Dispatcher, Government

Applications are accepted until there are sufficient numbers of qualified applications or a qualified candidate has been identified. The position may close at any time.

Under the supervision of the Director or his/her designee in a 24‑hour work environment, the 9‑1‑1 Dispatcher receives emergency calls from the public in need of law enforcement, fire, medical or other emergency services. The dispatcher determines the location and priority of the emergency and dispatches appropriate emergency units. The dispatcher also answers non‑emergency calls for assistance and processes criminal justice information.

The dispatcher monitors multiple public safety radio talk groups and operates a variety of communication/computer equipment. The dispatcher works 12‑hour shifts, overtime including mandatory overtime, and must be available to work on scheduled days off and in the event of an emergency.

• Receives, evaluates, and prioritizes calls for emergency and non‑emergency service, working various shifts and days, including weekends and holidays, and working on‑call as needed.
• Dispatches necessary emergency units, including law enforcement, fire, medical or other services.
• Provides pre‑arrival emergency medical instructions to the public while emergency personnel are en route.
• Coordinates information between the public and emergency personnel via a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) as well as radios, mobile data terminals, telephones, pager and other communication devices.
• Monitors multiple public safety radio talk groups and responds to specific requests or needs.
• Queries, processes and retrieves local court or public safety systems for criminal justice information (e.g., vehicle registrations, driving records and outstanding warrants).
• Performs data entry as needed.
• May be involved in training other staff.

• Other tasks as assigned.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is required. College coursework in Criminal Justice, Emergency Services, Public Safety or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Prior experience in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, a high‑volume customer service center or emergency response dispatch is strongly preferred.

Other Requirements: Must pass a data entry/keyboarding test. Must be able to achieve and maintain LEIN processing status. Must pass criminal, credit and other background checks as required by the County. CPR, EMD or advanced first‑aid training is preferred. A general knowledge of local streets and traffic patterns is preferred.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.

(The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job‑related selection or promotional criteria.)

• Ability to work 12‑hour shifts, to work overtime including mandatory overtime, to be available to work on scheduled days off and in the event of an emergency.
• Subjected to prolonged periods of sitting.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, or lift/hold/carry objects found in an office environment.
• Ability to hear, communicate and respond to co‑worker and customer inquiries both in person and over the telephone, radio and other communication devices.
• Ability to operate a PC/laptop and to enter & retrieve information from a computer.
• Ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress. Must be able to remain calm when others are panicked or afraid.

• Normal work occurs in an office environment.

FLSA non‑exempt. Updated February 2016. CCLP 911‑210. This position is benefited and is subject to the CCLP 911 NON SUPERVISORY GROUP CBA. Ingham County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Benefits page for more information. The current group contract can be viewed here.