Public Safety Emergency Dispatcher I/Ii

Prince George's County Government • PSCC - Bowie, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Homeland Security is hiring Public Safety Emergency Dispatcher I/II employees for its Public Safety Communications Division. The role supports public safety by receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency requests, determining the services needed, and dispatching police, sheriff, and Fire/EMS personnel. Dispatchers use telephone, radio, text, online programs, and computer-based communications systems to gather and record critical information and coordinate responses according to established protocols and agency policies. They may provide special instructions and pre-arrival guidance, including CPR instructions when appropriate.

The work takes place onsite in a secured, windowless office with specialized low-lighting. Employees work at a designated workstation using multiple computer systems and may have limited opportunity for movement; rest and meal periods depend on workload. Positions require rotating shifts of ten or twelve hours, and employees must be available to serve as essential personnel during emergencies, disasters, or special events. Employees may be assigned to the alternate 9-1-1 center when it is activated or during tests and drills. Remote and telework assignments are not available.

After selection, employees must pass the required examinations and background, psychological, medical, and drug-screening processes, and successfully complete required training and certifications. These include emergency telecommunicator, emergency medical, fire and police dispatch, NCIC, and CPR/BLS coursework, with the specified passing scores and performance standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• One year of responsible work experience as an emergency or non-emergency dispatcher/call center operator, public safety officer, security worker, military or healthcare services worker, or other relevant experience using a two-way radio; alternatively, experience as a Public Safety Emergency Call Taker II with Prince George’s County Government.
• Successfully pass the agency-specified entrance examination, including the OHS 9-1-1 Specialist exam unless a qualifying exam passed on or after August 1, 2024, can be used.
• Pass the background investigation, medical examination, drug screening, random drug and alcohol testing, and psychological screening.
• Be able to work ten- or twelve-hour rotating shifts and report to the Bowie or Landover center at prescribed times or when directed, with a driver's license, vehicle, or other reliable transportation.
• Wear a departmental uniform and headset while performing duties.
• Complete required training and certifications, including the NAED Emergency Telecommunicator Course, EMD, EFD and EPD courses, Maryland State NCIC CN2 training, and CPR/BLS for Health Care Providers, meeting the stated passing scores and agency performance standards.
• Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee and report during standard or non-standard hours as operations require.
• Meet the physical and sensory demands of the work, including prolonged sitting, sustained screen focus, typing, repetitive motions, reaching, fingering, grasping, hearing, speaking, and close vision with the ability to adjust focus.
• Include application information that clearly demonstrates the required qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch police officers, deputy sheriffs, and/or Fire/EMS units to routine and emergency calls for assistance.
• Provide special instructions, hazard information, and additional information to public safety personnel as appropriate or requested.
• Use multiple computer systems, including the Automatic Call Distribution 9-1-1 telephone system, geographic mapping tools, Computer Aided Dispatch, and other information repositories, to answer, triage, and process calls.
• Receive incoming emergency and non-emergency requests, determine the services required, and initiate calls for service according to dispatch protocols and agency policies.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions, including CPR instructions when appropriate.
• Process requests received by radio, 9-1-1 system, online programs, text, or telephone using a headset or other computer-based communication equipment.
• Record pertinent information according to agency procedures and protocols.
• Perform duties at the alternate 9-1-1 center when activated or during tests and drills.
• Report to or remain at work as an essential employee during emergencies and other circumstances requiring public safety staffing.

What This Job Offers

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