Communications Dispatcher

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.

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

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/Spark Hire 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), and 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.
• 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, alarms, and text-to-911 platforms with confidence and precision.
• Stress management — Stay composed and effective while assisting callers who may be distressed, panicked, or confrontational.
• Policy compliance — Uphold agency procedures, confidentiality standards, and all legal requirements governing emergency communications.

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Must be POST certified as an Emergency Communications Officer within one year of hire;
• Ability to operate telephone and radio equipment;
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy under pressure of time, and amidst emergencies occurring within the community, while there are distractions;
• Ability to listen, understand, manage, and provide emergency life aid to callers who are under immense stress;
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in receiving and transmitting multiple emergency messages;
• Ability to communicate clearly and distinctly verbally and in writing;
• Ability to analyze emergency situations,…