911 Communications Dispatcher (LATERAL)

Posting number: 03017

Department: Sheriff

Division: ECB- 911 Communications

Job classification: 911 Communications Dispatcher

Posting type: Open

Categories: Clerical & Data Entry, Law Enforcement, 911 Telecommunications

Summary

NOW HIRING DISPATCHERS

911 Public Safety Communications Dispatchers are the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, providing critical assistance and dispatching law enforcement, fire, and EMS resources. Dispatchers follow established protocols, exercise sound judgment, and coordinate closely with field responders.

Do you meet our minimum hiring standards?
Please check before applying.

**THIS POSTING APPLIES TO LATERAL APPLICANTS ONLY. Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of recent experience working in a public safety emergency communications center that provides law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services, and must hold a STATE issued POST Dispatcher Certification to qualify as a lateral transfer. College POST certifications do not meet this requirement. Individuals who do not meet these criteria should apply under the 911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher posting. 

Lateral Transfer Wage Information:  While the selection process is the same for all dispatcher applicants, those transferring from other law enforcement agencies with current (within the last three years) dispatcher experience may receive a higher starting wage.

• Level III = Two to four years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical and fire dispatch services.
• Level IV = Five to six years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services.
• Base = Seven or more years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services.

Pay Plan for Dispatcher Positions

SHIFT INFORMATION:

Dispatchers work four 10-hour shifts per week on a fixed schedule that rotates every four months through a shift-bid. Shifts include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, with the following options:

• 0400–1400      |       0800–1800       |       1400–0000       |       1800–0400       |       2200–0800

HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE: The selection and background process typically spans several months, so we begin early to ensure applicants have enough time to complete each step successfully. If you’re motivated to pursue this career and ready to engage fully in the process, we encourage you to apply. This is a meaningful opportunity to prepare for a role that makes a real impact in our community.

• SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE/SPARKHIRE VIDEO INTERVIEW:  Accesses communication skills, professionalism, and overall readiness.
• CRITICALL TESTING:  A computerized IN-PERSON pre-employment exam measuring:
  • Multitasking
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Listening accuracy
  • Typing (Min. 35wpm & information retention)
  • Simulates real emergency-dispatch conditions.
  • TESTING INFORMATION: Computer based exam: The computer-based exam must be passed in all sections. Samples of skills tested: cross-referencing, prioritization, call summarization, and data entry.  Read information regarding skill/ability requirements.
• SIT-IN OBSERVATION:  Shadow a dispatcher to see real calls, real decisions, and the pace of the job.
• ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW:  Evaluates a candidate’s communication, judgment, skills, and overall suitability for the role. It also provides an opportunity for ca