911 Communications Dispatcher
Salary: $24.42/hour.
Position Summary:
The 911 Communications Dispatcher receives, processes, and dispatches incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service for police, fire, EMS, and other emergency units. This position requires handling multiple tasks simultaneously, quick decision-making, and reacting calmly under duress and strain.
Essential Functions:
- Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and obtains pertinent information to determine the type and level of service required
- Dispatches police, fire, EMS, and other emergency units to locations requiring assistance, relaying accurate incident information; maintains communication with field units on assignment
- Monitors the activity of multiple public safety radio frequencies
- Operates a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones, computer systems, and alarm monitoring equipment
- Remains professional, calm, and courteous during communications with members of the public and emergency personnel
- Enters, updates, and retrieves information from a variety of computer systems, including Microsoft Office and CAD
- Creates and maintains accurate records, logs, and reports
- Reads and interprets maps and maintains familiarity with major roads, streets, industrial areas, public buildings, and the general geographic location of the covered service area
- Maintains current understanding of public safety policies and procedures for the Department of Emergency Management, police, fire, EMS, and other emergency service providers
- Maintains confidentiality of non-public records and makes available all data and information deemed a public record by the North Dakota Century Code.
Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Must possess a valid North Dakota Driver’s License or equivalent.
- Must pass a comprehensive background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
- Must receive satisfactory results from a medical and psychological evaluation.
- Must possess or obtain within six (6) months of start date a valid APCO Basic 40-hour Telecommunicator Certification, APCO Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Certification, American Heart Association or National Safety Council CPR and First Aid Certifications, NCIC Full Access License, APCO Customer Service in Today’s Public Safety Communications Certification, and APCO Surviving Stress Certification.
- Must be able to work any assigned shift, including weekdays, weekends, overnight, and holidays.
- Intense concentration and prolonged attentiveness are required during emergency communications.
- Interaction with distraught or abusive individuals.