Public Safety Dispatcher I

Public Safety Dispatcher I (Trainee)

Under supervision, this trainee role acquires skills and knowledge to prepare to serve as the vital communications link between the public needing help and emergency services responders (law, fire, medical, rescue, animal control, and other emergency equipment). Incumbents receive training in public safety radio and telephone operational duties for dispatching public safety personnel and equipment in a high-stress environment. This is the trainee class in the Public Safety Dispatcher series.

This is a trainee classification, preparing the incumbent for a professional classification with the primary responsibility of coordinating and managing communication during critical and emergency situations. Services are provided on a seven day 24-hour basis. Employees at this level receive direct instruction and assistance, learn to operate several types of computer systems and technology, and receive training in the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This position is distinguished from the next higher classification of Public Safety Dispatcher II in that the latter is the journey level class. Public Safety Dispatcher I incumbents are expected to achieve the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to advance to the Public Safety Dispatcher II level within the twelve-month probationary period.

Receives general supervision from an Operations Supervisor and direct oversight from a Public Safety Dispatcher II or Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Level III) certified as an Academy Instructor and/or Communications Training Officer. No supervision of staff is exercised.

Working Title(s):
Trainee Dispatcher

Bargaining Unit:
Operating Engineers Local No. 3

Established:
October 26, 2000

Revised:
December 5, 2024

Career Ladder:

• Operations Division Manager
• Operations Supervisor
• Senior Public Safety Dispatcher (Level III)
• Public Safety Dispatcher II
• Public Safety Dispatcher I (Trainee)
• Public Safety Dispatcher Assistant II
• Public Safety Dispatcher Assistant I
• Public Safety Communications Intern

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Participates in classroom and on-the-job training to build the knowledge and skills necessary to develop the ability to perform the following job functions required for promotion to Public Safety Dispatcher II:
• Answers non-emergency phone lines, provides resources and referrals, documents information for public safety personnel as needed.
• Handles reports of law, fire, and medical emergency situations delivered via voice (9-1-1 emergency telephone lines), text messages (Text-to-911), or electronic means (such as alerts from alarm companies) by gathering essential information and determining the nature of the emergency.
• Depending on the assignment, may handle reports of emergency situations delivered via video.
• Maintains accurate records of calls received and handled, ensures critical information is input to the record, documents actions taken including updates from first responders and reporting parties.
• Provides clear and effective communication with active listening, call control, judgment, respect and empathy to the public in life-safety situations, triages requests for service, and coordinates appropriate responses to high-risk and high-stress operations.
• Operates a sophisticated workstation comprised of multiple computer systems including computer aided dispatch, location services, emergency mapping, state and federal database queries, 9-1-1 call handling equipment, public safety radio consoles, and a variety of solutions dedicated to emergency management.
• Transmits and receives messages to and from User Agencies via public safety radios, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines, data terminals, and other communications equipment.
• Effectively dispatches appropriate emergency resources, such as law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel, to the location of the incident, prioritizing incident response to the correct level of urgency, and thoroughly and accurately documenting incident activities while maintaining scene awareness.
• Monitors and maintains status of assigned public safety personnel and equipment; may initiate actions to ensure adequate area-wide protection.
• Provides operational support for police, fire, and medical personnel including warrant checks and confirmations, vehicle tow requests, and facilitation of outside agency assistance and mutual aid requests.
• Inquires, interprets, verifies, receives, disseminates, and updates information from national, state, and local law enforcement computer networks.
• Stays current on new technologies and industry best practices by learning and integrating new technologies, policies, and protocols.
• Manages multiple systems and conversations simultaneously without error.
• Provides after-hours support to allied agencies,…