911 Call Taker

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Whitman (WV); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Whitman, WV is seeking a 911 Call Taker to answer incoming emergency lines, verify location and callback details, and determine urgency using approved questions. You will enter data into dispatch software, forward information to the appropriate unit, and provide pre-arrival instructions within your training.

The role may require rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent is commonly required.
• Previous customer service, telephone support, or public safety experience may be helpful, although some vacancies accept applicants without dispatch experience.
• Strong listening comprehension, accurate typing, clear verbal communication, and ability to follow structured procedures.

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 skills

Accurate typing

Clear verbal communication

Ability to follow procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Whitman, WV
• 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

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

Start preparing for 911 Call Taker opportunities in Whitman.