Public Safety Telecommunicator - Rice/Steele 911 Dispatch Center

Rice County • Owatonna, MN

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Rice/Steele 911 Center in Owatonna, MN is seeking to fill one full-time Public Safety Supervisor position. This role is currently based in Owatonna, MN, with an anticipated relocation to a new facility in Faribault, MN in Summer 2026. The Public Safety Telecommunicator is responsible for receiving and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency requests for service, and dispatching appropriate public safety personnel and equipment. This critical role operates 24/7 and requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and multi-tasking skills using computer technology.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must pass required background check
• Must pass required psychological evaluation
• 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
• 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) and ascertain the nature and location of the situation.
• 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, guidelines, mandates, and laws governing a dispatcher's response and conduct to determine appropriate procedure and necessary action.
• Make calls for officers, including tow requests, detox, judges, and public works.
• 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 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 the public or paging 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.
• Assist records and jail staff with entering and removing NCIC/MNJIS records.
• Provide general information to the public regarding police reports, impounded vehicles, returned property, locations, telephone numbers, addresses, contact information, and special event information.
• 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 day time weekend hours worked 6:00am-6:00pm
• Additional pay opportunities for Communications Training Officers and Acting Lead assignments
• Training for required certifications provided by the employer

What This Job Offers

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