911 Communications Dispatcher

at Ada County Sheriff's Office in Boise, Idaho, United States

Job Description

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*Please note that the academy start date for this position is tentatively scheduled for MAY 2026.

911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher is the first responder to provide aid to 911 callers by responding to incoming law enforcement, fire suppression and Emergency Medical Services emergency and non-emergency calls, and dispatches appropriate personnel to the place of emergency or need. Dispatchers, when necessary, refer to written guidelines, manuals, policies that require judgment and interpretation and refer complex problems to the Communications Floor Supervisor.

Pay Plan for Dispatcher Positions

***The next 911 Communications Dispatch Academy is set to begin in late MAY 2026. This position is posted several months in advance to allow applicants sufficient time to complete all required steps, including CritiCall testing, oral board interviews, a background investigation (which includes a polygraph exam), and to provide notice to their current employers if selected.  (APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE EMAIL NOTIFICIATION  IF THEY ARE SELECTED FOR TESTING &/OR ORAL BOARDS.)

• Operates telephone and radio equipment to receive and transmit incoming/outgoing emergency calls to the Police/Fire/Emergency Services Dispatch Center;
• Interview while providing emergency aid to callers to obtain detailed information related to the emergency;
• Provides emergency medical, fire, safety aid and direction to callers as required;
• Provides medical pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions such as, but not limited to, administering proper medicine, CPR, childbirth, AED, and bleeding control as required;
• Provides fire pre-arrival and post-dispatch life survival instructions due to but not limited to; entrapment, fire exposure, and smoke exposure. 
• Provides police pre-arrival and post-dispatch life survival instructions for potentially deadly events such as but not limited to; active shooters, domestic fight situations, and traffic accidents. Using information provided by callers, triage, prioritize, properly categorize, and initiate the correct emergency or non-emergency response;
• Dispatches appropriate agencies and personnel to the address in need of service;
• Maintains communication with caller and emergency personnel to receive and update information;
• Provides continuing communications and coordination of responses among police, fire fighting and other emergency personnel during the incident;
• Contacts utility companies, other governmental or private agencies when necessary to obtain needed services or additional support;
• Works and maintains eligibility to work all shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, whether assigned or on an as needed or on-call basis;
• Operates technical emergency electronic equipment, computers, office equipment or appliances, including, but not limited to, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), two way radio, and 911 call handling systems such as teletypewriter (TTY) , text-to-911, and live video to 911;
• Ability to talk and listen to a caller utilizing a single ear headset while using their free ear to listen to related information or requests from others on the radio or within the dispatch center;
• Ability to talk and listen to a caller while simultaneously answering and providing information to emergency responders on a side channel;
• Quick processing time and strong listening skills out of both ears are required in order to navigate the balance of phone and radio traffic concurrently;
• Quickly and accurately logs and maintains a variety of data and records on emergency incidents fire, police, and medical incidents dispatched, radio and alarm tests, hydrant maintenance, street names, address and map coordinates.

• May perform necessary preventive or minor maintenance functions on certain equipment in the dispatch office;
• Notifies responsible parties when radios or alarms malfunction;
• Field surveys streets to locate hydrants and identify changes necessary for maintaining up-to-date street maps;
• Performs related functions as required.

• Accredited high school diploma or state-recognized equivalency certificate (such as a GED) required.
• Must be a citizen of the United States & be at least 18 years of age at the time of application:
• Must be POST certified as an Emergency Communications Officer within one year of hire;
• Ability to operate telephone and radio equipment; 
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy under pressure of time, and amidst emergencies occurring within the community, while there are distractions;
• Ability to listen, understand, manage, and provide emergency life aid to callers who are under immense stress; 
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in receiving and transmitting multiple emergency messages; 
• Ability to communicate clearly and distinctly verbally and in writing; 
• Ability to analyze emergency situations, determine and take proper quickly and objectively action; 
• Ability to relate well with the public under adverse conditions and stressful situations; 
• Ability to read city and county road and water maps to quickly locate streets, addresses, hydrants, caller’s locations, and the emergency location where the on-scene responders should be sent; 
• Ability to record accurately and legibly, details of activities and provide information; 
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; and operate a computer keyboard;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
• Applicants must pass an in-person CritiCall test to be considered for this position.  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must pass dispatch testing and typing test (minimum 35 words per minute); appear before an oral board; and complete a polygraph, background investigation, and credit check prior to reporting for duty;
• Must obtain and maintain a valid driver's license; 
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires a combination of sitting and standing at a desk for long periods of time, up to ten hours.
• Requires frequent repetitive movement of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Occasionally requires the employee to reach below, at or above shoulder level and to lift to 20 lbs.

DISCLAIMER:
 To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.