911 Communications Dispatcher (LATERAL)

Ada County•Meridian, ID

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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. THIS POSTING APPLIES TO LATERAL APPLICANTS ONLY. Applicants must have a minimum of 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 to qualify as a lateral transfer. 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: While the selection process is the same for all dispatcher applicants, 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 working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical and fire dispatch services. Level IV = Five to six years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services. Base = Seven or more years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services. Pay Plan for Dispatcher Positions

Requirements

Must 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, and 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 quickly and objectively 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 has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
Minimum of two (2) years of recent experience working in a public safety emergency communications center that provides law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services
Hold a STATE issued POST Dispatcher Certification

Nice To Haves

College POST certifications do not meet this requirement.

Responsibilities

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.
Use clear, structured questioning to capture accurate details, confirm locations, and identify potential safety risks.
Evaluate each call’s urgency and assign the appropriate response level to ensure resources reach those who need them most.
Coordinate and deploy law enforcement, fire, and medical teams using advanced radio and computer-aided dispatch systems.
Maintain steady communication with field personnel, relay critical updates, and help safeguard responder safety throughout each incident.
Provide callers with calm, lifesaving guidance—including CPR and safety steps—until emergency responders arrive.
Document call details, actions, and unit activity with accuracy and professionalism in CAD and related systems.
Operate multi-line phone systems, radios, mapping tools, alarms, and text-to-911 platforms with confidence and precision.
Stay composed and effective while assisting callers who may be distressed, panicked, or confrontational.
Uphold agency procedures, confidentiality standards, and all legal requirements governing emergency communications.
May perform necessary preventive or minor maintenance functions on certain equipment in the dispatch office.
Notifies responsible parties when radios or alarms malfunction.
Field surveys streets to locate hydrants and identify changes necessary for maintaining up-to-date street maps.