911 Communications Dispatcher

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

Job Description

NOW HIRING DISPATCHERS – AUGUST 2026 ACADEMY

911 Public Safety Communications Dispatchers are the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, providing critical assistance and dispatching law enforcement, fire, and EMS resources. Dispatchers follow established protocols, exercise sound judgment, and coordinate closely with field responders.

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• 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.
• ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS 
  • 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.

HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE: The August 2026 Dispatch Academy begins Monday, August 17. Because the hiring process takes several months, we begin screening and background steps early to set every candidate up for success. If you’re excited about this career path and ready to engage in the process, we encourage you to apply. This is a meaningful opportunity to prepare for a role that makes a real impact in our community.

• SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE/SPARKHIRE VIDEO INTERVIEW:  Accesses communication skills, professionalism, and overall readiness.
• CRITICALL TESTING:  A computerized pre-employment exam measuring:
  • Multitasking
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Listening accuracy
  • Typing (Min. 35wpm & information retention)
  • Simulates real emergency-dispatch conditions.
  • TESTING INFORMATION: Computer based exam: The computer-based exam must be passed in all sections. Samples of skills tested: cross-referencing, prioritization, call summarization, and data entry.  Read information regarding skill/ability requirements (Download PDF reader).
• SIT-IN OBSERVATION:  Shadow a dispatcher to see real calls, real decisions, and the pace of the job.
• ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW:  Evaluates a candidate’s communication, judgment, skills, and overall suitability for the role. It also provides an opportunity for candidates to ask questions directly to one of our experienced 911 Communications Dispatchers.
• SELECTION & BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:  Candidates selected by hiring managers will be assigned to a background investigator.  Background checks typically take 8 – 10 weeks to complete and includes a polygraph exam.

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• 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.

• 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.

• Fast-paced emergency communications center
• Long periods of sitting/standing during 10-hour shifts
• Frequent repetitive hand/wrist movements
• Occasional lifting up 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.