911 Dispatcher

City of Cedar Rapids; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a 911 Dispatcher to serve as the first line of public safety communication for police, fire and EMS responses. The role requires calm, rapid decision-making, strong communication, and reliable performance in a 24/7 environment.

This position involves handling emergency and non-emergency calls, operating CAD and radio systems, and maintaining strict adherence to procedures and certifications. Training will be provided as part of a structured program.

Qualifications

• Graduation from High School or GED is required or equivalent.
• Experience in dispatching or in customer service is preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations

Responsibilities

• Processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service while controlling the caller, collecting event specific information, assessing the information, selecting the proper call type and initiating the appropriate response.
• Interacts with the CAD system including accurate data entry, screen navigation, information retrieval and system integration.
• Communicates with emergency personnel on the City’s radio system following policy and procedure.
• Under supervision, works with established procedures and contributes to continuous process improvements.
• Maintains safety practices and adheres to city policies; attends work as scheduled.
• Performs related work as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or GED

Dispatching or customer service experience preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you ready to make a real difference in your community? Join our team as a 911 Dispatcher and become a vital lifeline between those in need and emergency services. We're looking for a calm, compassionate, and quick-thinking individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about helping others.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city.

Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About this Opportunity

The first-line public safety professional that serves as the first of the first responders, responding to every class of emergency for which public safety services are requested. The Public Safety Telecommunicator’s primary responsibility is to receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, emergency medical and other public safety services via telephone and other communication devices.

Work is performed under immediate supervision but has some discretion in sending information or dispatching personnel, within closely prescribed and established procedural guidelines.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service while controlling the caller, collecting event specific information, assessing the information, selecting the proper call type and causing the appropriate response;
• Interacts with the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system including accurate data entry, effective screen navigation, prompt information retrieval and system integration;
• Communicates with emergency personnel on the City’s 800 MHz radio system by the appropriate use of talk groups or frequency coordination;
• Demonstrates an understanding of the applicability of the incident command/management system, as authorized by the Joint Communications Agency /Police and Fire policy / procedure;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Graduation from High School or GED; and
• Experience in dispatching or in customer service, preferred.

OR,

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Must be able to obtain National crime Information Center (NCIC) within six months from date of hire
• Must successfully complete NCIC background check, polygraph examination and be fingerprinted upon acceptance of offer of employment
• Pass and maintain the following within on year: CPR, Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Police Dispatch

Work Schedule

• During training, new hires may rotate through all three shifts (7:00 AM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM–7:00 AM). After training, shift assignments are determined through the departmental shift bid process based on seniority, and schedules may vary depending on operational needs;
• Applicants should be prepared to work weekends, holidays, and varied shifts, including evenings, overnights, and overtime, as needed;
• Flexibility is essential, as this is a 24/7/365 operation and all staff must be willing to work any shift.

Hourly Rate

Employees in this classification receive a step increase on their anniversary. The steps effective 07/01/2026 include: $28.72 (New Hire), $29.86 (1 year), $31.05 (2 years), $32.30 (3 years), $33.59 (4 years), $34.94 (5 years), $36.34 (6 years).

**Upon hire of a currently certified Dispatcher from an outside jurisdiction, entry pay will be calculated at the Joint Communications bargaining contract pay step that corresponds to that Dispatcher's full-time, certified years of service. Dispatchers hired at a higher pay step will receive step increases annually on their step date as described in the contract.

Shift Differential

Additional $0.35 per hour for employees who are working the 3:00pm-11:00pm shift at straight time and $0.40 per hour for employees who are working the 11:00pm-7:00am shift at straight time.