911 Call Taker

Public Safety Dispatch Network; International Falls (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Training and certification support

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in International Falls, MN seeks dedicated 911 Call Takers to handle emergency and nonemergency calls. You will verify incident location and contact details, follow structured questioning to assess urgency, and document information in dispatch software for timely response.

Candidates should have strong listening skills, accurate typing, and clear verbal communication. Training and certification support pre-arrival instructions, with benefits including health

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• Strong listening comprehension and accurate data entry essential.
• Experience in customer service or public safety is helpful but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming emergency calls and nonemergency lines.
• Confirm incident location and caller contact information.
• Use approved questions to determine nature and urgency of incidents.
• Enter details into call-processing or dispatch software accurately.
• Forward incident information promptly to appropriate dispatch function.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions only within training and certification.

Skills

Listening skills

Typing accuracy

Verbal communication

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Dispatch software

Call-processing systems

Job description

911 Call Taker Opportunities in International Falls

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}, International Falls, 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}

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

  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.

  Prepare for the 911 Call Taker Hiring Process

  Our independent preparation program helps candidates practice relevant employment skills and understand common recruitment stages. Participation does not confer operational qualifications or guarantee a hiring outcome.

  • Call-taker hiring-process guidance
  • Listening comprehension and accurate data-entry practice
  • Resume and application support
  • Customer communication and interview preparation
  • Job-search tools and candidate support