9-1-1 Dispatcher

Applications are accepted until there are sufficient numbers of qualified applications or a qualified candidate has been identified. The position could close at any time.

About the Role

The 9-1-1 Dispatcher, under the supervision of the Director or designee, operates in a 24-hour work environment. The role involves receiving emergency calls from the public requiring law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency services. Dispatchers determine the location and priority of emergencies, dispatch appropriate units, answer non-emergency calls, process criminal justice information, monitor public safety radio talk groups, and operate various communication and computer equipment.

This position requires working 12-hour shifts, including overtime, mandatory overtime, scheduled days off, and during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Receives, evaluates, and prioritizes calls for emergency and non-emergency service.
• Works various shifts and days, including weekends and holidays, and on-call as needed.
• Dispatches necessary emergency units, including law enforcement, fire, medical, or other services.
• Provides pre-arrival emergency medical instructions to the public while emergency personnel are en route.
• Coordinates information between the public and emergency personnel using a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD), radios, mobile data terminals, telephones, pagers, and other communication devices.
• Monitors multiple public safety radio talk groups and responds to specific requests or needs.
• Queries, processes, and retrieves local court or public safety systems for criminal justice information, such as vehicle registrations, driving records, and outstanding warrants.
• Performs data entry as needed.
• May be involved in training other staff.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required; college coursework in Criminal Justice, Emergency Services, Public Safety, or a related field is preferred.
• Prior experience in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, high-volume customer service center, or emergency response dispatch is strongly preferred.
• Must pass a data entry/keyboarding test.
• Must achieve and maintain LEIN processing status.
• Must pass criminal, credit, and other background checks as required by the County.
• CPR, EMD, or advanced first-aid training is preferred.
• A general knowledge of local streets and traffic patterns is preferred.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting, and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work 12-hour shifts, overtime including mandatory overtime, and be available to work on scheduled days off or during emergencies.
• Subjected to prolonged periods of sitting.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, or lift/hold/carry objects found in an office environment.
• Ability to hear, communicate, and respond to co-worker and customer inquiries both in person and over the telephone, radio, and other communication devices.
• Ability to operate a PC/laptop and enter & retrieve information from a computer.
• Ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress; must remain calm when others are panicked or afraid.

Working Conditions

Normal work occurs in an office environment.