Jobs and Careers

Emergency Telecommunications Officer 1 (911 Dispatcher)

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 10 Jul 2026

💰 $63,949/yr($58,135/yr – $63,949/yr)

About the role

Posting number: C205 FY24

Department: Department of Emergency Communications

Job classification: Emergency Telecommunications Officer 1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Telecommunications, Dispatch, 911 Telecommunications

Summary

At the Department of Emergency Communications (DEC), which serves Nashville and Davidson County, every shift offers an opportunity to make a difference, even a chance to save a life. The mission of the DEC is to serve as the vital link between citizens and the emergency responders of Nashville and Davidson County by providing emergency and non-emergency services in a prompt, courteous, and efficient manner. The DEC's dedicated employees are typically the initial emergency contact in Metro Nashville, providing life-saving assistance over the phone while dispatching EMS, Fire or Police first responders to an emergency. The DEC provides this public service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

This position also requires a high level of responsibility, flexibility, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and maintain privacy and confidentiality. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits for you and your family, and opportunity for advancement.

Salary
$58,135.00 annual salary after 6 (six) months (Emergency Telecommunications Officer 2)
$63,949.00 annual salary after a 1 (one) year as an Emergency Telecommunications Officer 2 to (Emergency Telecommunications Officer 3)

Benefits
10 vacation days per year (increasing after 5 years of service)
3 personal days per year
1 sick day per month
12 paid holidays per year
Medical
Dental
Life Insurance
Service Pension
Medical Disability

Attention: This is a continuous recruitment to develop an applicant pool for future openings. We are currently accepting applications, recruiting for an Emergency Telecommunications Officer 1 (911 Dispatcher) Training class.

Examples of duties

Acquires skills, training and certifications necessary to receive and process emergency calls as well as routine non-emergency calls.

(After Training)

Operates automatic call distribution telephone workstation to receive emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency calls.
Determines type, location and extent of emergency.
Types information from caller into computer terminal.
Codes messages where appropriate.
Relays information electronically to dispatcher, appropriate personnel or other agencies.
Assists callers with basic life support procedures.
Reads maps and gives directions to location of the incident.
Performs assigned tests of communications equipment.
Attends training sessions as required.
Employees wear a headset and sit/stand for long periods of time.

Qualifications

YOU MUST MEET ALL THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO BE CONSIDERED.
1. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
2. Must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
3. No convictions or guilty pleas or have entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge,
or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances. (Tenn. Code Ann. 7-86-205)
4. Not have been released or discharged under other than an honorable or medical discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be US citizens at the time of hiring.

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

*The following certifications must be obtained through training while performing as an Emergency Telecommunications Officer 1:

Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Basic Telecommunicator Certification
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) Certification
Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) Certification
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Query Certification

Supplemental information

Knowledge of the Geography of Nashville

NOTE ON TARGETED CLASSIFICATION: Employees in this classification shall be automatically upgraded to the Emergency Telecommunications Officer 2 classification in 6 months provided all of the criteria of Policy 5.6 B- I Upgrades for Targeted Classifications are met.