Communications Dispatcher; LATERAL

Now Hiring Dispatchers

911 Public Safety Communications Dispatchers are the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, providing critical assistance and dispatching law enforcement, fire, and EMS resources. Dispatchers follow established protocols, exercise sound judgment, and coordinate closely with field responders.

Do you meet our minimum hiring standards? Please check before applying.

** THIS POSTING APPLIES TO LATERAL APPLICANTS ONLY. Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of recent experience working in a public safety emergency communications center that provides law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services, and must hold a STATE issued POST Dispatcher Certification to qualify as a lateral transfer. College POST certifications do not meet this requirement. Individuals who do not meet these criteria should apply under the 911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher posting.

Lateral Transfer Wage Information:
While the selection process is the same for all dispatcher applicants, those transferring from other law enforcement agencies with current (within the last three years) dispatcher experience may receive a higher starting wage.

Pay Plan for Dispatcher Positions

SHIFT INFORMATION:

Dispatchers work four 10-hour shifts per week on a fixed schedule that rotates every four months through a shift-bid. Shifts include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, with the following options:

• 0400–1400 | 0800–1800 | 1400–0000 | 1800–0400 | 2200–0800

HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE: The selection and background process typically spans several months, so we begin early to ensure applicants have enough time to complete each step successfully. If you're motivated to pursue this career and ready to engage fully in the process, we encourage you to apply. This is a meaningful opportunity to prepare for a role that makes a real impact in our community.

• SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE/SPARKHIRE VIDEO INTERVIEW: Accesses communication skills, professionalism, and overall readiness.
• CRITICAL TESTING: A computerized IN-PERSON pre-employment exam measuring:
• Multitasking
• Decision-making under pressure
• Listening accuracy
• Typing (Min. 35wpm & information retention)
• Simulates real emergency-dispatch conditions.
• TESTING INFORMATION: The computer-based exam must be passed in all sections. Samples of skills tested: cross-referencing, prioritization, call summarization, and data entry. Read information regarding skill/ability requirements (Download PDF reader).
• SIT-IN OBSERVATION: Shadow a dispatcher to see real calls, real decisions, and the pace of the job.
• ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW: Evaluates a candidate's communication, judgment, skills, and overall suitability for the role. It also provides an opportunity for candidates to ask questions directly to one of our experienced 911 Communications Dispatchers.
• SELECTION & BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Candidates selected by hiring managers will be assigned to a background investigator. Background checks typically take 8 – 10 weeks to complete and includes a polygraph exam.

• Emergency Call Intake — Serve as the community's first point of contact, quickly assessing 911 and non-emergency calls to determine the nature and urgency of each situation.
• Information Gathering — Use clear, structured questioning to capture accurate details, confirm locations, and identify potential safety risks.
• Incident Prioritization — Evaluate each call's urgency and assign the appropriate response level to ensure resources reach those who need them most.
• Dispatching Units — Coordinate and deploy law enforcement, fire, and medical teams using advanced radio and computer-aided dispatch systems.
• Responder Support — Maintain steady communication with field personnel, relay critical updates, and help safeguard responder safety throughout each incident.
• Pre-Arrival Instructions — Provide callers with calm, lifesaving guidance—including CPR and safety steps—until emergency responders arrive.
• Recordkeeping — Document call details, actions, and unit activity with accuracy and professionalism in CAD and related systems.
• Technology Operation — Operate multi-line phone systems, radios, mapping tools,…