Communications Technician

The Gahanna Division of Police is seeking diverse, motivated and qualified individuals for the position of 911 Dispatcher. Come join one of central Ohio's leaders in policing. Be a part of a diverse workforce that provides for the safe travel for motorists, pursues excellence in service delivery, and works to reduce the rate and fear of crime all while keeping the City of Gahanna a safe place to live, work and raise a family.
The Gahanna Civil Service Commission will administer an online practical examination upon application. Eligible applicants will receive an email with instructions from Criticall on how to complete the exam. For more information on the hiring process, read the 2026 applicant packet. To view the packet, visit https://www.gahanna.gov/184/Join-Our-Team

The position of 911 Dispatcher performs intermediate technical work on an assigned shift dispatching law enforcement personnel usually in response to emergency situations; does related work as required.

WILL WORK ROTATING SHIFTS to help cover a 24/7 radio room operation.

• Receiving calls for service; dispatching personnel and equipment; maintaining records; entering data; preparing reports.
• Receives and transmits messages primarily by radio and maintains radio log on shift work in Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD).
• Enters and retrieves a variety of data into computer system concerning department activities.
• Receives emergency calls, determines location and nature of emergency, and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment.
• Dispatches vehicles where and when needed.

Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.

• High school graduate or equivalent

• Ability to type 45 WPM with minimal error

• State of Ohio Notary (obtain within first six months of employment)
• Must be able to obtain LEADS certification within 6 months of employment
• APCO EMD/EFD certification (obtain within the first six months of employment)

• Methods of operating two-way communication systems.
• Radio code system and teletype procedures
• Geography of the City and location of important buildings

• Typing with minimal error at least 45 WPM.
• Data Entry with minimal error at least 4,000 keystrokes per hour.
• Radio operations and related equipment;
  Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD); telephone; two-way radio; LEADS and basic office equipment.
• Assisting and responding courteously and professionally to the public and co-workers.
• Quickly assessing an emergency situation and determining course of action.

• Listen, speak, and write articulately and clearly while interacting with the public, co-workers and emergency personnel.
• Remain calm in stressful situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other communication technicians, police officers, and the general public.
• Operate standard office, data entry and computer equipment, and communication consoles.
• Effectively multi-task with multiple calls, radio traffic and other tasks under emergency and often times, stressful situations.
• Work all shifts including holidays, weekends and mandatory overtime in order to handle the workload of the dispatching center.

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly;

hearing is required to perceive information…