911 Communications Dispatcher (May 2026 Academy)

Ada County (ID)•Boise, ID

49d•Onsite

About The Position

911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher is the first responder to provide aid to 911 callers by responding to incoming law enforcement, fire suppression and Emergency Medical Services emergency and non-emergency calls, and dispatches appropriate personnel to the place of emergency or need. Dispatchers, when necessary, refer to written guidelines, manuals, policies that require judgment and interpretation and refer complex problems to the Communications Floor Supervisor. SHIFT INFORMATION: The work week is four 10-hour shifts. Days of the week would vary, based on the shift picked, but will work set schedule (same days of week and shift hours) for four months. Shift pick is every four months, and you will know your new shift 2 months ahead of time. This includes working holidays if the shift falls on a holiday. You need to be available every shift. The next 911 Communications Dispatch Academy is set to begin in lateMAY 2026. This position is posted several months in advance to allow applicants sufficient time to complete all required steps, including CritiCall testing, oral board interviews, a background investigation (which includes a polygraph exam), and to provide notice to their current employers if selected. (APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE EMAIL NOTIFICIATION IF THEY ARE SELECTED FOR TESTING &/OR ORAL BOARDS.) After being invited, qualified applicants will be invited to sign-up for various testing and interview dates. These are scheduled through NEO Gov.'s self-scheduling system and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up deadlines will apply, so early registration is strongly encouraged to secure a spot.

Requirements

Accredited high school diploma or state-recognized equivalency certificate (such as a GED)required.
Must be a citizen of the United States & be at least 18 years of ageat the time of application:
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.
Applicants must pass an in-person CritiCall test to be considered for this position.
Candidates must pass dispatch testing and typing test (minimum 35 words per minute); appear before an oral board; and complete a polygraph, background investigation, and credit check prior to reporting for duty
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.

Responsibilities

Operates telephone and radio equipment to receive and transmit incoming/outgoing emergency calls to the Police/Fire/Emergency Services Dispatch Center
Interview while providing emergency aid to callers to obtain detailed information related to the emergency
Provides emergency medical, fire, safety aid and direction to callers as required
Provides medical pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions such as, but not limited to, administering proper medicine, CPR, childbirth, AED, and bleeding control as required
Provides fire pre-arrival and post-dispatch life survival instructions due to but not limited to; entrapment, fire exposure, and smoke exposure.
Provides police pre-arrival and post-dispatch life survival instructions for potentially deadly events such as but not limited to; active shooters, domestic fight situations, and traffic accidents. Using information provided by callers, triage, prioritize, properly categorize, and initiate the correct emergency or non-emergency response
Dispatches appropriate agencies and personnel to the address in need of service
Maintains communication with caller and emergency personnel to receive and update information
Provides continuing communications and coordination of responses among police, fire fighting and other emergency personnel during the incident
Contacts utility companies, other governmental or private agencies when necessary to obtain needed services or additional support
Works and maintains eligibility to work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, whether assigned or on an as needed or on-call basis
Operates technical emergency electronic equipment, computers, office equipment or appliances, including, but not limited to, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), two way radio, and 911 call handling systems such as teletypewriter (TTY) , text-to-911, and live video to 911
Ability to talk and listen to a caller utilizing a single ear headset while using their free ear to listen to related information or requests from others on the radio or within the dispatch center
Ability to talk and listen to a caller while simultaneously answering and providinginformation to emergency responders on a side channel
Quick processing time and strong listening skills out of both ears are required in order to navigate the balance of phone and radio traffic concurrently
Quickly and accurately logs and maintains a variety of data and records on emergency incidents fire, police, and medical incidents dispatched, radio and alarm tests, hydrant maintenance, street names, address and map coordinates
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.