911 Dispatcher (Entry Level or Lateral)

City of Astoria • Astoria, OR

11h • Onsite

About The Position

Communications Operators, also referred to as "911 Dispatchers", are often the first trained point of contact in an emergency. They begin the important work of obtaining essential information, remaining calm, calming others, and sending the appropriate responders to the right location. They may also provide instructions to the 911 caller, which in many cases is essential to stabilizing or saving a life. Dispatchers are responsible for performing quick, efficient, and accurate dispatching of calls and messages with public safety units and personnel in the field. During the typical 6-8 month training period, trainees will work alongside different trainers during each training phase and work varying shifts in accordance with their trainer's assigned shift. In addition to hands-on work with a trainer, trainees will be required to attend 3 weeks of training in Salem at the Department of Public Safety Standards Training (DPSST) academy plus a 3 day Emergency Medical Dispatch certification course. There is a one year probationary period. This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

• Ability to work full-time shift work in a dispatch center that operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
• Ability to rotate through a variety of shifts including days, swing, nights, holidays and weekends with proper notice.
• Must complete 3 weeks of training in Salem at the Department of Public Safety Standards Training (DPSST) academy.
• Must complete a 3-day Emergency Medical Dispatch certification course.
• Must complete a one year probationary period.
• Must submit application materials.
• Must complete testing.
• Must satisfy each step of the application process.
• Must complete online CritiCall testing (unless a certified dispatcher).
• Must pass a background check including: Records Check (Criminal, Civil, Sex Offender, Motor Vehicle, Credit & Education Verification), Investigation, Psychological, Medical & Hearing Exams, and Drug Screen.
• Must pass a Chief's Interview.

Nice To Haves

• Cover letters and resumes are encouraged to share more about education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Obtaining essential information during emergencies.
• Remaining calm and calming others during emergencies.
• Sending the appropriate responders to the right location.
• Providing instructions to 911 callers.
• Performing quick, efficient, and accurate dispatching of calls and messages with public safety units and personnel in the field.

Benefits

• Pay incentives available to be added cumulatively to a dispatcher's pay.
• Voluntary semi-annual bonus for qualified physical fitness tests.
• Intermediate and Advanced Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) certificates pay premiums.
• Communications Training Officer assignment and pay premium.
• Lead Dispatcher assignment and pay premium.
• Senior Communications Operator pay premium.
• Bilingual Language pay premium (after testing).
• Stability Pay (after 10 years).
• Compensation for moving expenses (reimbursed after providing receipts).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed