Lateral 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee

About the role

The Position These positions are contingent upon final funding approval and may be subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Experience working in emergency communications
• Full-Time, Regular Schedule/Work Environment
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Assist in training new employees
• Work any shift, on any day of the week, and work overtime
• Report to 9911 SE Bush St, Portland, OR 97266
• Cannot be filled in a remote status

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 18 years old at time of hire
• Currently hold, or have held certification in Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatch (or equivalent training/certification to State of Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) within the last year at a 9-1-1 center
• Ability to type 40 Net Words Per Minute (wpm) with 90% accuracy
• Pass a background investigation through the Criminal Justice Information Services System

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the proper use of a public safety radio system and experience dispatching police and emergency units
• Experience utilizing multiple computer monitors and a keyboard to accurately enter spoken information
• Experience using street maps and computer mapping systems to locate addresses, streets, block numbers, etc.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, adjust priorities, and remain focused when the number and variety of tasks change or when faced with situations that may be upsetting
• Ability to remember and accurately transcribe spoken information including names, addresses, sequences of letters and numbers, descriptions and directions

Benefits

Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

Pay

Lateral employees will start at the entry rate.

Schedule

Experienced employees are required to work independently with minimal supervision and may assist in training new employees. Typical schedules for experienced employees are four 10-hour workdays. The ability to work any shift, on any day of the week, and to work overtime is an essential function of the job. Employees are not required to report to work on their days off.

Skills

Experience working in emergency communications, knowledge of the proper use of a public safety radio system, experience dispatching police and emergency units, experience utilizing multiple computer monitors and a keyboard to accurately enter spoken information, experience using street maps and computer mapping systems to locate addresses, streets, block numbers, etc., ability to prioritize tasks, adjust priorities, and remain focused when the number and variety of tasks change or when faced with situations that may be upsetting, ability to remember and accurately transcribe spoken information including names, addresses, sequences of letters and numbers, descriptions and directions.

Benefits

Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

Pay

Lateral employees will start at the entry rate.

Schedule

Experienced employees are required to work independently with minimal supervision and may assist in training new employees. Typical schedules for experienced employees are four 10-hour workdays. The ability to work any shift, on any day of the week, and to work overtime is an essential function of the job. Employees are not required to report to work on their days off.

Application

To apply, please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to upload a resume and cover letter as well as provide answers to the Supplemental Questions.

Recruitment Process

• Step 1: Application
• Step 2: Typing Test
• Step 3: CritiCall Test
• Step 4: Eligible List Established
• Step 5: Pass/Fail Oral Interviews
• Step 6: Backgrounds begin
• Step 7: Backgrounds completed by
• Step 8: Psychological Assessments
• Step 9: Start Date

Timeline

The Recruitment Process Will Consist Of The Following Steps:

• Application: When you submit your application, please provide thorough details in your cover letter and resume how you have the minimum qualifications. We will use your resume and cover letter for evaluation. The answers you provide will also be evaluated in the interview process.
• Typing Test: Those who pass the minimum qualifications mentioned above will be emailed a link and instructions to complete a typing test. We use an online program, Typing Test Pro, which sends us the results automatically. To pass, you must have a typing speed of at least 40 words per minute with 90% accuracy. You will get four (4) chances to pass. Applicants should set aside 10 minutes to complete.
• CritiCall Test: Those who pass the typing test will be emailed a testing link and instructions to complete the CritiCall test. This is an online test where we look for underlying skills and abilities important for the work. The test involves components such as multitasking, memorization, and reading comprehension. The average time to complete this exam is 1-2 hours. Visit this link for a test sample: Public Safety Dispatcher Applicants - CritiCall TestGenius
• Eligible List Established/Notices Sent: Those who pass the CritiCall test will be placed on an equally ranked Eligible List.
• Pass/Fail Oral Interviews: Everyone who passes the CritiCall test will have a chance to meet with an interview panel which includes an emergency communications dispatcher and a supervisor. We conduct two (2) rounds of interviews. During the first interview, questions will be provided 10 minutes prior to the interview itself. The second interview is an opportunity for our training manager and training supervisor to learn more about you.
• All candidates who pass first and second interviews are given a conditional offer. The final offer of employment is based on passing a background/reference check, a psychological assessment, a drug screening and vision/hearing tests.

Recruitment Activity Schedule

• Recruitment Opens: July 6, 2026
• Recruitment Closes: July 10, 2026
• Typing Test: July 13-19, 2026
• CritiCall Test: July 22-29, 2026
• Eligible List Established/Notices Sent: Week of August 3, 2026
• 1st Interview: August 10-20, 2026
• 2nd Interview: August 31- September 3, 2026
• Backgrounds begin: September 14, 2026
• Backgrounds completed by: December 7, 2026
• Psiholgical Assessments: Week January 4, 2027
• Start Date: February 1, 2027

Additional Information

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
• An Equal Opportunity Employer