Public Safety Dispatcher

Description

 

SUMMARY

Public Safety Dispatchers are vital members of the first responder team who serve as the lifeline between the community and emergency services. This role requires the ability to assess high-pressure situations in real time, coordinate emergency response efforts, and provide critical support to law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel. Dispatchers are trained professionals who protect lives through rapid, accurate communication and sound decision-making. This is a shift-based position and requires a high level of resilience, focus, and commitment to public service and is designated as Essential Personnel, meaning attendance during emergencies, natural disasters, and city-wide incidents is mandatory.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

1. Act as the first point of contact in emergencies, answering 911 and non-emergency lines with speed, professionalism, and situational awareness.
2. Assess and prioritize incoming calls, including reports of crimes, accidents, medical emergencies, fires, and other urgent or non-urgent matters.
3. Gather, verify, and relay critical information to field responders while maintaining contact with callers during unfolding incidents.
4. Operate and monitor public safety radio systems, dispatching police, fire, EMS, and support units with clarity, precision, and adherence to established protocols.
5. Coordinate multi-agency response efforts, ensuring accurate, timely communication between departments and jurisdictions.
6. Track and document all activity in real-time using computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems; log updates and maintain situational awareness across multiple incidents.
7. Access and input sensitive data into state and national databases (TCIC/NCIC) to assist in criminal investigations, warrant management, and officer safety.
8. Monitor alarms, hazard indicators, and alerts, responding proactively and initiating the appropriate notifications or responses.
9. Stay composed and clear-headed under stress, making quick judgments and decisions with public and responder safety as the top priority.
10. Maintain readiness for emergency events, including severe weather, large-scale incidents, or disasters, serving as essential personnel.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

 

QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma / GED.

 

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to obtain certification in Public Safety Telecommunications and TCIC/NCIC within 6 months of hire and maintain biannual recertification.
• Must pass the Texas state licensing exam.
• Must complete NIMS (ICS-100/200,IS700) within one year of employment.
• Must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education to maintain an active license every 2 years.
• Valid TX Driver’s License

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.  Ability to perform these operations using units of American money.

 

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

 

SPECIALIZED KSA’S

• Desired:  Basic knowledge of computer-aided dispatch system, operation and utilization of the computerized database, 911 phone system, voice recording system, paging software, weather siren software and other relevant equipment utilized by this position.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task through applicant dispatch testing. A minimum keyboard speed of 35wpm is required.
• Calm under pressure and capable of handling high-stress, life-threatening situations.
• Proficient in the use of CAD, 911 call systems, radio communications, and other emergency communication tools.
• Strong multitasking and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to relay complex information quickly and clearly.
• Keyboarding proficiency (minimum 35 wpm) and familiarity with dispatch technology.
• Integrity, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential and sensitive information.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arm; speak clearly and have good hearing.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and the risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This role is performed in a secure communications center with multiple monitors and equipment in use simultaneously.

 

DISCLAIMER
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer to meet organizational needs and job requirements.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to obtain certification in Public Safety Telecommunications and TCIC/NCIC within 6 months of hire and maintain biannual recertification.
• Must pass the Texas state licensing exam.
• Must complete NIMS (ICS-100/200,IS700) within one year of employment.
• Must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education to maintain an active license every 2 years.
• Valid TX Driver’s License

Summary

 

Join the City of Bedford Team!

 

Our team is dedicated to serving the community with excellence, and we offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health, dental, and vision insurance options, life insurance, disability plans, and a retirement plan with a 2:1 pension matching.

 

In addition to these benefits, our employees enjoy 12 paid holidays, generous vacation leave, and personal days. We also provide an Employee Assistance Program and tuition reimbursement to support your personal and professional growth.

 

We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a dedicated team, we encourage you to apply and join us in serving the wonderful community of Bedford.

 

~ We look forward to welcoming you to our team. ~

 

Health Insurance:

• Starting at $20 per month with two plans to choose from:
  • Cigna HDHP (with up to $1,500 per year city paid Health Savings Account contribution)
  • Cigna Copay PPO with affordable rates and copays, family coverage, tele-health options, and more.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): 
  • Healthcare FSA
  • Dependent Care FSA
  • Limited-Purpose Health Care FSA (for HSA participants)

 

Dental Insurance:

• Two plans available, covering:
  • Preventative services
  • Basic services
  • Major services
  • Orthodontic treatment

 

Vision Insurance:

• Two coverage options for lenses, frames, or contact lenses.

 

Life Insurance:

• Coverage up to 2x your base annual salary (up to $150,000).
• Additional optional life, AD&D, and other coverage options available.

 

Disability Plans:

• Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefits provided at no cost to the employee.

 

Employee Assistance Program:

• Available at no cost to employees and household members.

 

Paid Holidays (12 Days):

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran’s Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Floating Holiday

 

Vacation Leave and Personal Days:

• Three weeks of vacation after one year of employment.
• Sick Leave Conversion to Vacation: Convert sick leave to vacation annually, provided the balance remains at a certain level post-conversion.
• Vacation Buyback Program: Benefit from accrued vacation balances.
• Up to two personal days per year.

 

2:1 Pension Matching:

• Texas Municipal Retirement Systems (TMRS) replaces social security contributions for full-time and part-time employees working over 1,000 hours per year.
• You contribute 7%, and the City matches with 14%.

 

Retirement Plan:

• Voluntary 457 retirement plan with pre-tax and post-tax options.

• Voluntary Roth IRA plan

 

Tuition Reimbursement:

• Up to $750 per fiscal year for approved educational expenses.

Municipal government administration for the City of Bedford, Texas.