Des Moines Law Enforcement Dispatcher​/Communications Center Specialist

Be the Lifeline:
Join the Iowa Department of Public Safety as a Dispatcher/ Communications Center Specialist

Do you thrive under pressure, communicate clearly, and have a commitment to public service? The State of Iowa Department of Public Safety is seeking detail-oriented, highly dependable individuals to serve as Dispatchers / Communications Center Specialists, acting as the critical link between emergency calls and first responders.

Whether you’re beginning your career in public safety or bringing prior experience to the table, we offer an opportunity to make a real difference every single day.

As a Communications Center Specialist, you’ll be at the center of emergency operations—handling public safety and criminal justice information via phone, two-way radio, and digital systems. Your decisions directly impact the safety of law enforcement and the public. A calm demeanor and quick thinking will help preserve lives and property across the state of Iowa.

In addition to the core duties, you’ll:

• Elicit critical information from private citizens and partner agencies, ensuring that accurate data is relayed to the appropriate law enforcement or emergency personnel.
• Monitor, identify, and report issues with the computerized switching system and coordinate timely repairs.
• Receive and enter road condition reports and towed vehicle updates into the statewide computer system.
• Operate two-way radios, telephones, and law enforcement data systems to support real-time communication with police, fire, and medical services.
• Retrieve and relay confidential records from the Iowa System, NCIC, and NLETS to authorized officials.
• Maintain ongoing contact with investigative officers to ensure situational awareness and officer safety during potentially dangerous interactions.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS includes seven divisions:

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center
• Division of Professional Development and Support Services
• Administrative Services Division

We’re searching for individuals who demonstrate:

• Clear, calm, and professional communication under stress
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills
• The ability to work flexible, irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
• A strong sense of integrity, discretion, and teamwork
• Familiarity with Iowa geography or the ability to learn it quickly
• Commitment to public safety and the mission of DPS

Two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience as a Communications operator, dispatcher, or radio operator in a city, county, state, federal, commercial or industrial communications center; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience on the basis of one year of full-time experience equals 30 semester hours of college level course work in law enforcement or a related field with a maximum substitution of two years;

OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as a Communications Center Specialist 1 shall be considered qualified.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Ability to pass a thorough background investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation.

As a State of Iowa Executive Branch agency, the Department of Public Safety offers a supportive, mission-driven work environment and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Nine paid holidays, plus generous paid vacation and sick leave starting on your first day
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)…