911 Call Taker

National Public Safety Careers; Grundy Center (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Employee-assistance programs

Continuing training

Job summary

National Public Safety Careers is seeking a detail-oriented call-taker for Grundy Center, IA. You will answer emergency and nonemergency lines, confirm locations, and enter data into dispatch software to aid rapid response.

Candidates should have a high school diploma, good listening skills, clear communication, and the ability to follow structured procedures. Some roles require assessments and background checks.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong listening and clear verbal communication.
• Ability to follow structured procedures and assess information.

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 resources when needed

Skills

Listening skills

Typing speed

Verbal communication

Structured procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Call-processing software

Job description

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Grundy Center, 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


• 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.