911 Call Taker

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Lost Hills (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Employee assistance program

Continuing training

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Lost Hills, CA seeks 911 Call Takers to be the first point of contact for emergencies, verifying location and gathering critical information for responders.

The role may require rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, with mandatory training, background checks, and certifications as specified by the agency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent is commonly required.
• Experience in customer service or dispatch helps but may not be required.
• Ability to listen carefully, type accurately, and follow structured procedures.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Listening skills

Typing speed

Verbal communication

Procedures following

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

911 Call Taker Opportunities in Lost Hills

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.

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Lost Hills, 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.