Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and dispatching public safety personnel as warranted. Employees in this job class provide information and referrals to citizens for non-emergency calls. Work is performed in a call center setting and involves operating a technological workstation, including the simultaneous use of multiple computer monitors, video monitors, telephones, and two-way radios.

Responsibilities

• Answers and manages calls to allow effective communication and response of emergency responders (i.e., police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS)) for citizens during emergency situations.
• Provides information and referrals to citizens, public safety personnel, media, etc. by responding to calls involving non-emergency situations.
• Operates technology-based workstation that includes multiple video monitors, multiple software programs running simultaneously, a personal computer, phone lines, headsets, and alarm boards to receive, forward, and monitor calls for services.
• Dispatches public safety personnel (i.e., police, fire, and medical emergency) and informs responding units of pertinent information regarding emergency situations.
• Monitors responses of public safety personnel and activities of other dispatchers to track progress, maintain communications, and ensure personnel safety.
• Accesses and maintains suspect and/or incident information by running database queries, updating databases, completing reports/logs, and filing documentation.
• Monitors the functions of the detention center and ensures inmate safety and well-being.
• Trains new employees, interns, or temporary employees on how to perform the job to ensure they can appropriately handle emergency calls and provide necessary information to citizens and emergency personnel.
• Performs miscellaneous duties such as attending meetings, handling incoming and outgoing monies for reports, monitoring the weather, and updating information.
• Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.

Requirements

• Experience in a customer service-oriented position (e.g., interacting with people, providing information and/or a service).
• No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violent offenses or issues of moral turpitude.
• Willing to submit to a general and criminal background check.
• Willing to work an 8- or 12-hour shift on any shift or day (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays) and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

The following qualifications are deemed desirable by Merit System agencies and may be considered during the selection process:

• Experience as a public safety dispatcher.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification.
• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification.
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages.
• Medical and dental insurance.
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension).
• Generous paid holidays, sick, and vacation leave.

Pay

The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing agency:

• Bessemer: $42,078 - $65,270
• Birmingham: $40,934 - $63,502
• Fairfield: $37,107 - $57,553
• Fultondale: $44,304 - $68,744
• Gardendale: $47,777 - $74,110
• Homewood: $47,278 - $73,340
• Hueytown: $43,409 - $67,329
• Irondale: $49,836 - $77,313
• Midfield: $33,238 - $51,563
• Pleasant Grove: $42,910 - $66,580
• Tarrant: $40,851 - $63,377

Schedule

• Full-time position.
• 8- or 12-hour shifts on any day, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Overtime as needed.

Physical Demands

• Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.

Work Environment

• Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in a call center setting.
• Involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.