911 Call Taker

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Forbes (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Employee-assistance programs

Continuing training

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Forbes, MN seeks a professional call taker to answer emergency and nonemergency lines, verify incident locations and caller details, and enter accurate information into dispatch software for rapid response. Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Strong listening, accurate typing, clear communication, and the ability to follow structured procedures are essential, with training and certification provided and opportunities for ongoing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Customer service or call-taking experience is helpful; dispatch experience not required.
• Strong listening, typing, communication, and ability to follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Listening comprehension

Accurate typing

Clear verbal communication

Follow procedures

Education

High school diploma or recognized equivalent

Job description

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Forbes, MN
• 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}

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
• Protect caller privacy and confidential incident information

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Call Takers spend substantial time using telephone headsets, keyboards, and computer displays. The work may involve repeated exposure to callers experiencing fear, injury, or loss. Review the official vacancy for essential functions, scheduling expectations, and available accommodations.

Benefits

Benefits for eligible employees may include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, employee-assistance programs, and continuing training. Availability depends on the employer, appointment type, and work schedule.