Dispatcher - Eligibility List

Overview

Douglas County is currently seeking applicants to fill open positions within our Communications Center. An eligibility list will be established based on the interview process for use as openings occur within the Communications Center.

This posting will remain open until adequate applications are received. Based on 2026 Salary grade $22.92-$24.73 per hour.

• Dispatchers receive emergency and routine calls, and dispatch police, fire, and other public safety and service personnel and equipment in a coordinated manner, using a computer-assisted information and telecommunications system.
• Operate a variety of telecommunications and other equipment to receive and transfer calls, monitor traffic of field units, and transmit and receive information necessary to dispatch public safety and public service personnel and equipment.
• Receive and transfer calls, monitor traffic and units, and provide emergency instructions within established guidelines and specified protocols after becoming certified.
• Provide medical emergency instructions after becoming certified, within departmental guidelines and established protocols.
• Work involves handling emergency situations with independent judgment and the ability to function accurately and efficiently under stress.
• Learn and use operating procedures, telecommunications equipment, and protocols; become familiar with street locations, jurisdictional boundaries, and the City of Superior and Douglas County geography.
• Incumbents will be provided training and must be certified as emergency medical dispatchers within the first year of employment.
• Work a shift schedule involving night, weekend, and holiday work in a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation.

• High School Diploma or GED certification required.
• One year of full-time experience dispatching two or more types of public safety agencies (e.g., police and fire) OR eighteen months of full-time experience dispatching one type of public safety agency, preferred but not required.
• Exam Requirement:
  Ability to pass mandatory entry-level exam is required. Exam materials are not provided by the department.
• Certification Requirement:
  Must possess emergency medical dispatcher certification within one year of hire and systems certification within six months of hire; must maintain certifications for continuation of employment. Once certified, employees must obtain 24 hours of training every two years to retain certification.
• Transportation Requirement:
  Must possess valid driver's license or be able to provide suitable transportation as approved by the department head.
• Residency Requirement:
  Forty-five minute commute distance from the Government Center within six months of hire date.
• Background Investigation Requirement:
  Must pass a background investigation related to access to criminal records and performing the duties of a communication dispatcher prior to hire.
• Post Job Offer Medical Exam Requirement:
  Must pass medical exam for the occupational group prior to hire.
• Physical Activities / Requirements:
  Requires the ability to operate office equipment, coordinate movements, perform light to sedentary work, occasional lifting/carrying, extensive keyboard use, and hearing ability in noisy environments.
• Other:
  Additional requirements and expectations may apply as per department policy.

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan with employer contributions
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) contributions as determined by ETF
• County paid life insurance policy with coverage equivalent to annual salary; additional life insurance options available at employee’s expense
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer

Example of Dispatcher Duties:

This position may report to Hawthorne, Wisconsin on a rotating shift.