911 Call Taker

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; 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 Los Angeles is seeking a 911 Call Taker to be the first point of contact for individuals reporting emergencies. You will ask focused questions, confirm incident location, and document information for responders, working in a fast-paced public safety environment.

The role may involve rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and overtime. Candidates typically have a high school diploma, strong listening and typing skills, and the ability to follow structured procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Strong listening comprehension, accurate typing, and clear verbal communication.
• Previous call-taking or public safety experience is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Active listening

Typing

Verbal communication

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Dispatch software

Job description

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}, Tarzana, CA
• 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.