Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Wallowa County is seeking a dependable, calm, and service-minded individual to join our 911 Emergency Communications team as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher.

This is a critical public safety position serving as the first point of contact for citizens needing immediate assistance from law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services. Dispatchers work in a fast-paced communications center where the ability to remain calm, gather accurate information, prioritize emergencies, and communicate clearly can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher receives emergency and nonemergency calls for service, determines the nature and priority of each call, and dispatches the appropriate public safety resources.

The position provides continuous communications support to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety personnel in the field. Dispatchers operate complex telephone, radio, computer-aided dispatch, and information systems while simultaneously monitoring and documenting multiple incidents and unit activities.

Successful dispatchers must be able to quickly evaluate changing information, make sound decisions, maintain composure during stressful situations, and communicate effectively with callers and emergency responders.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Receive and process emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and radio communications.
• Obtain accurate information from callers who may be frightened, injured, angry, confused, or experiencing a crisis.
• Evaluate incoming information, determine priorities, and dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical resources.
• Operate multi-function telephone and radio consoles and computerized dispatch systems.
• Enter, retrieve, update, and maintain information using computerized public safety networks and databases.
• Monitor and maintain the current status and activity of field units.
• Coordinate multiple sources of information and communicate information clearly, accurately, and concisely.
• Perform and prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks while managing frequent interruptions.
• Provide ongoing communications support to public safety personnel in the field.
• Monitor alarms, closed-circuit video systems, and other communications equipment and respond appropriately to information received.
• Apply department policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal requirements when making decisions.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and concise electronic and handwritten records.
• Learn and effectively utilize the geographic area served by the communications center.
• Troubleshoot telephone, radio, computer, and communications systems as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive law enforcement, medical, and personal information.
• Maintain reliable and regular attendance and report to work as scheduled.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

This position works under the direction and supervision of the 911 Director and/or designated 911 Supervisor and works closely with law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, County departments, partner agencies, and the public.

The 911 Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Employees must be available to work rotating schedules that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Shift assignments and hours may change based on staffing and operational needs and may rotate periodically.

Following completion of training, employees must also be available to work overtime when required to maintain adequate emergency communications coverage.

Employees are considered essential public safety personnel and may be required to report to work during inclement weather, emergencies, natural disasters, and other extraordinary events.

This position is primarily performed in an emergency communications center and requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.

Employees may be required to remain at the same workstation for extended periods, potentially 8 to 15 hours, with limited breaks depending upon emergency activity and staffing.

The position requires:

• Continuous use of computers, radios, telephones, headsets, and other communications equipment.
• Ability to hear and understand communications through a headset, radio, and telephone while also recognizing sounds occurring within the communications center.
• Ability to read…