Dispatcher

City of Blue Springs•Blue Springs, MO

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dispatcher receives and coordinates emergency and non-emergency calls for service, ensuring timely and accurate communication between the public, first responders, and other agencies. This position plays a critical role in supporting community safety through effective call handling, radio communication, and information management in a fast-paced environment. The Dispatcher serves as the first point of contact in emergency and non-emergency situations, connecting the community with essential public safety services.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Must receive Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) certification (or similar necessary certification) within 6 months following date of hire and maintain certification while employed.
Must be able to obtain notary within one year of employment.
Six months to one year of experience in a related field with experience in telephone switchboard or high frequency radio operations preferred.
Must pass a background investigation, drug screening, and required hearing/vision tests.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Must be able to work a variety of shifts including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to speak clearly in a well-modulated voice and to use good diction.
Ability to accomplish oral and written instructions and interface effectively with the public and other employees.
Ability to think and act quickly in emergency situations, maintain records, and prepare reports.
Ability to multitask.
Basic geography, including the location of streets, landmarks, and major buildings or areas requiring special police and fire protection services.
Police Department practices, procedures, records systems, and reporting requirements.
Computer and electronic data processing systems used in dispatch operations.
Standard office procedures and equipment.
Operating basic office equipment, computers, and multi-line phone systems.
Accurately typing and entering data while maintaining focus and attention to detail.
Using dispatch and law enforcement software systems effectively and efficiently.

Nice To Haves

Experience in telephone switchboard or high frequency radio operations preferred.

Responsibilities

Receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service, including police, animal control, fire, and ambulance. Dispatches appropriate personnel and resources for police calls using radio, telephone, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems. Transfers fire and EMS calls to the appropriate communication center for response and dispatch.
Accurately files, maintains, and retrieves reports and records in accordance with departmental procedures and legal requirements.
Monitors local, county, and state law enforcement, fire protection, and public service radio frequencies to maintain situational awareness and coordinate communication as needed.
Operates, queries, enters, and retrieves data from law enforcement information systems while maintaining strict confidentiality of all sensitive information.
Maintains and updates the business emergency contact file to ensure accurate information is available for emergency response.
Performs basic maintenance and replacement of communication equipment as needed and reports any defects or malfunctions promptly.
Answers incoming telephone calls, provides routine departmental information, and routes inquiries to appropriate personnel or departments.
Receives and responds to after-hours service calls for City departments such as Streets, Water, and Parks, and notifies designated on-call personnel as required.
Maintains a thorough working knowledge of the City’s geographical and jurisdictional boundaries to ensure accurate and efficient dispatching of services.
Works varied shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Must remain alert, focused, and in a state of readiness at all times to respond effectively to emergencies.