Lateral or Entry Level Dispatcher I, II or III

About the role

Receives and prioritizes 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls from the public and utilizes computer and communication equipment to dispatch police, fire, and medical personnel.

Responsibilities

• Promotes and follows the City's mission statement, values and expectations.
• Evaluates incoming calls through structured interrogation of callers, quickly collecting critical facts.
• Makes an initial assessment about the nature and urgency of the call.
• Gains control of calls through active listening, remaining calm, conveying objectivity, and communicating effectively.
• Dispatches police, fire, and medical personnel to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance.
• Operates computer-aided dispatch, radio, phone, and alarm systems.
• Queries local, state, and national databases and relays information to appropriate personnel.
• Records and relays information for police, fire, and medical personnel.
• Maintains accurate status of all units on radio channels.
• Coordinates multiple agencies on different radio channels.
• Follows policies, procedures, guidelines, and instructions.
• Utilizes appropriate interpersonal skills while communicating and interacting with the public, co-workers, supervisors, managers, and others in the performance of their job duties.
• Maintains confidentiality with information obtained through employment.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Must have high school diploma or GED
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or lawful resident of the United States for at least five years and have legal authorization to work in the United States
• Must be able to type 40 wpm
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check

Qualifications

• Dispatcher I: $24.65 - $34.51; must become certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher within 12 months of hire.
• Dispatcher II: $26.65 - $37.31; two (2) years experience performing above or related duties, successful completion of POST Dispatcher certification, and current CPR certification; must be certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.
• Dispatcher III: $28.25 - $39.55; must possess all above certifications and have five (5) years experience performing above or related duties.

Lateral Dispatch candidates can qualify for up to a $3,000 signing bonus, depending upon experience.