911 Call Taker

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Decorah (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Decorah, IA is seeking 911 Call Takers to accurately document emergency details, confirm locations, and relay information to responders. You will support dispatch operations and help ensure timely, safe responses for the public.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent, strong listening skills, clear verbal communication, and the ability to follow structured procedures, with training and certifications provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior customer service, telephone support, or public safety experience helpful but not always required.
• Candidates must have strong listening skills and clear verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming emergency calls and assigned nonemergency lines.
• Confirm incident location and caller’s callback information.
• Use approved questions to identify the nature and urgency of the situation.
• Enter accurate details into call-processing or dispatch software.
• Forward incident information promptly to the appropriate dispatch function.
• Assist distressed callers with essential questions and instructions.
• Use language-access and accessibility resources when needed.
• Provide authorized pre-arrival instructions only within training and certification.

Skills

Listening comprehension

Accurate typing

Verbal communication

Following procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

911 Call Taker Opportunities in Decorah

911 Call Takers are often the first people to speak with someone reporting an emergency. They ask focused questions, confirm where help is needed, and document information for the personnel responsible for coordinating the response.

In some communications centers, call taking is a separate assignment from radio dispatch. In others, employees train for both functions. The official vacancy explains the duties included in this position.

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Decorah, IA
• Employer: The hiring emergency communications agency identified in the official vacancy
• Pay: {salary_min}–{salary_max} per year
• Schedule: {work_schedule}
• Appointment Type: {appointment_type}
• Who May Apply: {who_may_apply}
• Application Deadline: {closing_date}

911 call-taking services commonly operate 24 hours a day. Depending on staffing needs, employees may work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

What You May Do

• Answer incoming emergency calls and assigned nonemergency lines
• Confirm the incident location and caller’s callback information
• Use approved questions to identify the nature and urgency of the situation
• Enter accurate details into call-processing or dispatch software
• Forward incident information promptly to the appropriate dispatch function
• Help distressed callers focus on essential questions and instructions
• Use approved language-access and accessibility resources when needed
• Provide authorized pre‑arrival instructions only within training and certification

Experience and Education Requirements

Employers commonly require a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Previous customer service, telephone support, or public safety experience may be helpful, although some vacancies accept applicants without dispatch experience.

Successful candidates need strong listening comprehension, accurate typing, clear verbal communication, and the ability to follow structured procedures. Required assessments and minimum scores are determined by the hiring agency.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet agency‑specific employment eligibility and age requirements
• Complete required background checks and hiring assessments
• Complete additional screening identified in the announcement
• Successfully complete call‑taking training and performance evaluations
• Obtain applicable certifications within the required timeframe