911 Communications Dispatcher (LATERAL) - AUGUST 2026 Academy

JOB NOW HIRING DISPATCHERS - AUGUST 2026 ACADEMY911

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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THIS POSTING APPLIES TO LATERAL APPLICANTS ONLY.

Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of recent experience working in a public safety emergency communications center that provides law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services, and must hold a STATE issued POST Dispatcher Certification to qualify as a lateral transfer. College POST certifications do not meet this requirement. Individuals who do not meet these criteria should apply under the 911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher posting.

Lateral Transfer Wage Information:

While the selection process is the same for all dispatcher applicants, those transferring from other law enforcement agencies with current (within the last three years) dispatcher experience may receive a higher starting wage.

Level III = Two to four years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical and fire dispatch services.

Level IV = Five to six years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services.

Base = Seven or more years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services.

Pay Plan for Dispatcher Positions

SHIFT INFORMATION

Dispatchers work four 10-hour shifts per week on a fixed schedule that rotates every four months through a shift-bid. Shifts include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, with the following options: 0400-1400 | 0800-1800 | 1400-0000 | 1800-0400 | 2200-0800 EXAMPLE

OF DUTIES

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Fast-paced emergency communications centerLong periods of sitting/standing during 10-hour shiftsFrequent repetitive hand/wrist movementsOccasional 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.

BENEFITS

Medical, dental, and vision insurancePERSI retirement457(b) deferred compensation with County matchFlexible Spending AccountsPost-Employment Health PlanEmployee Assistance ProgramLife, AD&D, and short-term disability insurancePaid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and parental leaveFree access to County gym facilitiesWellness programOptional 401(k) and Roth IRAFull details: Employee Benefits