Public Safety Dispatcher I

About the Department

Why Join us: Our department's dedication to community service fosters a strong sense of purpose among members, providing the best training, education, and support for personal and professional growth. 

Community Impact: Join a team that plays a critical role supporting the community by serving as the first point of contact during emergency and non-emergency calls. The Public Safety Dispatcher strengthens public safety by ensuring accurate communication, supporting first responders, and helping residents navigate urgent and often stressful situations. Through professionalism, empathy, and steady decision-making, contributing to a safer, more connected, and more resilient community.

Competitive Pay: Starting pay at $32.58/hour

The public safety dispatcher receives, and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for a variety of municipal services. This is an entry level position in which emphasis is placed on training the incumbent for continued advancement through the Public Safety Dispatcher classification series. Work is performed under the general supervision of the public safety dispatcher supervisor.

Position Duties

The list of essential functions as outlined herein is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. 

• Receives and transmits information for emergency and other municipal services 
• Receives emergency telephone calls, determines locations and nature of the calls and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment 
• Receives non-emergency calls and determines appropriate actions 
• Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) equipment and performs CAD functions 
• Receives and transmits messages by radio and maintains radio logs 
• Operates computer terminals for various federal, state and local networks 
• Provides pre-arrival police, fire and medical instructions when needed 
• Maintains tracking logs

Minimum Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the methods and procedures of various operating systems. 
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing data and voice transmissions.
• Must be familiar with the geography of the City and the locations of important buildings.
• Knowledge of communications management, technical design and application, FCC rules and regulations, and computer operations.
• Ability to:
  • Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner.
  • Obtain information from hostile or traumatized individuals in various situations.
  • Handle multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Exercise sound independent judgment and make decisions within established guidelines.
  • Speak distinctly and operate telecommunication consoles.
  • View a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
  • Work long periods of time, day or night, weekends, and shift work.
  • Provide outstanding customer service, both internally and externally.

Other Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must obtain a score of 70% or higher on the CritiCall Test.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain CJIS (NCIC/FCIC) certification within the first three (3) months of employment,
• Possess or have the ability to obtain certifications in the emergency police, fire and medical disciplines within one (1) year of employment and must meet or exceed minimum quality assurance ratings in each discipline.
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class “E” driver’s license is required.
• Knowledge Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook preferred.
• The public safety dispatcher must be available for shift work in a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week work environment.

• 9-1-1, TDD, and Florida Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (FSS 401.465) certifications are preferred. Certifications must be obtained prior to the end of the one-year probationary period.
• One (1) year experience working in a 911 communications environment is preferred.

The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required, weekly or up to daily, to:

• Lift or carry objects up to 20 pounds;
• Reach and grasp objects;
• Use manual dexterity or fine motor skills.
• Have the ability to identify and distinguish colors;
• Communicate orally;
• Hear;
• Push or pull carts or other such objects.
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy;
• Use a keyboard to enter and transform words or data;
• Use a video display terminal;
• Work in a normal office environment with few physical discomforts; and/or
• Be able to work a fluctuating work schedule based upon the need of the department.
• The employee may sometimes be required to stoop and bend.

The background check process for this position may include: 

• Criminal Background Check 
• Employment Verification 
• Reference Checks 
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check 
• Certification/License Verification 
• Credit Check 
• Fingerprinting 
• Polygraph 
• Neighborhood Check 
• Psychological Examination 
• Drug and Alcohol Screen

• Neighborhood Check
• Psychological Examination
• Drug and Alcohol Screen