ENTRY LEVEL Telecommunicator (911 Call-Taker/Dispatcher)- 2027 Class

South Sound 911•Tacoma, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position processes 911 and non-emergency calls by screening, recording information and transferring calls as appropriate for law enforcement, fire and medical aid services in an accurate and timely manner, providing routine information and assistance to the public as well as various law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies and other City and County agencies. This hiring class is tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2027, with a definitive date to be determined. Applications will be held for review until early November, with next steps communicated then. Candidates must complete a Dispatch Written Exam and a Personal History Statement through Public Safety Testing (PST) before submitting an application.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent, plus two years of experience involving considerable public contact and multi-tasking.
Fluent use of the English language, to include the ability to understand written and verbal instructions, understand and interpret complex rules and procedures, explain and apply applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to work appropriately with confidential material and information.
Must be able to analyze situations quickly using independent judgment in problem solving and decision-making to adopt an effective course of action.
Communicate efficiently and effectively both orally and in writing using tact, patience and courtesy to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to travel to other local locations in a timely manner, as needed for performance of the job.
Time management and organizational skills to work with interruptions and meet expected schedules and timelines.
Ability to work with Microsoft Office software, database applications, and standard communication systems.
Must be able to hear and talk.
Vision required in the job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Must frequently sit for extended periods at a computer terminal, walk both indoors and out, use hands to finger, handle or feel.
Frequently required to reach with hands and arms; occasionally must stand, bend/stoop, or kneel.
Occasionally must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Must be able to travel away from the regular worksite as required.

Nice To Haves

Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary communication link between partner agencies and the public by answering incoming calls on emergency and non-emergency lines, and processing appropriately according to policies and procedures in a calm and efficient manner.
Accurately record pertinent information into a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
Communicate with the public, partner agencies and others to provide and receive information as requested or required, including preparation of a variety of reports such as general police reports, supplemental reports, 911 trouble reports and others as requested.
Operate a variety of communication equipment such as a personal computer, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, TDD and other technologies.
Provide training and orientation to other employees and assist co-workers when needed.
Obtain and maintain certifications required for this position.
Testify in court as required.
Additional duties as assigned and related.