Communications Dispatcher; Lateral

Overview

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.

Applicants must have at least 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. 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:
Those transferring from other law enforcement agencies with current (within the last three years) dispatcher experience may receive a higher starting wage.

• Level III:
  Two to four years of current experience in a public safety emergency communication focused center.
• Level IV:
  Five to six years of current experience in a public safety emergency communication focused center.
• Base:
  Seven or more years of current experience in a public safety emergency communication focused center.

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.

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

• 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.

• Perform necessary preventive or minor maintenance functions on certain equipment in the dispatch office.
• Notify responsible parties when radios or alarms malfunction.
• Conduct field surveys of streets to locate hydrants and identify changes necessary for maintaining up‑to‑date street maps.
• Perform related functions as required.

• Fast‑paced emergency communications center.
• Long periods of sitting/standing during 10‑hour shifts.
• Frequent repetitive hand/wrist movements.
• Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• PERSI retirement
• 457(b) deferred compensation with County match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Post‑Employment Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life, AD&D, and short‑term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Free access to County gym facilities
• Wellness program
• Optional 401(k) and Roth IRA

• 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…