Emergency Dispatcher

Custer County•Custer, SD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Emergency Dispatcher works in the Custer County 9-1-1 Communications Center, operating a combined communications service for urban and rural fire departments, the County Sheriff's Department, police departments, urban and rural ambulance services, Life Flight, and other agencies as needed. The dispatcher receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, dispatchers, and law enforcement agencies through telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems. Calls are handled according to local procedures, Communications Council guidance, and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations. The role includes using computer terminals to access specialized automated data banks in compliance with applicable laws, documenting activity and locations in the CAD system, and assigning appropriate public safety personnel to routine and emergency calls. The work is performed in a confined area and involves remaining seated for extended periods while entering information into computer systems. Employees must be willing to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to work overtime. Other duties may be assigned, and the dispatcher must notify a supervisor of concerns. The starting wage is $22.84 per hour for non-certified applicants and $23.79 per hour for applicants who are South Dakota certified or upon obtaining state certification. A $1.00-per-hour shift differential applies between 1800 and 0600. Custer County offers a benefit package and participation in the South Dakota Retirement System.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.
Must have no felony convictions and pass a background check.
Must successfully complete the state-mandated 911 Basic Course within one year of hire.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid South Dakota driver's license.
Ability to communicate calmly, courteously, clearly, distinctly, and promptly, verbally and in writing, including with irate, hysterical, aggressive, or abusive individuals.
Ability to hear within normal ranges and simultaneously listen to and comprehend telephone and radio traffic.
Ability to comprehend and apply County and City ordinances, policies, and procedures.
Ability to document activity, locations, and status in CAD and quickly disseminate additional information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel, agencies, and the public.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos, and to write simple correspondence.
Ability to learn law enforcement terminology and procedures.
Typing and data-entry proficiency, fine motor coordination, and manual dexterity.
Ability to perform light physical work, exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently.

Responsibilities

Receive emergency and non-emergency calls through telephone, radio systems, and CAD systems.
Dispatch and coordinate communications for fire departments, law enforcement agencies, police departments, ambulance services, Life Flight, and other agencies as needed.
Assign appropriate public safety personnel to routine and emergency calls for service.
Operate computer terminals and access specialized automated data banks in compliance with applicable laws.
Document activity, locations, and status in the computer-aided dispatch system and quickly disseminate additional information.
Follow established local procedures, Communications Council guidance, and FCC rules and regulations.
Notify a supervisor of concerns and perform other duties as assigned.