911 Dispatcher

Ravalli County • Hamilton, MT

119d • Onsite

About The Position

The 911 Dispatcher responds to emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and texts, obtains and disseminates accurate information, and dispatches law enforcement, fire, ambulance, and other emergency services. The role provides emergency medical dispatch instructions, assists the public with information and referrals, maintains logs and records, and performs related dispatch support duties in a team environment.

The dispatcher operates telephone, radio, computer-aided dispatch, and related systems; processes and maintains official documents and database records; and provides confidential law enforcement and criminal records to authorized personnel and agencies. The position requires calm, accurate performance under stressful conditions, effective communication, and the ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends, nights, and holidays.

The work takes place in a modified office setting with artificial light, computers, and multiple monitors. The environment may be loud due to phone calls, radio traffic, and alarms. The employee may need to travel outside the county for meetings or training. Physical duties include extended periods of sitting or standing and occasional movement, lifting, carrying, and operation of office equipment or a vehicle.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Pass a hearing test and a background investigation, and successfully complete an oral interview.
• Demonstrate keyboarding proficiency of at least 40 words per minute.
• Have knowledge and practical application of personal computers and familiarity with computer software programs and applications.
• Have functional understanding of and previous exposure to modern office equipment and machines.
• Successfully complete a psychological examination as determined by the Sheriff.
• Read, write, and fully comprehend English; communicate clearly and professionally by telephone, radio, and in person.
• Actively listen, accurately relay information using proper grammar, and understand written correspondence, memoranda, and directives.
• Multitask accurately, remain focused under stress, and adapt to new or unique situations.
• Make constructive behavioral choices in difficult situations, accept professional criticism or discipline, and take responsibility for work actions.
• Work cooperatively with supervisors, co-workers, first responders, the public, and agency partners.
• Hear and understand communications through a headset or radio speaker as well as outside sounds; ability to hear with both ears.
• Read visual images and maps, distinguish colors on color-coded computer screens, and type accurately while dispatching.
• Record names and numbers accurately without transposing letters or numbers.
• Know law enforcement, fire, and EMS dispatch operations and procedures; emergency medical dispatch instructions; computer-aided dispatch and telephone recording systems; telephone and radio consoles; ANI/ALI displays; and local, state, and national computer systems.
• Know the geography of Ravalli County and RCSO policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Apply oral and written communication, telephone and customer-service techniques, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Evaluate calls calmly and accurately, identify civil or criminal liability issues related to 911 operations and NCIC record entry, and dispatch calls to appropriate units.
• Perform calmly during highly stressful emergency situations and work in a team atmosphere according to established team rules.
• Work rotating shifts as assigned, including weekends, night shifts, and holidays.
• Possess a valid Montana driver's license.
• Maintain current CJIN/NCIC certification as a condition of employment.
• Maintain EMD and First Aid/CPR certification.
• Complete and pass the Public Safety Communicator Basic MLEA course within one year of employment.
• Meet the physical requirements of the role, including extended sitting or standing, operation of office equipment, and the ability to speak and hear to exchange information.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and texts accurately, efficiently, and professionally.
• Obtain information from callers, assess and prioritize incidents, and dispatch appropriate first responders by radio, page, or telephone.
• Provide emergency medical dispatch instructions over the phone in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Take appropriate action to ensure requested or required emergency services are completed.
• Provide information, referrals, and assistance to the public and other agencies.
• Operate telephone, radio, computer-aided dispatch, recording, and related systems and equipment.
• Scan, update, modify, validate, and process court orders, warrants, reports, and other official records in computer programs and databases.
• Input, retrieve, review, post, and purge data and records in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Obtain and disseminate confidential law enforcement and criminal records to authorized deputies, officers, court officials, and agencies.
• Accumulate and distribute records and reports in accordance with 911 Center policy.
• Maintain logs and paperwork and perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Overtime and compensatory time are available.
• Longevity pay increases annually by 1%.
• Pay increases at years 3, 5, 10, 15, and 25.
• Night shift differential of $0.50 per hour.
• Hourly starting base rate of $21.79, with an additional $0.75 per hour after passing probation.

What This Job Offers

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