911 Call Taker

National Public Safety Careers; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

National Public Safety Careers in San Carlos, CA invites applicants for 911 Call Taker roles. You will answer incoming emergency calls, verify location and caller information, and document details for dispatch. Shifts may include nights, weekends, and overtime depending on staffing.

Basic requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and strong listening, typing, and communication skills. Training and certifications are provided by the hiring agency, with background checks and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Customer service or public safety experience may be helpful.
• Strong listening comprehension, accurate typing, and clear verbal communication.
• Ability to follow structured procedures.
• Assessments and minimum scores are determined by the hiring agency.

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

Typing accuracy

Verbal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

911 Call Taker Opportunities in San Carlos

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}, San Carlos, 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.

Prepare for the 911 Call Taker Hiring Process

• 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