Lateral Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee

These positions are contingent upon final funding approval and may be subject to change.

If you are currently working as a 9-1-1 call taker and police dispatcher, or have experience within the last year in those positions at a 9-1-1 center, bring your training, skills, and enthusiasm to the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC). Join our 9-1-1 call center and contribute to the community safety of the Portland metro area.

Full‑Time, Regular.

Experienced employees work independently with minimal supervision and may assist in training new employees. Typical schedules for experienced employees are four 10‑hour workdays. The ability to work any shift, on any day of the week, and to work overtime is an essential function of the job. Employees are not required to report to work on their days off.

Employees report to 9911 SE Bush St, Portland, OR 97266. This position cannot be filled in a remote status.

Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

Lateral employees will start at the entry rate.

This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.

This classification is represented by Portland Police Association (PPA). To view this labor agreement, please .

Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to upload a resume and cover letter as well as provide answers to the Supplemental Questions.

Emergency Communications Lateral Police Dispatch Trainees receive paid training that will prepare you to answer 9-1-1/non‑emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, medical and mental health responders for our community.

Our full‑time paid training program includes:

• Classroom learning with hands‑on computer training
• Simulation exercises, study, and practice time
• Assigned experienced coaches to guide you while taking live calls and dispatching responders
• Daily performance feedback to track your progress

Emergency Communications Lateral Police Trainees who successfully complete training will promote to Senior Dispatchers. Prior to promotion, trainees must demonstrate proficiency in answering 9‑1‑1 and non‑emergency calls, using the radio and CAD to record requests for emergency services, dispatch responders; and monitor the status of field units.

Applicants must provide details in their cover letter and resume that demonstrate how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications:

Applicants must also possess:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Be at least 18 years old at time of hire.
• Currently hold, or have held certification in Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatch (or equivalent training to State of Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) within the last year at a 9‑1‑1 center.
• Ability to type 40 Net Words Per Minute (wpm) with 90% accuracy.
• Ability to pass a background investigation through the Criminal Justice Information Services System.

Step 1:
Application – Provide thorough details in your cover letter and resume how you meet the minimum qualifications. The answers you provide will also be evaluated in the interview process.

Step 2:
Typing Test – Those who pass the minimum qualifications will receive a link to complete a typing test. To pass, you must have a typing speed of at…