Public Safety Dispatcher

National Park Service•Bushkill, PA

About The Position

The National Park Service is hiring a senior dispatcher for a Communications Center providing public safety dispatch services in a complex environment serving multiple units, jurisdictions, and/or agencies across a geographic area. The role requires extensive knowledge of dispatch procedures and the ability to coordinate emergency communications and resources. The dispatcher operates radio and telephone consoles, gathers information and prioritizes calls, supports investigations using criminal information networks, and manages multiple emergency calls while maintaining situational awareness and resource status. The position also involves coordinating incident responses, monitoring alarm systems, maintaining logs and records, preparing reports and legal documentation, using computer systems for data entry and reporting, contributing to operational plans, protecting sensitive information, and troubleshooting radio system issues. The position is sedentary and performed in a confined, secure Communications Center. Employees must function efficiently there for extended periods, sometimes with no breaks or opportunity to leave. The room is well-lighted and temperature-controlled, with routinely high noise levels from equipment, phones, radios, and ongoing discussions. Work involves occasional lifting of boxes and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Evening, weekend, holiday, and overtime work may be required.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must pass a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Pre-employment and random drug testing are required; a verified positive drug test precludes appointment.
May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
For GS-07 qualification, must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in Federal service, in the public or private sector. Qualifying experience includes operating dispatch communication equipment for public safety incidents and operations; prioritizing radio traffic as a primary point of contact for law enforcement and other public safety responders; and providing technical guidance, orientation, and training to new employees or lower-level dispatchers.
Applicants must document hours worked per week as specified in the announcement; current Federal employees may need to provide a non-award SF-50, and military service may be documented with a DD-214 or Statement of Service.
Competitive candidates must meet applicable Time-in-Grade requirements.
Education cannot be substituted for experience.
Must meet all qualifications by the announcement closing date of 11/18/2026.

Responsibilities

Operate a multi-frequency radio and telephone console to coordinate emergency communications.
Obtain information through precise questioning and determine call priority.
Use NCIC, NLETS, and state criminal information networks to support investigations and ensure accurate information dissemination.
Manage multiple emergency calls while maintaining situational awareness and resource status in high-pressure environments.
Coordinate responses to incidents.
Monitor and respond to alarm systems.
Maintain detailed logs and records and prepare reports and legal documentation.
Use computer systems for data entry, quality control, and statistical reporting.
Contribute to the development of operational plans and ensure compliance with procedures for handling sensitive information.
Troubleshoot radio system issues.