911 Call-Taker/Dispatcher - Entry Level & Lateral

City of Eugene • Eugene, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Central Lane 911 is recruiting entry-level and lateral 911 Call-Taker/Dispatchers to handle emergency and non-emergency calls and support public safety agencies. Successful candidates respond quickly and appropriately to varied situations, pay close attention to detail, and provide customer service. New hires begin as Communications Specialist 1 and complete an intensive training program to become proficient in call-taking and dispatch positions as a Communications Specialist 2. Training begins with a 5–6 week classroom-based academy, followed by 12 or more weeks of intensive on-the-job training with varying schedules. Attendance and schedule flexibility are mandatory during preliminary training.

The Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. Employees work four 10-hour shifts with three days off, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The work location is Central Lane 911 Communications Center in Eugene, Oregon. The planned hire date is April 19, 2027, subject to change.

Requirements

• Entry-level applicants must have one year of work experience in a fast-paced environment, including data entry experience.
• Lateral applicants must have at least 2.5 years of continuous, full-time experience as an emergency communications call taker/dispatcher at an emergency communications center that answers 911 calls and/or dispatches police and/or fire agencies. Experience must be current and continuous with no more than a 30-day break in service at application, and the candidate must have been employed in this work within 90 days of the Eugene Police Department hire date.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Possess, or be able to obtain within three months of appointment, CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.
• Obtain a Basic Telecommunicator Certificate (DPSST) within 18 months of appointment.
• Pass a police background investigation; no felony convictions and no Class A misdemeanor convictions within 24 months of application.
• Pass a psychological evaluation, physical assessment, and drug test.
• Pass required drug screen, hearing test, and visual acuity test.
• Attend and remain schedule-flexible during preliminary training.

Responsibilities

• Operate computer terminal equipment and radio/telephone transmitting and receiving equipment.
• Answer 911 and non-emergency telephone calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other requests.
• Determine the type of call, appropriate response, and responsible agency.
• Evaluate information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel needed for a response.
• Transmit relevant information to a dispatcher or responsible jurisdiction.
• Maintain familiarity with major streets, roads, public buildings, industrial plants, cities, and landmarks in Lane County.
• Dispatch and monitor appropriate emergency public safety activities.

Benefits

• Robust and competitive City of Eugene benefits.
• Eligible employees may receive bilingual pay of up to 5% of base salary after demonstrating fluency and passing a fluency examination.
• Communications Specialists may earn up to an additional 20% premium pay, depending on qualifications, after three years of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED