911 Call Taker - Essential Public Safety Career

Public Safety Dispatch Network; McGrann (PA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Employee-assistance programs

Continuing training

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network seeks a dedicated 911 Call Taker to handle incoming emergency and nonemergency calls. You will verify locations and caller information, assess urgency using scripted questions, and enter data into dispatch software with accuracy and speed.

Successful candidates will follow established procedures, communicate clearly with responders and the public, and may participate in ongoing call-taking training and certifications as required by the agency.

Qualifications

• Applicants must demonstrate strong listening comprehension and the ability to type accurately under pressure.
• Clear verbal communication is essential for relaying information to responders and callers.
• Candidates should be able to follow structured procedures and use dispatch software.
• Experience in customer service or public safety environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming emergency calls and assigned nonemergency lines.
• Confirm incident location and caller contact information.
• Identify urgency using approved questions and enter data into call-processing software.
• Forward incident details promptly to the appropriate dispatch function.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions only within training and certification.

Skills

Listening comprehension

Accurate typing

Clear verbal communication

Following structured procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Details

Duty Location:

{airport_name}, MC Grann, PA

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 MC Grann.