911 Dispatcher

County of Door•Sturgeon Bay, WI

2d•$29 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The 911 Dispatcher supports Door County’s emergency response infrastructure by operating critical communications equipment to dispatch police, fire, and emergency medical services. The position requires focus, decision-making under pressure, and technical proficiency to help ensure prompt and accurate public safety responses. Work takes place in a 24/7/365 emergency communications center, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The center handles emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinates communications for law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies throughout the county. The dispatcher communicates with distressed callers and first responders, monitors incidents, maintains accurate records, uses mapping tools, and operates dispatch and information systems. The position also requires participation in training and maintenance of required certifications. Employees may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Wisconsin statutes and county emergency management plans.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to type at least 31 words per minute, verified by a standard keyboarding test.
Ability to obtain Certified Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six months of hire.
Obtain Basic and Advanced TIME System certifications within one year of hire and maintain active status.
Successfully complete the 911 dispatch field training and evaluation program within six months of hire.
Ability to communicate clearly and calmly with callers and first responders in stressful, time-sensitive situations.
Ability to manage multiple calls, data systems, and radio communications simultaneously and accurately.
Ability to rapidly analyze incoming information and determine appropriate dispatch actions, with or without direct supervision.
Ability to operate dispatch consoles, radios, computer-aided dispatch, and proprietary software accurately and efficiently.
Ability to maintain composure and sound decision-making in high-stress emergency situations.
Ability to record information accurately and ensure consistency across systems.
Ability to read and interpret computer screens and dispatch equipment and perceive and respond to audible signals and spoken information.
Ability to perform prolonged seated work at a console, keyboard entry, and communication by phone and radio; duties also involve standing, bending, and walking within the work area.
Ability to occasionally lift items up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in emergency dispatch or public safety communications.
Additional certifications in public safety telecommunications or Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.

Responsibilities

Receive and route emergency and non-emergency calls using telephone and computer-aided dispatch systems, prioritizing calls by urgency and nature.
Dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical personnel by radio in compliance with FCC regulations.
Communicate professionally with distressed callers, gather essential information, offer reassurance, and provide pre-arrival instructions when applicable.
Monitor incidents, relay critical updates, track unit status, and document information in real time.
Use geographic knowledge and mapping tools to verify locations and direct responders.
Maintain entries in the TIME System, including warrants, restraining orders, missing persons, and stolen property, in compliance with state and federal protocols.
Maintain and interpret teletype communications and administrative messages to support interagency coordination, including with the National Weather Service.
Attend mandatory training sessions and meetings to maintain certifications and stay current on protocols and system updates.
Maintain accurate, confidential, and complete records and logs according to departmental procedures.
Work during a proclaimed state of emergency when required, consistent with applicable statutes and county emergency management plans.