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WA

Dispatcher - Communications

Washington University in St. Louis
Lien Residence Hall, United States, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 12 Sept 2025
💰 $65,700/yr

About the role

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Assist in coordinating operations of the Communications Center while maintaining responsibility for performing regular duties as a Dispatcher. Will coordinate efforts with Communications Center Supervisor to develop and implement training materials, ensure proper staffing and properly maintain Communications Center systems.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and in-person complaints from the public. Refers non-emergency calls to the appropriate service provider by phone call, written message, or in-person referral.
  • Dispatches police personnel using radio system in response to calls for service. This involves assessing and assigning the proper number of units after obtaining critical information from the service requestor.
  • Records all police activity on proper forms and/or by entering data in the Department’s CAD system. This activity is conducted concurrently with other Dispatcher tasks.
  • Maintains constant contact, by police radio, with police personnel in the field and remains alert for potential problems or threats to personnel safety. Maintains an on-going assessment of personnel availability through active listening to radio traffic.
  • Monitors alarm panels by watching or listening and dispatches units to the appropriate alarm. This requires geographic familiarity with the Campus as well as constant monitoring of personnel availability. The Dispatcher must react quickly in contacting personnel at the source of the alarm to determine if the alarm is false or bona fide.
  • Monitoring of campus CCTV feeds by viewing monitors in the dispatch center and dispatching appropriate personnel when activity requiring follow-up is observed.
  • Monitors by listening to and comprehending several other radio frequencies such as Parking, Bear Patrol, and surrounding jurisdictions.
  • Dispatches the Emergency Support Team.
  • Monitors and dispatches units in response to calls received on the Emergency “Blue Light” Telephone system.
  • Using police telecommunication system, notifies and dispatches appropriate personnel in response to specific incidents requiring investigation.
  • Conducts computer inquiries and makes computer entries of stolen property, missing persons, license registrations, etc. Must constantly monitor computer for receipt of messages regarding commission of crimes, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc.
  • Receives and processes emergency calls for other University departments when they are closed.
  • Maintains a constantly updated log of towed vehicles. Maintains computerized files of bicycle registrations, telephone contacts, etc.
  • Greets and assists visitors at the public window.
  • Responds to inquiries from the public regarding police related services and makes referrals for members of the news media.
  • Maintain Department recording equipment s that telephone and radio traffic can be recorded and reviewed periodically changing discs and checking machines for proper adjustment.
  • Reviews "Dispatcher" email on a daily basis; shares pertinent information with on-coming Dispatcher.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

  • ​Ability to work in an environment that is fast-paced and is exposed simultaneously to multiple audio and visual signals.
  • Employee may be required to work any shift and to occasionally remain on duty beyond normal shift.
  • Employee may occasionally be required to report for duty without prior notice due to emergencies or staffing shortages.

Physical Effort

  • Employee is required to sit for extended periods of time.

Equipment

  • E‐911 Communications, computer aided dispatch, multi-disciplined radio, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
  • Normal office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.


Certifications:

The list below may include all acceptable certifications and issuers. More than one credential or certification may be required depending on the role.

Regional Justice Information System (REJIS) - St Louis Police Acade

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Company

Washington University in St. Louis

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