.
• perform other duties as assigned and directed.

• high school diploma or equivalent required.
• six (6) months of 911 operator experience or experience which evidences familiarity with fire/ems terminology preferred.
• must be able to type/keyboard 35 net wpm.
• valid driver’s license and own transportation upon hire and maintained throughout employment required.
• completion of a pre‑employment criminal record check and conditional offer drug screen, auditory exam, and psychological evaluation required.
• continued employment is conditional upon the successful completion of the following training within the first year of employment:
  • certification as a communications operator, and
  • emergency medical dispatch (emd) training course.
• bilingual (english and spanish) preferred.
• * equivalent combination of work experience and education may be substituted for…