Dispatcher, Government

Join the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and serve in one of the most unique and breathtaking regions in the Pacific Northwest.

As part of our dedicated team, you’ll experience the unparalleled beauty of island living while making a meaningful impact in a close-knit, supportive community. We are committed to fostering a culture of integrity, professionalism, and service excellence, where your contributions are valued, and your career development is prioritized. At the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, you’ll find competitive compensation, comprehensive training, and opportunities for growth - all within an environment that emphasizes work-life balance and the importance of personal well-being.

Make a difference where it matters most. Join us in protecting and serving the San Juan Islands. We are currently offering a $15,000 hiring bonus for entry-level applicants and a $30,000 hiring bonus for lateral applicants.

To be considered for this position, entry-level candidates must first complete a written examination through Public Safety Testing and score a minimum of 70%. Once the passing scores are received, candidates will be contacted by the Civil Service Examiner to attend an in-person oral board panel interview in Friday Harbor, at which time they will be required to submit a formal application for the position.

Upon completion of the interview, candidates will receive another score, and both the written and oral examination scores will be combined to give a final score, placing them with an associated ranking on the eligibility list. Names of candidates and application materials will then be distributed to the Sheriff's Office as requested in the order of their ranking. For additional questions about the process, or for lateral considerations (supplemental questionnaire required), please contact the Civil Service Examiner at civil service.

Processes citizens’ 911 calls for law enforcement, fire and medical aid services under emergency conditions in an accurate and timely manner; determining the nature, location and severity of the emergency, and dispatching appropriate personnel, apparatus and equipment. Prioritizes emergency situations. Works independently with little direction. Works with the public and works under pressure in extremely stressful situations. Provides information and assistance to various state, federal and military law enforcement agencies, other county agencies, medical agencies, and officers in the field;

monitors and controls radio air traffic and ensures officer safety to the extent possible; provides information and assistance to the public; and performs complex and specialized clerical support work for the Sheriff’s Office, four County Fire Departments and Medical Aid Units.

This position works 40 hours per week.

• 1. Provides a direct link between the citizens of San Juan County and law enforcement, medical aid and fire agencies by receiving all incoming calls on emergency and business lines and evaluating the type of service or information required.
• 2. Evaluates the severity (possibly life-threatening), nature and location of the call to determine the priority and dispatch appropriate personnel, apparatus and equipment via radio, departmental intercom or telephone communication equipment, determining the agency, number of units and which units to dispatch according to the nature of the emergency, with minimum of supervision and according to purposely drawn broad guidelines.
• 3. Maintains contact with field units to assure safety and efficiency; updates units of the status of the situation, and tracks unit status and location at appropriate times.
• 4. Provides emergency medical assistance as a first line responder via telephone such as instructing citizens in CPR, childbirth, etc.
• 5. Performs background checks as requested by other law enforcement agencies, county agencies, and Sheriff’s office personnel by making inquiries into local, state and national computers, by teletype and/or telephone to other law enforcement, state, federal and international agencies.
• 6. Coordinates Search and Rescue Missions by calling out and tracking various…