PSAP Emergency Communications Dispatcher - Westminster

Job Summary

An Emergency Communications Dispatcher (ECD) receives voice and text requests for police, fire, and medical services. The ECD determines the nature, urgency, and jurisdiction of a report and either dispatches first responders or transfers the call to the appropriate jurisdiction. The ECD documents information in Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) software and provides updates via phone or radio as needed. The ECD provides guidance and assistance to the public in life‑safety situations and coordinates appropriate responses to high‑risk, high‑stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe.

• $1,000 awarded upon successful completion of the first pay period.
• $1,500 awarded upon successful completion of the training program.
• $2,500 awarded upon successful completion of one year of service.

A new hire will go through a lengthy, structured training program to learn Vermont State Police and E911 policy and procedures for handling emergent and non‑emergent calls as well as other PSAP related responsibilities. The average training program lasts approximately five months.

• Ability to quickly and accurately transcribe radio and telephone messages.
• Ability to remember details.
• Ability to operate various software and computers.
• Ability to operate 2‑way radio and other communication systems.

This position, PSAP Emergency Communications Dispatcher I (Job Opening #54588), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including Motor Vehicle/Criminal Records, Personal History, Credit, and any additional background check(s).

Due to the nature of this work, candidates with 100% loss of sight, hearing ability, or with major speech impediments will not be considered. Eligibility determination of candidates with a less severe disability will be made on an individual basis. The work is performed in an office environment at a computer workstation using different desktop computer systems, answering multiple phone lines and radio channels to process emergent and non‑emergent calls for service.

Employees regularly interact with extremely distressed individuals and unpleasant situations in graphic detail. Workload can change at a moment's notice and the incumbent needs to be able to react calmly. The work environment includes mandatory overtime; rotating shifts covering 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays; frequent changes in multi‑jurisdictional policies and procedures, and changes in equipment.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job includes frequently remaining stationary for long periods of time; frequently operating a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine; and receiving and communicating accurate information in a stressful or confrontational environment.

One (1) year or more of experience in public safety, first response, or as an emergency dispatcher or telecommunicator.
OR
Two (2) or more years of experience as a non‑emergency dispatcher, or in a customer service or administrative role that includes significant contact with the public.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Vermont E911 Call Taker Certification.
• Experience running license, registration, and criminal history queries.
• Experience entering NCIC information.
• Experience as a First Responder.

• Applicants must pass a Department of Public Safety administered computer‑based "Criti Call" test, which assesses computer and other job related skills.
• Certification by the E‑911 Board as a telecommunicator may be required within six months of entry into the job.
• All candidates must pass a security clearance conducted by the Department of Public Safety.

In addition to the generous state employment package, PSAP employees receive the following compensation opportunities:

• Built‑in overtime
• Promotion eligibility after two years, which would also include a differential for training new hires

As a…