Cedar Rapids Law Enforcement Dispatcher/Communications Center Specialist 2
About The Position
This is not a remote position. Be the Lifeline: Join the Iowa Department of Public Safety as a Dispatcher/ Communications Center Specialist Do you thrive under pressure, communicate clearly, and have a commitment to public service? The State of Iowa Department of Public Safety is seeking detail-oriented, highly dependable individuals to serve as Dispatchers/ Communications Center Specialists, acting as the critical link between emergency calls and first responders. Whether you’re beginning your career in public safety or bringing prior experience to the table, we offer an opportunity to make a real difference every single day. About the Role As a Communications Center Specialist, you’ll be at the center of emergency operations—handling public safety and criminal justice information via phone, two-way radio, and digital systems. Your decisions directly impact the safety of law enforcement and the public, and your calm demeanor and quick thinking will help preserve lives and property across the state of Iowa.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Must pass a thorough background investigation.
- Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation provided by the Department of Public Safety (includes vision corrected to 20/20, normal hearing with minimal loss, and normal speech).
- Two years of full-time experience in a public safety communications role; OR Equivalent education/experience (30 semester hours in law enforcement = 1 year of experience, max 2 years substitution); OR One year of full-time experience as a Communications Center Specialist 1 within the State of Iowa.
- Two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience as a Communications operator, dispatcher, or radio operator in a city, county, state, federal, commercial or industrial communications center; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience on the basis of one year of full-time experience equals 30 semester hours of college level course work in law enforcement or a related field with a maximum substitution of two years; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as a Communications Center Specialist 1 shall be considered qualified.
- Ability to pass a thorough background investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Iowa geography or the ability to learn it quickly
Responsibilities
- Elicit critical information from private citizens and partner agencies, ensuring that accurate data is relayed to the appropriate law enforcement or emergency personnel.
- Monitor, identify, and report issues with the computerized switching system and coordinate timely repairs.
- Receive and enter road condition reports and towed vehicle updates into the statewide computer system.
- Operate two-way radios, telephones, and law enforcement data systems to support real-time communication with police, fire, and medical services.
- Retrieve and relay confidential records from the IOWA System, NCIC, and NLETS to authorized officials.
- Maintain ongoing contact with investigative officers to ensure situational awareness and officer safety during potentially dangerous interactions.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and life insurance
- Nine paid holidays, plus generous paid vacation and sick leave starting on your first day
- Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) defined benefit program
- Professional development opportunities, including paid training, certifications, and conferences
- Employee discounts through various vendors
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
