Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee

Position: 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee

Overview

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

Are you ready for work that is both challenging and meaningful? Join the dynamic environment of a 9-1-1 call center and contribute to the community safety of the Portland metro area!

Job Appointment

Full-Time, Regular.

Schedule/Work Environment

Experienced employees are required to 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.

Work

Location

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

Benefits

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

Language Pay Premium Eligible

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

Union Representation

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

Application Material

Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to provide answers to the Supplemental Questions.

Position Summary

Bring your enthusiasm for serving the community to the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee (EC Dispatcher Trainee). EC Dispatcher Trainees receive paid training that will provide you with the skills needed to answer 9-1-1/non-emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, medical and mental health responders. No previous experience is expected nor required. The work of 9-1-1 is fast-paced and rewarding but often performed under stressful demands for speed and accuracy.

We routinely assess our employees’ work, providing feedback and training to ensure that we are delivering quality service to the public and to our partner agencies.

If you have previous experience working in this position at a 9-1-1 center within the last year, please apply HERE.

Full-Time Paid Training Program

• 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

To be successful in the program, you must demonstrate critical thinking skills during quickly changing situations; an ability to use required computer, radio and phone systems; and the skill to communicate with the public and responders in emergency situations.

Pay and Progression

Training Pay Scale:
Starting Pay $32.72; 12 Months $36.08; 18 Months $37.87;
Training Completion $39.90. Emergency Communications Dispatch Trainees who successfully complete training will promote to Senior Dispatchers at the pay rate of $39.90/hour.

Virtual & In-Person Meet & Greet Opportunities

We are offering multiple informational sessions. Informational sessions are not required but are a great opportunity to learn more about the position and ask questions.

#1. Monday, January 5, 2026 5:00PM - 6:00PM – Virtually on Microsoft Teams

#2. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 6:00PM – 7:00PM In-Person at the Midland Library

805 SE 122nd, Portland, OR 97233

Questions

Jaclyn Snyder, Senior Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Jaclyn.

Snyder

Minimum Qualifications (Supplemental Questions)

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Candidates must be at least 18 years old at time of hire.
• Type 40 Net Words Per Minute (wpm) with 90% accuracy.
• Meet all the requirements indicated in the supplemental questions.

Applicants must also possess:

• Ability to pass a background investigation through the Criminal Justice Information Services System.

Recruitment Process

• Step 1:
  Application – Provide thorough and complete answers to the essay questions listed on the application.
• Step 2:
  Typing Test – Minimum 40 wpm with 90% accuracy; four attempts.
• Step 3:
  Criti Call Test – Online test assessing multitasking, memorization, and reading comprehension.
• Step 4:
  Eligib…