Dispatchers

Description

Winona County is accepting applications for this position until 4:00 p.m. February 18, 2026; however, preference will be given to those that apply by 4:00 p.m. February 3, 2026.

This position starts at $29.20/hour (DOQ) with advancement up to $38.87/hour.

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs skilled technical communications work, receiving and transmitting information, dispatching public safety units as required. Performs related work as required. Employees are required to make independent decisions in the dispatch of public safety personnel and equipment in response to calls for service. Activity is tracked in a real-time mode through use of a computer-aided dispatch system.

Work is performed in a communications center.

Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.

• Answers incoming calls (radio and telephone), assist walk-in clients, and operate jail doors. Ascertains nature of situation and its location. Dispatches, via radio and telephone, all necessary personnel and equipment.
• Monitors radio activities and provides supplemental information, personnel and equipment.
• Uses standard operating procedures to send and receive radio, telephone and computer messages.
• Maintains resource and referral data.
• Operates Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) to enter, receive and manipulate associated data, tracking activity and location of personnel and equipment.
• Keeps abreast of city ordinances, state statutes, and civil process paper service. Also responsible for entering, canceling, and confirming warrants through the in-house computer system, Minnesota Criminal Information System (MINCIS) and National Crime Information Computer (NCIC).
• Maintains and cares for communications and recording equipment.
• Assists in training new dispatchers.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Any combination of training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Communications experience, electronics training, First Aid, CPR, or any other related experience or training.
• Must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period.
• Must pass the State Terminal Operators Certification Test within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Proficient use of computer software such as Microsoft Windows Applications:
  Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Ability to act in a decisive manner and use good judgment.
• Ability to represent the organization to other agencies and citizens with a courteous, helpful, accurate and business-like attitude in all radio, telephone, teletype and personal contacts.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, co-workers, teams from the Winona County’s Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement agencies, other community agencies and the public.
• Must pass required background check.
• Ability to provide effective and truthful testimony in court.

For Full Job Classification Including ADA Requirements, .

For a copy of the benefit statement for this position, .