Lead Dispatcher - Douglas

The Lead Dispatcher is responsible for overseeing the delivery of law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public safety telecommunications services during an assigned shift within the Douglas County Communications Center. The Lead Dispatcher performs all essential functions of the Communications Center Dispatcher position while providing leadership, operational coordination, technical support, and guidance to communications personnel. This position provides operational leadership and technical guidance but does not exercise formal supervisory authority, including hiring, discipline, performance evaluations, or personnel actions.

This position is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operation of the Communications Center, ensuring adequate staffing, maintaining operational readiness, monitoring performance and compliance, and supporting the consistent delivery of emergency communications services. The Lead Dispatcher serves as a resource for personnel during routine operations, major incidents, and critical events.

The Lead Dispatcher utilizes Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) technologies, RapidSOS location services, GIS mapping systems, responder tracking applications, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols, public safety radio systems, records management systems, and other telecommunications technologies to coordinate emergency response and support public safety operations.

FLSA status:
Non-Exempt. Full-time based on 40 hours per week.

2026 salary grade: $24.22 - $27.72

Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including, but not limited, to:

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Saving Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)- One of the leading retirement systems in the nation
  - Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (refer to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for further detail)
• County paid life insurance policy with coverage equivalent to annual salary (affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent life insurance available at employee’s expense)
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of the Communications Center Dispatcher position.
• Receive, process, prioritize, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency requests for service.
• Dispatch and coordinate law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public safety resources.
• Operate public safety telecommunications equipment, including telephone, radio, CAD, NG911, GIS mapping, and responder tracking systems.
• Utilize approved Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols and provide pre-arrival medical instructions when necessary.
• Coordinate multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional responses during routine and large-scale incidents.
• Monitor responder status, location, and safety through available technology and radio communications.
• Exercise sound judgment during high-risk and emergency situations where decisions may significantly affect public and responder safety.

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to assigned communications personnel.
• Monitor employee performance and compliance with policies, procedures, operating standards, and protocols.
• Assign and coordinate work activities to meet operational needs and maintain service levels.
• Assist in maintaining…