911 Communications Dispatcher

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

Job Description

NOW HIRING DISPATCHERS

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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HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE: The selection and background process typically spans several months, so we begin early to ensure applicants have enough time to complete each step successfully. If you’re motivated to pursue this career and ready to engage fully 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 IN-PERSON 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.

• Emergency Call Intake — Serve as the community’s first point of contact, quickly assessing 911 and non-emergency calls to determine the nature and urgency of each situation.
• Information Gathering — Use clear, structured questioning to capture accurate details, confirm locations, and identify potential safety risks.
• Incident Prioritization — Evaluate each call’s urgency and assign the appropriate response level to ensure resources reach those who need them most.
• Dispatching Units — Coordinate and deploy law enforcement, fire, and medical teams using advanced radio and computer-aided dispatch systems.
• Responder Support — Maintain steady communication with field personnel, relay critical updates, and help safeguard responder safety throughout each incident.
• Pre-Arrival Instructions — Provide callers with calm, lifesaving guidance—including CPR and safety steps—until emergency responders arrive.
• Recordkeeping — Document call details, actions, and unit activity with accuracy and professionalism in CAD and related systems.
• Technology Operation — Operate multi-line phone systems, radios, mapping tools, alarms, and text-to-911 platforms with confidence and precision.
• Stress Management — Stay composed and effective while assisting callers who may be distressed, panicked, or confrontational.
• Policy Compliance — Uphold agency procedures, confidentiality standards, and all legal requirements governing emergency communications.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.