Job Details

Overview911 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.Eligibility (Lateral Applicants Only)Applicants must have at least 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. 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: 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 in a public safety emergency communication focused center.Level IV: Five to six years of current experience in a public safety emergency communication focused center.Base: Seven or more years of current experience in a public safety emergency communication focused center.Shift InformationDispatchers 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.0400–14000800–18001400–00001800–04002200–0800Essential FunctionsEmergency Call Intake – Serve as the community's first point of contact, quickly assessing 911 and non‑emergency calls to determine the nature and urgency of each situation.Information Gathering – Use clear, structured questioning to capture accurate details, confirm locations, and identify potential safety risks.Incident Prioritization – Evaluate each call's urgency and assign the appropriate response level to ensure resources reach those who need them most.Dispatching Units – Coordinate and deploy law enforcement, fire, and medical teams using advanced radio and computer‑aided dispatch systems.Responder Support – Maintain steady communication with field personnel, relay critical updates, and help safeguard responder safety throughout each incident.Pre‑Arrival Instructions – Provide callers with calm, lifesaving guidance—including CPR and safety steps—until emergency responders arrive.Recordkeeping – Document call details, actions, and unit activity with accuracy and professionalism in CAD and related systems.Technology Operation – Operate multi‑line phone systems, radios, mapping tools, alarms, and text‑to‑911 platforms with confidence and precision.Stress Management – Stay composed and effective while assisting callers who may be distressed, panicked, or confrontational.Policy Compliance – Uphold agency procedures, confidentiality standards, and all legal requirements governing emergency communications.Additional FunctionsPerform necessary preventive or minor maintenance functions on certain equipment in the dispatch office.Notify responsible parties when radios or alarms malfunction.Conduct field surveys of streets to locate hydrants and identify changes necessary for maintaining up‑to‑date street maps.Perform related functions as required.Work Environment & Physical DemandsFast‑paced emergency communications center.Long periods of sitting/standing during 10‑hour shifts.Frequent repetitive hand/wrist movements.Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurancePERSI retirement457(b) deferred compensation with County matchFlexible Spending AccountsPost‑Employment Health PlanEmployee Assistance ProgramLife, AD&D, and short‑term disability insurancePaid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and parental leaveFree access to County gym facilitiesWellness programOptional 401(k) and Roth IRAJob RequirementsMust have a high school diploma or equivalent.Must be POST certified as an Emergency Communications Officer within one year of hire.Ability to operate telephone and radio equipment.Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy under pressure of time, amidst emergencies occurring within the community, while there are distractions.Ability to listen, understand, manage, and provide emergency life aid to callers who are under immense stress.Ability to react quickly and calmly in receiving and transmitting multiple emergency messages.Ability to communicate clearly and distinctly verbally and in writing.Ability to analyze emergency situations, determine and take proper, quick, and objective action.Ability to relate well with the public under adverse conditions and stressful situations.Ability to read city and county road and water maps to quickly locate streets, addresses, hydrants, caller's locations, and the emergency location where the on‑scene responders should be sent.Ability to record accurately and legibly details of activities and provide information.Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; and operate a computer keyboard.Ability to maintain effective working relationships.Must obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.This position is safety‑sensitive and therefore is subject to random drug testing.DisclaimerTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The agency may alter this description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veterans' Preference for all County jobs except for key positions in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.#J-18808-Ljbffr