Communications Dispatcher; Academy

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

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. 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.
• CRITICALL TESTING: A computerized pre-employment exam measuring:
  • Multitasking
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Listening accuracy
  • Typing (Min. 35wpm & information retention)
  • Simulates real emergency-dispatch conditions.
  • TESTING INFORMATION: Computer based exam:
    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.
• 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,…