Dispatchers

Winona County • Winona, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

When crisis strikes, every second is everything. Winona County needs fearless 911 Dispatchers now—your voice could save a life. Beginning in 2027, county-employed Dispatchers will be enrolled in the new Local Government Probation and Telecommunicator Retirement Plan. This enhanced pension benefit offers a valuable opportunity to build a strong and secure future. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until all positions are filled. The first review of applications will take place after June 19, 2026. This position starts at $29.20/hour (DOQ) with advancement up to $38.87/hour. Candidates with relevant experience may be eligible for a higher starting rate depending on qualifications. Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs skilled technical communications work, receiving and transmitting information, dispatching public safety units as required. Employees are required to make independent decisions in the dispatch of public safety personnel and equipment in response to calls for service. Activity is tracked in a real-time mode through use of a computer-aided dispatch system. Work is performed in a communications center.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school.
• Communications experience, electronics training, First Aid, CPR, or any other related experience or training.
• Must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period.
• Must pass the State Terminal Operators Certification Test within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Proficient use of computer software such as Microsoft Windows Applications: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Ability to act in a decisive manner and use good judgment.
• Ability to represent the organization to other agencies and citizens with a courteous, helpful, accurate and business-like attitude in all radio, telephone, teletype and personal contacts.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, co-workers, teams from the Winona County’s Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement agencies, other community agencies and the public.
• Must pass required background check.
• Ability to provide effective and truthful testimony in court.

Responsibilities

• Answers incoming calls (radio and telephone), assist walk-in clients, and operate jail doors.
• Ascertains nature of situation and its location.
• Dispatches, via radio and telephone, all necessary personnel and equipment.
• Monitors radio activities and provides supplemental information, personnel and equipment.
• Uses standard operating procedures to send and receive radio, telephone and computer messages.
• Maintains resource and referral data.
• Operates Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) to enter, receive and manipulate associated data, tracking activity and location of personnel and equipment.
• Keeps abreast of city ordinances, state statutes, and civil process paper service.
• Responsible for entering, canceling, and confirming warrants through the in-house computer system, Minnesota Criminal Information System (MINCIS) and National Crime Information Computer (NCIC).
• Maintains and cares for communications and recording equipment.
• Assists in training new dispatchers.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Local Government Probation and Telecommunicator Retirement Plan

What This Job Offers

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