911 Call-Taker/Dispatcher - Entry Level

Oregon APCO NENA; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual Pay Benefit

Job summary

City of Eugene is seeking a Communications Specialist 1 to operate 911 call-taking and dispatch equipment, answering emergency and non-emergency calls, and coordinating dispatches for police, fire, and medical services.

The role requires working a 24/7 schedule with four 10-hour shifts, and candidates may advance to Communications Specialist 2 after intensive cross-training. A bilingual pay option is available and eligibility requests may be part of the process.

Qualifications

• One year work experience in a fast-paced environment, which includes data entry experience.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR, EMD, and Basic Telecommunicator Certificate (DPSST) within specified timelines.

Responsibilities

• Operates computer terminal equipment and radio/telephone transmitting and receiving equipment.
• Answers 911 and non-emergency telephone calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other requests.
• Makes decisions as to type of call, correct response, and responsible agency to respond to incident.
• Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
• Transmits appropriate information to dispatcher or responsible jurisdiction as required.

Skills

Data entry

Education

High School diploma or GED

CPR Certification

EMD Certification

Basic Telecommunicator Certificate (DPSST)

Job description

Central Lane 911 is recruiting 911 Call-Taker/Dispatchers! Do you have a passion for helping others, are you excited by a fast-paced working environment, and do you want to make a difference in the community? Our successful candidates will have the ability to respond quickly and appropriately to emergency and non-emergency situations, will have great attention to detail, and will provide unmatched customer service.

When hired as a Communications Specialist 1, new hires are required to complete an intensive training to become fully cross-trained and proficient in call-taking and dispatch positions at which they will become a Communications Specialist 2.

To learn more about this position, review our links below and come to our Career Night to engage with the 911 staff!

Career Night will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - The presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. in classroom 5 at the Eugene Springfield Fire Regional Training Center(1705 W Second Ave. Eugene, OR 97402)

Work Location:Central Lane 911 Communications Center, 1735 W 2nd Ave. Eugene, OR 97402, USA
Schedule:To accommodate the emergency services needs for such a large population, Central Lane 911 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That means working nights, weekends, and holidays. The workweek consists of four 10-hour shifts with three days off. The shifts look like this:

• Early Days 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Late Days 11:45 a.m. - 9:45 p.m.
• Early Nights 4:45 p.m. - 2:45 a.m.
• Late Nights 9:30 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.

Benefits:The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more info, click the Benefits Tab, or visitthis summary page as well as thisbenefits package page .
Bilingual Pay Benefit:This positionqualifies forup toan additional5% of base salaryfor bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the postingfor more information.
Living & Working in Eugene:For more information on living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more, visitthis page.

Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following

• Operates computer terminal equipment and radio/telephone transmitting and receiving equipment
• Answers 911 and non-emergency telephone calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other requests.
• Makes decisions as to type of call, correct response, and responsible agency to respond to incident.
• Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
• Transmits appropriate information to dispatcher or responsible jurisdiction as required.
• Studies, and maintains, familiarity with major streets, roads, public buildings, industrial plants, and the general geographic location of cities and landmarks in Lane County.
• Dispatches and monitors appropriate emergency public safety activities.

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

MinimumRequirements

Experience

One year work experience in a fast-paced environment, which includes data entry experience.

Education

High School diploma or GED.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, within three months of appointment the following:

• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certification.
• EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) Certification.
• Basic Telecommunicator Certificate (DPSST) within 18 months of appointment.

Background:Must pass a police background investigation.

No felony convictions. No Class A Misdemeanor convictions within 24 months of application.Please view this list ofdocuments that will be requested as part of the background investigation.

Physical and Psych:

Must pass apsychological evaluation,physicalassessmentand drug test.

DRUG SCREEN, HEARING TEST and VISUAL ACUITY TEST -as required by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). To view the standards set by DPSST for certification, please visitDPSST's website and view Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008- 0011.

Supplemental Information

Bilingual Pay BenefitPer theEPEA Contract , the City shall pay an employee at 5% of base wages for a required intermediate or advanced level competency. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must have demonstrated fluency in the required language and successfully pass a fluency examination administered by the City's Employee Resource Center division.

Eligibility ListFollowing interviews, this posting may be used to establish an eligibility list of applicants for up to one year for future vacancies. Candidates that are placed on the eligibility list will be notified via email which will include the duration of the list and how notification of call up will occur.

What to Expect from our Selection ProcessApplicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment, and we value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at [phone].

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.