Emergency Communication Specialist I

Douglas County, CO•Castle Rock, CO

18h•$60,000 - $88,301

About The Position

The Emergency Communication Specialist I (ECS I) is an entry-level, first-responder role focused exclusively on emergency and non-emergency call taking. The position serves as a primary link between the public and emergency services, with a focus on emergency call processing and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). It requires confidence, dependability, initiative, rapid and sound decision-making, composure, adaptability, and resilience in high-pressure situations. The position works 10-hour shifts on either Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Saturday. Available shifts are day (6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), swing (2:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.), and night (9:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.). Mandatory on-call shifts and overtime are required. The successful applicant must be able to work all shifts in a 24/7 operation, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The full annual salary range is $60,000–$88,301; the general hiring range is $60,000–$73,584. Hiring salary takes qualifications, education, and experience into consideration. Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. In a County emergency or disaster, employees are expected to make every effort to assist with continued County operations, which may involve additional duties and hours beyond normal requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 18 years of age.
Valid Colorado driver’s license.
Pass qualifying physical examinations, a polygraph, a psychological evaluation, and a background investigation.
Obtain required CCIC/NCIC, NENA Core Competencies, CPR, and EMD certifications within six months of hire.
Manage, process, and respond to multiple simultaneous emergency requests with composure and precision.
Make rapid, sound decisions in high-stress situations and apply critical thinking when standard operating procedures do not explicitly apply, in consultation with supervisors.
Communicate effectively with distressed, frantic, or irate callers to de-escalate situations and quickly obtain vital, actionable information.
Interpret maps and apply comprehensive local geographic knowledge to guide field units and support accurate, timely dispatching.
Recall names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
Type accurately at a speed sufficient for real-time emergency recording and proofread entries to ensure data integrity.
Communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing, in emergency and routine contexts.
Maintain audio-visual perception sufficient to monitor multiple computer screens, process concurrent audio streams, and operate radio equipment via headset.
Maintain regular, predictable attendance and have reliable transportation for work responsibilities.
Work all shifts in a 24/7 operation, including nights, weekends, holidays, on-call shifts, and mandatory overtime.
Perform all job functions unassisted and at a pace and performance level consistent with actual job requirements.
Applicants with any disqualifying factors listed in the referenced Qualifications & Disqualifications information will not be considered at this time.

Responsibilities

Answer, evaluate, and prioritize incoming calls for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and partner agencies, assessing urgency with speed and composure.
Apply Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols to provide callers with critical pre-arrival medical instructions until responders arrive.
Use computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, location-tracking tools, radio systems, and paging equipment to log and dispatch emergency requests accurately.
Access state and national law enforcement databases (NCIC/CCIC) to query and enter information about warrants, license plates, driving records, and stolen property.
Provide guidance and information for non-emergency inquiries and transfer callers to the appropriate agency.
Attend daily briefings and promptly relay unusual or high-risk situations to supervisors.
Represent the agency at community outreach and public education events and in public speaking engagements as needed.
Demonstrate integrity, ethics, and professionalism in accordance with the values of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and DR911, on and off duty.
Maintain confidentiality for citizens, emergency responders, and employees as defined under HIPPA.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support daily agency operations.
During County emergencies or disasters, make every effort to assist with continued County functions, including additional duties and hours as needed.