Public Safety Communications Dispatcher - Department of Emergency Management (8238)

Under general supervision, a Public Safety Communications Dispatcher (“Dispatcher”) receives incoming emergency (911) and non-emergency telephone calls from the public and public safety agencies. This position dispatches police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) field units to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service over a 2-way radio system utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system.

The Department of Emergency Management’s (DEM) Division of Emergency Communications operates 24/7/365. Dispatchers may be assigned to work various schedules including day, swing, and night shift, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Dispatchers work 8 or 10-hour shifts (or longer) and must be willing and able to respond, report, and mobilize as necessary.

Essential duties can be reviewed in detail here and include:

• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and efficiently gathers, evaluates, prioritizes, and documents information from callers.
• Dispatches police, fire, and EMS field units to specific locations using a computer-aided dispatch system, multiple video display terminals, 2-way radio dispatch console, and related equipment.
• Evaluates incoming reports of police, fire, and medical emergencies; immediately transmits complete and accurate information to appropriate field personnel.
• Monitors, coordinates, and accurately maintains the status of incidents and records of dispatched emergency service personnel and apparatus.

Working Conditions: Dispatchers work in a fast-paced, highly stressful, and confined environment.