Public Safety Telecommunicator - Rice/Steele 911 Dispatch Center

Rice County • Owatonna, MN

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is currently based in Owatonna, MN. A new center is being constructed in Faribault, MN and we anticipate relocating to the new facility in fall 2026. The Public Safety Telecommunicator is responsible for receiving and prioritizing all emergency and non-emergency requests for service and for dispatching appropriate public safety personnel and equipment in response to calls for service. This position is of critical importance for community and public safety, operating 24/7; including nights, weekends and holidays. Employees are required to use computer technology, which requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Must pass required background check
• Must pass required psychological evaluation
• Process basic computing skills, including a good knowledge of and experience using: E-mail and Microsoft Outlook, web browsing, basic computer mapping, Adobe pdf viewer, word processing and spreadsheet software, and ability to type 30 WPM.

Nice To Haves

• Communications experience
• Two years of experience as a public safety Communications Operator or Dispatch
• Experience in Customer Service
• Experience or education in law enforcement, fire or EMS training
• Previous experience in Criminal Justice, Corrections or Courts

Responsibilities

• Gather information via multi-channel radio, 911 emergency and non-emergency phone systems, and computer terminal.
• Exercise independent judgment to solicit, identify, assess, evaluate, prioritize, summarize and transmit information regarding calls for service.
• Answer incoming calls (radio and telephone).
• Ascertain nature of situation and its location.
• Monitor radio activities and provide supplemental information, personnel and equipment.
• Dispatch police, fire, EMS, rescue, and reserves and monitor all radio channels.
• Utilize extensive training, departmental policies, procedures and guidelines, mandates, and laws governing a dispatcher's response and conduct to determine appropriate procedure and necessary action.
• Make calls for officers: tow request, detox, judges, public works, etc.
• Operate CAD to enter, receive and manipulate associated data, tracking activity and location of personnel and equipment.
• Monitor severe weather and sound sirens, when needed.
• Monitor multiple radio channels on ARMER.
• Assist in coordinating activities between law enforcement, fire/rescue, medical, emergency management, municipal utility, and County Highway units operating in the field.
• Utilize the CAD and Records Management Systems (RMS) to their fullest capacity.
• Operate National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Minnesota Justice Information Systems (MNJIS) terminal to exchange information with other law enforcement agencies and verify driver records, vehicle registrations, criminal histories, stolen and recovered property, etc.
• Operate public notification system by sending out emergency notifications to public or page out SWAT, dive team or others as needed.
• Request, disseminate, enter, verify, modify and cancel protected data through computerized terminals linked to State, Federal, Interstate and local Law Enforcement systems to include but not limited to; driver and motor vehicle information, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) 'hot files'; criminal histories; persons, property, vehicle and other restricted data files.
• Assist records and jail staff with entering and removing NCIC/MNJIS records.
• Provide general information not limited to; filing police reports, impounded vehicles, returned property, locations in the county; various telephone, address and contact information, special event information etc.
• Search databases for information requested by officers.
• Attend court, if necessary.
• Notify Shift Supervisor of all critical incidents or other matters requiring their attention.
• Answer questions and complaints from the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Train new employees.
• Maintain a clean and respectful work environment while on duty.

Benefits

• Shift and Weekend Differential of $0.75 added for all hours worked 6:00pm-6:00am and all daytime weekend hours worked 6:00am-6:00pm
• Additional pay opportunities for Communications Training Officers and Acting Lead assignments
• Training for required certifications are provided by the employer and required within six months of hire as a condition of continued employment.

What This Job Offers

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