Public Safety Telecommunicator

Overview

The Public Safety Telecommunicator is responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls to ensure public safety and provide critical support to law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other agencies. This position involves operating the County’s 9-1-1 system, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, multi-frequency radio systems, and various law enforcement databases. The Public Safety Telecommunicator plays a vital role in coordinating emergency responses, maintaining clear communication with field units, and assisting the public with professionalism, accuracy, and calm judgment.

• Receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls, including 9-1-1 and administrative calls, by verifying caller information, determining the nature and severity of incidents, and providing appropriate instructions or referrals.
• Determines priorities and dispatches law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency units following established procedures, while maintaining communication and status checks with responding personnel.
• Monitors and operates multiple public safety radio frequencies to provide timely updates and ensure efficient coordination with field units and partner agencies.
• Performs NCIC, CJIS, and other law enforcement database checks; assists agencies with informational requests; and updates road and sign information as needed.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves information in CAD, records management systems, mapping programs, business files, address guides, and warrant systems.
• Performs Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols and maintains required EMD certification, which is obtained through training provided by the agency’s in-house EMD instructors.
• Assists in monitoring dispatch center operations to support efficient and effective service delivery.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Related post-secondary education preferred.
• Prior telecommunicator experience preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, and psychological examination.
• Must be available for rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Emergency response practices, procedures, and protocols.
• Operation of CAD systems, multi-frequency radio equipment, and public safety technology.
• County geography, road systems, and jurisdictional boundaries.
• Customer service principles.
• Recordkeeping principles and standards.
• Computers and related software applications.

• Using computers, CAD systems, and associated software efficiently and accurately.
• Operating multi-frequency transceivers and maintaining clear radio communications.
• Remaining calm and exercising sound judgment in high-stress or emotional situations.
• Reading and interpreting maps and geographic data.
• Keyboarding quickly and accurately while multitasking.
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records.
• Communicating effectively with coworkers, supervisors, partner agencies, and the public.

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating communication and computer equipment.
• Ability to perform keyboarding, multitasking, and monitor multiple screens simultaneously.
• Ability to remain focused and emotionally regulated during high-stress calls.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry materials up to 25 pounds.
• Work may involve exposure to traumatic or emotionally distressing situations.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Kandiyohi County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.