9-1-1 Dispatcher

Fairfield County Ohio; Lancaster (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield County Ohio is seeking a dedicated emergency dispatcher to answer calls from the public and public safety agencies, and dispatch the appropriate emergency services and equipment. You will verify locations, gather incident details, and coordinate with jurisdictions to ensure timely response.

The role requires calm, clear English communication, the ability to type quickly, and strong decision-making under pressure.

Qualifications

• Ability to hear and understand callers in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to type 30 words per minute.
• Strong communication and listening skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls from the public and public safety agencies.
• Dispatch appropriate emergency services and equipment.
• Verify addresses and locations for proper response.
• Query information systems for incident details and updates.
• Maintain call records and unit status in CAD.
• Coordinate with jurisdictions and refer non-emergency calls when needed.
• Provide pre-arrival guidance where appropriate.

Skills

Public safety communications

Typing 30 wpm

Calm under pressure

Clear English communication

Decision making

Empathy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Under general supervision is responsible for answering calls from the public and other public safety agencies, and dispatching the appropriate emergency agency and/or equipment; performs other duties as required.

Duties

• Operates a computerized E-911 Emergency Telecommunications System, a Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) system, a multi-channel Communications Control Dispatch Radio System, a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), and a National Warning System;
• Answers incoming calls for emergency police, fire, and/or medical services;
• Verifies addresses and locations of the emergency incidents using the automated identification and location systems and available resources;
• Asks questions of callers to obtain information to properly identify the specific type and priority level of emergency in order to facilitate the appropriate emergency response;
• Transfers calls to the correct jurisdictions and refers non-emergency calls to the appropriate agency or jurisdiction when necessary;
• Track calls for service, unit dispatching, and updates call records using the CAD system;
• Constantly monitors the status of all units on duty in the field;
• Inputs information into a computer in accordance with established protocol;
• Performs queries upon request by police officers and other authorized personnel using a computerized national, state, and regional crime information system;
• Takes appropriate follow-up actions in response to hang up calls to ensure proper emergency response;
• Activates and/or coordinates the emergency operations center upon notification;
• Completes various forms and logs
• Makes notifications for requests for wreckers from the field units;
• Conducts/participates in training and/or drills
• Activates the County wide Tornado system and/or search and rescue services
• May provide pre-arrival instructions to callers regarding actions to be performed until emergency personnel arrive on the scene;
• May maintain contact with callers until emergency response units arrive on scene;
• May provide training, mentoring, or coaching to trainee-level personnel and prepare detailed documentation of training;
• May prepare informal written reports.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States Citizen.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

Working conditions involve working an 8-hour shift / 40-hour work week, in a dispatch center, on 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift, including weekends and holidays, with 2 consecutive days off, and may be required to work during other shifts and to work overtime.

Experience in emergency services and/or communications, and knowledge of approved principles and practices of law enforcement work, including applicable laws and ordinances, are preferred.

Applicants must be legal residents of Fairfield County or adjoining counties after appointment. Applicants are also expected to be of good moral character, temperate habits, and physically able to perform all duties of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Ability to hear and understand persons speaking in a normal tone; vision corrected to 20/20; ability to type thirty (30) words per minutes; ability to remain calm under stressful situations; good conflict resolution skills; ability to apply common sense, logic, and reason to make sound decisions; good sense of observation; ability to remember information both long and short term; ability to comprehend new and old information; ability to evaluate situations, often with limited information, and act accordingly; ability to communicate in clear English in an authoritative manner; ability to communicate with persons with varying accents and cultures; ability to write/type with proper grammar and spelling; ability to comprehend computer screens and print outs; ability to work quickly and accurately on a computer keyboard; ability to display sensitivity and empathy to others; ability to develop and maintain good working relationships; ability to work independently without direct or immediate supervision; ability to follow strict rules and proper conduct; ability to accept supervision, criticism, feedback, and evaluation in a positive manner; ability to maintain control over sometimes hostile, verbally abusive, uncooperative, and angry callers; ability to maintain constraint in stressful situations; ability to adapt to changes in working conditions (hours of work, shift, etc.); ability perform service without requiring recognition/appreciation; ability to be responsible, reliable, punctual, honest, thorough, and accurate at all times; ability to abide by laws, directives, and rules to maintain public trust; ability to maintain stamina in order to meet both the critical and non-critical demands of the job; general knowledge of laws and court systems; knowledge of Fairfield county locations and streets/roads, including cities and villages within the county.

NOTE: The lists of Job Duties, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities are not necessarily all inclusive.

Screening Questions

01 Have you ever resigned in lieu of discipline or been terminated from a position in law enforcement, corrections, or another criminal justice role?

• Yes
• No

02 Have you ever knowingly provided false, misleading, or incomplete information during an employment or background investigation process?

• Yes
• No

03 Are you willing to fully and truthfully disclose all requested information during every stage of the hiring and background investigation process?

• Yes
• No

04 Have you ever been convicted of a felony offense, or are you currently under indictment or criminal investigation?

• Yes
• No

05 Are you legally eligible to possess a firearm under federal and state law?

• Yes
• No

06 Have you complied with all court-ordered and/or legal financial obligations within the past five years to include (but not limited to) child support or alimony, court ordered fines, payments/settlements resulting from Civil/Criminal/Traffic judgements, Federal, State and/or Local Taxes?

• Yes
• No

07 Do you currently possess a valid driver’s license?

• Yes
• No

08 Have you had any DUI/OVI convictions within the past five years?

• Yes
• No

09 Have you used or purchased any illegal drugs within the past five years, or any products containing marijuana/THC or any derivative of marijuana/THC within the past one year?

• Yes
• No

10 Are you able and willing to attend, participate, and respond to all required steps of the hiring process, including interviews, testing, phone calls, emails, and background appointments?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question