Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee or Lateral

Emergency Communications Officer

The City of Idaho Falls is currently accepting applications for the position of Emergency Communications Officer
. This posting is intended to fill either an entry‑level Trainee position or a Lateral position
, depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant.

This is a civilian position within the Police Department and candidates are subject to the same standards as all law enforcement personnel as set by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Emergency Communications Officers are responsible for receiving emergency and non‑emergency calls for service and dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical personnel using radio and computer‑aided dispatch systems. This position plays a critical role in public safety by accurately gathering information, prioritizing calls, and coordinating appropriate emergency responses.

The Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee position is an entry‑level role intended for applicants without prior emergency communications experience.

General Purpose

While in the training phase, the Trainee participates in a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform emergency communications duties. Upon successful completion of the training program, the Trainee advances to perform entry‑level technical duties involving the use of radio and communications equipment to dispatch police, fire, and emergency personnel in response to community emergency and assistance calls.

A Trainee Applicant Is An Individual Who May

• Have no prior professional 911 or emergency dispatch experience
• Be interested in starting a career in emergency communications
• Be able to successfully complete a formal training program

Applicants without prior emergency communications experience should apply under the Trainee designation.

Supplemental Job Information

• Graduation from high school or GED; AND
  
  B. One (1) year experience in a responsible work environment sufficient to demonstrate an aptitude or ability to perform above duties; OR
  
  C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Functions And Additional Qualifications

The Lateral Emergency Communications Officer position is intended for experienced emergency communications professionals seeking a lateral transfer to the Idaho Falls Police Department.

General Purpose

A lateral Emergency Communications Officer performs the full scope of emergency communications duties, including receiving and prioritizing emergency and non‑emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, and EMS units, and coordinating emergency responses using established policies and procedures.

A Lateral Applicant Is An Individual Who

• Is currently employed or has prior experience as a 911 Dispatcher or Emergency Communications Officer with another agency, and
• Has completed a recognized emergency communications training program

Idaho Falls Police Department will use the following criteria when selecting lateral applicants:

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who is legally authorized to work in the United States.
• High School graduation or possession of a GED or equivalent
• Not less than 21 years of age at the time of appointment
• Must obtain a valid Idaho Drivers License by date of appointment

Lateral Emergency Communications Officer

• Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center in the State of Idaho.
• Cumulative related service in Idaho must include a minimum of three (3) years of Public Safety or Emergency Communication dispatching.
• Must have an Idaho POST Basic Certification as an emergency Communications Officer.

Outside Lateral Applicants

• Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center or in a center that routinely:
  • Receives and prioritizes emergency 911 and non‑emergency telephone calls from the public
  • Processes information using a computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) system
  • Dispatches appropriate emergency services agencies such as police, fire and emergency…