Dispatcher- Police, Information & Technology Management Bureau, Communications Division

JOB Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at

Howard County Government:

We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged! We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

Operates communications equipment to receive incoming calls, text messages and pictures/videos for assistance, dispatches personnel and equipment to the scene of emergencies and operates Police Teletype.

STARTING SALARY IS

$26.53 HOURLY/$55,183 ANNUALLYCLASS

DESCRIPTION

Performs technical level through intermediate technical level dispatching operations work under general supervision from a technical superior. The one-year probationary period consists of learning and becoming proficient at the below listed functions while assigned a training officer and ends upon consistently displayed competency and supervisory sign-off. At the intermediate technical level, work includes receiving, routing and transmitting information on both an emergency and non-emergency basis via telephone, radio, teletype, computer terminal and other communications equipment and dispatching emergency equipment.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.

Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.

Emergency Dispatchers follow established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures in carrying out all duties and responsibilities. These include the ability to operate a variety of equipment, including telephones, radios, teletype, TTD's, computer equipment, office machines and other communications equipment. Other duties may also be assigned.

CALL-TAKING

Emergency Dispatchers:

Operate telephone consoles to receive incoming calls and text messages for assistance.

Speak clearly and distinctly.

Obtain required information from callers who may be under stress.

React quickly and calmly when processing routine and emergency calls.

Deal courteously, cooperatively and effectively with all callers.

Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers.

Answer calls promptly.

Process calls accurately and timely.

Operate call-taking sessions in the CAD system.

Operate effectively in a manual mode.

Monitor alarm system signals that indicate location of fire or other emergency.

Type commands on computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.

Tests communications and alarm equipment and backup systems to ensure serviceability.

Recognize and process all Deaf TTD calls with speed and accuracy following all established guidelines.

Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with call-taking.

METERS/NCIC

Emergency Dispatchers:

Enter all required

METERS/NCIC

information into the computer and on paper with speed and accuracy.

Follow all rules and regulations associated with the

METERS/NCIC

system.

Properly operate FAX machine to obtain information and forward responses to properly process requests.

Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with

METERS/NCIC

data entry.

DISPATCH

Emergency Dispatchers:

Properly operate appropriate dispatch sessions in the CAD system.

Handle multiple tasks associated with dispatching.

Organize thoughts and speak clearly and distinctly.

Operate radio equipment for dispatch purposes and to relay instructions or information to field units.

React quickly and calmly to both routine and emergency situations.

Recognize and prioritize calls to be dispatched.

Scans status charts and computer screen to determine available units.

Update and maintain accurate unit statusDeal courteously, cooperatively and effectively with field personnel.

Maintain familiarity with Howard County geography, including all major thoroughfares, buildings and communities.

Operate effectively in a manual mode.

Maintain familiarity with the general policies and procedures of the other Howard County agencies that are served by the Bureau of Communications.

Types commands on computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.

Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with dispatching.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Must pass and/or qualify for and/or maintain the following training courses, certificates, licenses and registrations: Howard County Basic Telecommunicator Course, MILES/CJIS, Call-taking Protocols (Medical, Fire, Police), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Awareness, and State of Maryland Emergency Telecommunications Specialist.

Possession of a valid driver's license.