Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Ames • 50010, IA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Ames Police Department is hiring at least one Public Safety Dispatcher. The role operates a complex communications system, receives and handles emergency and non-emergency communications, and dispatches appropriate services, personnel, and equipment for police, fire, or medical emergencies. The position also includes related work as required. Dispatchers work in a 24/7/365 environment, are assigned shifts, and may be required to work occasional mandatory overtime. Employees must reside within the area specified in the PPME contract. The stated starting annual salary is $57,147 ($27.4745 per hour) as of July 1, 2026, with salary steps based on months of City of Ames dispatcher service. A $1,000 hiring wage incentive is paid in installments after hire, after six months, and after the probationary period ends or 12 months of employment, whichever is later. The selection process includes education and experience evaluation, background checks, a written exam, simulation testing, behavioral assessment, interviews, job shadowing, reference checks, psychological and physical examinations, and a drug test. Candidates must pass each component to continue.

Requirements

• Successful completion of high school, HiSET, or GED.
• Obtain Iowa/NCIC, CPR, and Emergency Medical Dispatching certifications within six months of appointment and recertify as required.
• Attend and successfully complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy 40-hour training course within one year of appointment.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding work.
• Work in a customer-oriented environment and respond effectively to difficult customers.
• Produce accurate work and be reliable and adaptable to shift work.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with the public and department staff, orally and in writing.
• Enter data quickly and accurately using a computer keyboard.
• Receive and transmit information quickly and accurately using a radio console and telephone.
• Stay calm and think and act logically, including during emergency situations.
• Receive and comprehend multiple telephone and radio conversations simultaneously while operating dispatch software; multitask effectively.
• Operate complex public-safety computer systems and equipment used in communications systems.
• Document events clearly, completely, legibly, and objectively.
• Work effectively with coworkers, other agencies and departments, and the public.
• Handle situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully; adapt to varied working hours.
• Meet the position's physical activity requirements, including stooping, reaching, finger dexterity, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Meet the stated vision and hearing requirements.
• Reside within the area specified by the PPME contract.
• Successfully pass each stage of the selection process, including background investigation, written and simulation testing, interviews, psychological examination, and physical examination including a drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Related college coursework.
• Two years of relevant work experience, including teamwork and maintaining effective working relationships in fast-paced, changing environments.
• Qualifications above the minimum may receive preference.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research using multiple resources.
• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Receive and relay messages to appropriate personnel.
• Direct requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services to the appropriate agency.
• Prioritize calls for service and dispatch appropriate resources according to established procedures.
• Provide emergency medical instructions.
• Operate a radio console to receive and transmit radio communications.
• Maintain contact with units during shift assignments.
• Maintain continuous status records of mobile units, logs, and records of information received and transmitted.
• Send and receive computer terminal messages and route them to appropriate destinations.
• Monitor cameras, alarms, and City Hall doors for situations requiring emergency lockdown.
• Work with other Police divisions and City departments.
• Operate equipment essential to the position.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Report to work as essential emergency personnel during disasters and bad weather.
• Contribute to the City's Excellence Through People organizational culture and shared values.

Benefits

• A $1,000 hiring wage incentive, paid in installments.
• Salary step increases based on months of City of Ames dispatcher service.
• Comprehensive benefits package (details are referenced through the City of Ames benefits information).
• Potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, subject to program requirements.

What This Job Offers

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