Emergency Communications Specialist Duluth

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to work in our 911 dispatch center. Dispatching for law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and handling calls for service from our citizens is a fast paced and rewarding career for anyone with a calling to help others and serve in public safety.

The Emergency Communication Specialist position involves shift work that includes days, afternoons and nights (including holidays and weekends.)

During approximately the first 3 months of employment, applicants will be in training full‑time and then will revert back to their normally scheduled/hired shift.

The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2025. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $30.53 - $37.43 per hour.

2026 rates are currently pending.

This position is part of the Communication Department contract represented by the Local 66 of AFSCME.

St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full‑time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.

An employee in this class performs law enforcement, fire, medical and rescue related telecommunications dispatch work within the St. Louis County 9-1-1 Division. Duties include operating computer aided dispatch system, multi‑line telecommunications and radio communications equipment to receive requests for emergency public safety assistance, determine the type and level of response necessary, accomplish timely, accurate and effective dispatch of emergency response units, monitor response and safety of responding units, and retrieve supplemental information from other local, state and federal information systems.

The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT:
Coordination; pinch; reach; sit; and talk/speak. Hearing is required from the right and left ear. Vision; customer/public contact; and shift work. FREQUENT:
Push/pull up to 10 pounds. OCCASIONAL:
Stand. RARE:
Lift up to 10 pounds; lift 21 to 50 pounds; push/pull 21 to 50 pounds.

• High School diploma or its equivalent.
• Ability to type 40 w.p.m. with 90% accuracy.
• Successful completion of the State of Minnesota Terminal Operations certification, the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and the Emergency Medical Dispatch certification within one year of employment. Failure to obtain the certifications prior to the conclusion of the probationary period will result in termination from the position.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Typing Proficiency (Pass/Fail): The typing proficiency assessment can be taken at any time either in‑person or virtually after submitting a completed application and must be completed by March 4, 2026. In‑person appointments can be made by contacting Human Resources at  or by emailing recruitment.

If a candidate is unsuccessful at meeting the requirement (40 wpm, 90% accuracy), the proficiency assessment may be re‑taken up to two (2) times before March 4, 2026. Only candidates passing the typing proficiency assessment will be invited to complete the computerized written assessment.

Computerized Written Assessment (100% of Scoring Process): The Computerized Written Assessment can be taken at any time either in‑person or virtually after successfully passing the typing proficiency assessment and must be completed by March 5, 2026. In‑person appointments can be made by contacting Human Resources at  or emailing recruitment.

Applicants must pass both the typing and the computerized written assessment to be moved forward in the selection process.

To participate in the typing proficiency assessment and the computerized written assessment, you must have readily available picture identification, a laptop or desktop computer, the latest version of Chrome, a web cam and microphone. Headphones are highly recommended but not required. Please allow up to 2 hours…