911 Communications Dispatcher

Ada County•Meridian, ID

6d•Onsite

About The Position

NOW HIRING DISPATCHERS 911 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. The selection and background process typically spans several months, so we begin early to ensure applicants have enough time to complete each step successfully. This is a meaningful opportunity to prepare for a role that makes a real impact in our community.

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
Minimum 35wpm typing speed and information retention

Nice To Haves

Accesses communication skills, professionalism, and overall readiness through screening questionnaire/SparkHire video interview.
Passes computerized IN-PERSON pre-employment exam measuring multitasking, decision-making under pressure, listening accuracy, and typing.
Passes all sections of the computer-based exam, including skills like cross-referencing, prioritization, call summarization, and data entry.
Participates in a sit-in observation to shadow a dispatcher.
Evaluates candidate’s communication, judgment, skills, and overall suitability for the role during an oral board interview.
Completes a background investigation, including a polygraph exam, which typically takes 8-10 weeks.

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.
Performs related functions as required.