E911 Public Safety Dispatcher

About the role

The Public Safety Dispatcher serves as a highly skilled communications professional within the Lake County Emergency Communications Center. Under the general supervision of the Communications Supervisor and direction of the Lake County E911 Authority Board, the dispatcher provides essential emergency and non-emergency communications support to the public, law enforcement, fire services, EMS, and various partner agencies.

Responsibilities

• Answer, process, and prioritize 911 emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate law, fire, medical, or rescue response
• Perform CCIC/NCIC queries and relay information to authorized personnel
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation within CAD and communication systems
• Respond to administrative and non-emergency calls, providing information or referral as appropriate
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Clean criminal and driving record (no felonies)
• Ability to obtain: Colorado Bureau of Investigation OSN License, Notary Public certification
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, CAD, and basic computer programs
• Strong multitasking, typing, and communication abilities
• Ability to pass all required pre-employment testing, including: CritiCall dispatch exam, physical ability evaluation, psychological evaluation, oral board interview, drug screening (continuous and random testing may apply)
• Adequate vision with or without correction to read reports and computer screens
• Adequate hearing to communicate via telephone and radio systems
• Ability to climb, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, twist, reach, and lift up to 20 lbs
• Manual dexterity for typing and operating communication equipment
• Sit for long periods
• Work extended operational hours during critical incidents (wildfires, avalanches, search & rescue, active shooter events, etc.)

Qualifications

• Ability to remain calm and effective under intense pressure
• Ability to communicate clearly with distressed or emotional callers
• Ability to anticipate the needs of first responders
• Ability to practice servant leadership
• Ability to support a healthy work-life balance

Skills

• Sound judgment
• Critical decision-making skills
• Adherence to all directives, policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Ability to work independently in the communications center
• Ability to function within a structured chain of command
• Ability to work in a high-volume, high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Ability to work extended operational hours during critical incidents (wildfires, avalanches, search & rescue, active shooter events, etc.)

Benefits

Lake County offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Communication Training Officer (CTO) Certification Pay – incentive added to salary
• Professional Development Support – including instructor courses and education opportunities
• Advanced Education Pay – up to a 6% salary increase for applicable college degrees
• Bilingual Pay Incentive – supplemental pay for demonstrated Spanish/English fluency
• Overtime Opportunities – paid at 1.5x hourly rate
• Annual Health & Wellness Allowance for county employees
• End-of-Year Bonus based on months of service

Pay

Compensation based on years of experience as a certified Public Safety Dispatcher or equivalent. 2026 Pay Scale – Public Safety Dispatcher Series

• CTO / 6 Month Probation: $53,231.40
• Public Safety Dispatcher I: $56,703.00
• Public Safety Dispatcher II: $58,404.10
• Public Safety Dispatcher III: $60,156.30
• Public Safety Dispatcher IV: $61,960.90
• Public Safety Dispatcher V: $63,819.80

Schedule

This position requires occasional travel to off-site locations and availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and be on-call as needed.