Emergency Dispatcher is responsible for responding to calls for emergency and non-emergency assistance and dispatching law enforcement, fire fighting, or rescue units. Transmits and receives coded and conventional messages. Being an Emergency Dispatcher differentiates between routine, priority, and emergency messages, and initiates or follows through on responses as required. Communicates details of situation and location. Additionally, Emergency Dispatcher enters unit response details into a database. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Emergency Dispatcher works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be an Emergency Dispatcher typically requires 3-5 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
The Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Emergency Services Dispatcher.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Work involves monitoring, dispatching, and coordinating a variety of emergency services (fire, rescue and ambulance, law enforcement, child protection services, disaster preparedness, etc.). Duties also include maintaining communications with road patrol officers to dispatch back-up assistance when requested. Incumbents monitor numerous telephone systems, alarm systems and radio frequencies simultaneously in a fast-paced high-stress work environment and must exercise sound independent judgment in prioritizing calls and dispatching appropriate services to emergency situations as quickly as possible. Ability to remain calm and courteous when dealing with upset, potentially angry and abusive, callers is essential, as is maintenance of accurate records of all calls placed and received, in accordance with established procedures. Mandatory work assignments include both day and night shifts. Work is performed under general supervision of higher-level Bureau of Emergency Services staff. Performs related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
a) Associates degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services Management, Fire Protection Technology or closely related field; or
b) High school diploma or its equivalent with one (1) year of experience as a dispatcher in an emergency services organization; or
c) High school diploma or its equivalent with two (2) years paid or volunteer experience as an active member of an emergency services organization, i.e., firefighter in an organized fire department, emergency medical personnel for an ambulance service, or closely-related position; or
d) An equivalent combination of experience as defined by the limits of a), b) and c) above.
Within six (6) months of appointment, successful completion of
PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.
911 Performance Test: Candidates interviewed must pass a qualifying performance test.
The test will be administered on a computer and will test a candidate’s ability to enter the kinds of information that dispatchers and related personnel must process for fire, police and emergency medical services. In order to pass, a candidate must enter the data at a rate of at least 6,000 keystrokes per hour (which is equal to typing 20 words per minute), with an accuracy rate of at least 97.5%. Candidates who fail the performance test will be permitted one (1) retest which will be given on the same day.
PUTNAM COUNTY – AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $49,286.00 - $68,623.00 per year
Benefits:
Schedule:
Work Location: In person