911 Dispatcher (Entry Level or Lateral)

Salary: $27.83-$33.82 per hour

Closing Date: 21-Nov-2025

Position Summary:

Communications Operators, also referred to as “911 Dispatchers”, are often the first trained point of contact in an emergency. They begin the important work of obtaining essential information, remaining calm, calming others, and sending the appropriate responders to the right location. They may also provide instructions to the 911 caller, which in many cases is essential to stabilizing or saving a life. Dispatchers are responsible for performing quick, efficient, and accurate dispatching of calls and messages with public safety units and personnel in the field.

During the typical 6-8 month training period, trainees will work alongside different trainers during each training phase and work varying shifts in accordance with their trainer’s assigned shift. In addition to hands-on work with a trainer, trainees will be required to attend 3 weeks of training in Salem at the Department of Public Safety Standards Training (DPSST) academy plus a 3 day Emergency Medical Dispatch certification course. There is a one year probationary period. This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Functions:

• Receives incoming emergency and non-emergency telephone calls. Emergency can be complex and require the call receiver to use appropriate de-escalation and interviewing skills to gather necessary information before dispatching appropriate resources such as law enforcement, fire or ambulance.
• Monitors radio frequencies for all assigned jurisdictions and maintains two-way communications; keeps shift Sergeant and other supervisors informed of emergency situations and overall activity.
• Operates Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) Computer terminal and responds to fields requests for information on persons and property; calls up wants and warrants, checks vehicle registration and driver’s license data and obtains criminal history summaries and reports of stolen vehicles and items.
• Enters appropriate call/complaint information into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) records; maintains other departmental logs, forms, indexes and files related to the dispatch function.
• This is position is required to work shifts in a dispatch center which operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Everyone can expect to rotate through a variety of shifts including days, swing, nights, holidays and weekends with proper notice.
• Monitors security cameras and fire alarms as well as Public Works Department telemetry system (water/sewer equipment) and notifies designated person(s) in the event of signal or malfunction.
• Answers general information questions from the public.
• Monitors teletype messages and prepares summary of activity during shift.
• Issues case numbers and performs routine clerical work.
• Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with coworkers/public and including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.

Requirements:

• Associate’s degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.
• Proficiency in a second language.