911 Call-Taker​/Dispatcher - Entry Level

911 Call-Taker/Dispatcher

Central Lane 911 is recruiting 911 Call-Taker/Dispatchers! Do you have a passion for helping others, are you excited by a fast-paced working environment, and do you want to make a difference in the community? Our successful candidates will have the ability to respond quickly and appropriately to emergency and non-emergency situations, will have great attention to detail, and will provide unmatched customer service.

When hired as a Communications Specialist 1, new hires are required to complete an intensive training to become fully cross-trained and proficient in call-taking and dispatch positions at which they will become a Communications Specialist 2.

Career Night will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2026 - The presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. in classroom 5 at the Eugene Springfield Fire Regional Training Center (1705 W Second Ave. Eugene, OR 97402)

Final date to receive applications:
Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5 p.m. P.T.

Accepting Online Applications Only

Salary:
Communications Specialist 1 $ 30.27 - $33.39 Hourly Call takers and trainees who serve as the front line, doing general intake of emergency and non-emergency calls. Communications Specialist 2 $ 33.39 - $42.64 Hourly Proficient in handling the full scope of call functions (fire, police, and other emergency medical incidents). Incumbents in the Communications Specialist 1 classification are required to progress on to dispatch training and usually advance to the second level within eighteen months.

Communication Specialists may earn up to an additional 20% premium pay (depending on qualifications) after three years of employment.

Work Location:

Central Lane 911 Communications Center, 1735 W 2nd Ave. Eugene, OR 97402, USA

Schedule:

To accommodate the emergency services needs for such a large population, Central Lane 911 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That means working nights, weekends, and holidays. The workweek consists of four 10-hour shifts with three days off. The shifts look like this:

• Early Days 7:00 a.m.
  
  - 5:00 p.m.
• Late Days 11:45 a.m.
  
  - 9:45 p.m.
• Early Nights 4:45 p.m.
  
  - 2:45 a.m.
• Late Nights 9:30 p.m.
  
  - 7:30 a.m.

Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Operates computer terminal equipment and radio/telephone transmitting and receiving equipment
• Answers 911 and non-emergency telephone calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other requests.
• Makes decisions as to type of call, correct response, and responsible agency to respond to incident.
• Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
• Transmits appropriate information to dispatcher or responsible jurisdiction as required.
• Studies, and maintains, familiarity with major streets, roads, public buildings, industrial plants, and the general geographic location of cities and landmarks in Lane County.
• Dispatches and monitors appropriate emergency public safety activities.

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

Minimum Requirements

Experience:

One year work experience in a fast-paced environment, which includes data entry experience.

Education:

High School diploma or GED.

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, within three months of appointment the following:

• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certification.
• EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) Certification.
• Basic Telecommunicator Certificate (DPSST) within 18 months of appointment.

Background:
Must pass a police…