About the Role
Join Salt Lake City 911 as a Public Safety Dispatcher and serve as a critical link between the community and Salt Lake City Police, Fire, and EMS. You'll answer emergency and non-emergency calls, assess and prioritize requests for service, and dispatch the appropriate public safety resources using advanced CAD, radio, telephone, mapping, and communications systems. This fast-paced role requires sound judgment, composure under pressure, and the ability to quickly gather, prioritize, and relay critical information. Public Safety Dispatchers work in a 24-hour operation and play an essential role in coordinating emergency response and supporting the safety of our community.
Responsibilities
- Operates telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
- Dispatches emergency units and/or personnel in response to requests for assistance for both Police and Fire/EMS.
- Coordinates communications during field activity and relays information to appropriate department, public safety officials or other agencies.
- Answers emergency 911 lines including calls and requests for assistance from various public and private agencies for all disciplines.
- Reviews and prioritizes calls as either emergency or non-emergency.
- Responds to inquiries, transfers calls and/or records, and inputs call information into computer database.
- Determines level and type of response needed and takes appropriate action based on established protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Uses Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) and mapping software to aid in the dispatching and tracking of units in the field.
- Uses multi-channeled computerized radio system to dispatch either Police or Fire/EMS units and communicates with field personnel.
- Updates emergency units while in route to a scene and as additional information becomes available.
- Patches channels in accordance with policies and guidelines for major situations or events.
- May be required to maintain contact with caller to obtain and relay additional information and/or provide instructions, until emergency field personnel arrive on the scene.
- May provide emergency, lifesaving first aid or safety instructions based on clearly defined policies and guidelines.
- Contacts other Police and Fire/EMS agencies, public and private utilities, various government agencies and outside specialists as requested by public safety officials.
- Responds to field officers’ requests for information regarding vehicle registrations, driver license status, criminal histories, outstanding warrants, etc.
- Receives and dispenses information on city, state and private property impounds, repossessions and stolen and recovered vehicles.
- Responds to field personnel with pertinent information, performing requests for service and making necessary callbacks.
- Initiates contact with callers who have disconnected from 911 emergency lines to determine if an emergency exists.
- If unable to make contact via phone, dispatches emergency units to the scene for follow-up.
- Operates TTY system to communicate with the hearing-impaired community as well as proficient in text to 911 messaging.
- Must be able to continue communication in order to determine call type and priority for response from police, medical or fire personnel.
- Provides prior notification and pertinent information to domestic violence victims regarding release of suspected offenders.
- If unable to make phone contact with victims, ensures field personnel are notified and dispatched to make contact in person.
- Receives and records information obtained from reports on minor criminal acts, crimes with minimal dollar amounts, and no suspect information.
- Enters all information into computer database.
- Proficient in the records management system software for their dedicated discipline.
- Monitors computer equipment, alarm systems and video surveillance equipment; notifies Dispatch Communications Supervisor in the event of an emergency or malfunction.
- Complies with all City, Department (Police & Fire), SLC911 policies and procedures.
- Responsible for on-the-job training and mentoring of new Public Safety Dispatchers.
- May act as a functional lead in the absence of a Dispatch Communications Supervisor.
- Must stay proficient in call-taking as well as dispatching emergency calls for service for Police, Fire, and EMS related calls.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Ability to successfully complete all training and training-related exams required to perform both Police and Fire/EMS call-taking within 12 months of hire.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including personal computers and word processing software.
- Ability to work rotating shifts and holidays.
- Ability to work long shifts, overtime shifts, and last-minute shift assignments.
- Ability to maintain composure and relate well with the public under adverse circumstances and stressful situations.
- The ability to maintain positive working relationships and effective oral and written communication on a regular basis with department management, supervisors, other employees, peers, and the public.
- Ability to hear, speak clearly and be easily understood.
- Ability to successfully obtain and maintain certification in Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, and Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) Certification within six (6) months of employment.
- Ability to successfully obtain and maintain certification in Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) Dispatch Certification within 2 years of employment.
- Must maintain a reliable attendance record, this includes showing up on time and showing up for all scheduled shifts, and overtime.
Skills
- CAD
- Radio
- Telephone
- Mapping
- Communications systems
- Computer-aided dispatch
- Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL)
- Multi-channeled computerized radio system
- TTY system
- Text to 911 messaging
- Records management system software
- Computer equipment monitoring
- Alarm systems monitoring
- Video surveillance equipment monitoring
- Word processing software
Location
- Salt Lake City
Work Type
- Full-time
- Non-traditional hours
- Overtime
Experience Level
- Entry rate placement with higher placement based on qualifying prior public safety dispatch experience.
Education Level
- High school diploma or equivalent
Salary/Compensations
- $26.62 – $40.03/hr
Benefits
- Full city benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Paid vacation and personal leave
- 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave
- Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
- Robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
- Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
- Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services
About the Company
- Salt Lake City 911 (SLC911) operates under general supervision of a Dispatch Communications Supervisor.
- The 911 Bureau is responsible for public safety dispatch.
