911 Dispatcher/Communications Technician - Exam October 2026

City-of-Dublin,-Ohi; Dublin (OH); On-site; USD 63,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Vacation & sick leave

Wellness program

Employee assistance program

Retirement plan with employer match

Job summary

The City of Dublin is seeking dedicated individuals for Emergency Communications/Dispatcher roles at the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC). Primary duties involve handling 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, prioritizing requests, and coordinating with public safety agencies.

Candidates must complete an NTN written exam, meet qualifications, and be prepared for a rigorous selection process with background checks and training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be United States Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• LEADS/NCIC certification required or obtainable.
• Experience with CAD/call-taking systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate a multi-channel radio system to dispatch requests for assistance and resources for public safety.
• Operate a multi-line phone system to process 9-1-1, text-to-9-1-1 and non-emergency calls and dispatch resources.
• Monitor and enter incident data in CAD; coordinate resources and responder notification.
• Maintain composure and provide pre-arrival medical instructions as needed.
• Adhere to department core values: Integrity, Respect, Communication, Teamwork and Accountability.
• Work irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays; shifts assigned by seniority.

Skills

Emergency dispatch

Multitasking

Communication under pressure

LEADS/NCIC certification

CAD software

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

LEADS

NCIC

Job description

Are you looking to make a difference every day, with each call that you answer? The City of Dublin is accepting applications for an exciting and fulfilling career in emergency communications. To learn more about our center, click on this Recruitment Video

Completion of a written examination is required.

You can schedule to take the exam in person at one of NTN's testing locations or you can schedule to take the exam online at your convenience. Your NTN exam score will be valid for one year.

This posting is intended for candidates who are not currently employed as 911 dispatchers and who do not have prior experience in the field. Lateral candidates who are currently working as a 911 Dispatcher should apply to the separate LATERAL posting that does not require the written exam. This posting is available at https://bit.ly/NRECCLateralApp. Emergency Communications/dispatching experience outside of the state of Ohio is accepted for the lateral posting.

The instructions to complete the NTN written exam:

1. Applicants can register for the exam at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. You may call National Testing Network (NTN) at 206-428-3265 with any questions regarding scheduling your exam. Please select the Emergency Communications exam in the state of Ohio.
2. Be sure to select the City of Dublin as an agency to send your scores.
3. After you have completed the exam, the City of Dublin will receive your scores and passing candidates will be notified via email to self schedule their in-person interview.

Deadline to take the exam: November 15, 2026

Important dates to be aware of:

1. Application and NTN testing window: October 14 - November 15
2. Panel Interviews: December 7 - 11
3. Backgrounds checks: December 14 - February 12
4. Final Chief Interviews: February 23 - 24
5. Conditional Offers: February 25
6. Projected start date: April 5, 2027

The Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC) is the primary public safety dispatch center for the City of Dublin, City of Hilliard, City of Upper Arlington (police and fire), City of Worthington (police and fire), Washington Township, and Norwich Township. Located inside the Dublin Justice Center, NRECC was formed in October 2013 when Dublin began providing dispatching services for Norwich Township Fire and became the primary 9-1-1 answering point for all of Hilliard. Dispatching for Hilliard Police started in January of 2014. Upper Arlington fire joined in October 2017 and Upper Arlington Police in January 2018. City of Worthington Police and Fire joined in 2020.

The nature of this work requires that candidates work irregular hours which include nights, weekends, and holidays. Assignment of shifts is based upon seniority.

First Shift: 6:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Second Shift: 2:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.

Third Shift: 10:45 p.m. to 6:45 a.m.

Primary Focus: This position communicates with safety, other City personnel, and partnering agencies that fall under the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC). Work involves receiving, prioritizing, transmitting, and recording data, communications, resources, and requests for assistance.

The incumbent must model the following established core values: Integrity, Respect, Communication, Teamwork, Accountability, Positive Attitude, Dedication to Service, Professionalism, and Commitment.

Given the nature of this classification’s duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Non-Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act regulations and, therefore, is entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

2026 Wage Structure

• Step 1 - $63,267.06
• Step 2 - $66,825.83
• Step 3 - $70,384.62
• Step 4 - $73,943.37
• Step 5 - $77,897.55
• Step 6 - $81,851.75

Working at the City of Dublin is more than just a job - Join the City of Dublin today! In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program for our permanent full-time employees that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Opportunity to earn premium-free medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Employer-provided contributions to Health Savings or Health Reimbursement Account ($1875/year for single coverage, $3750/year for family coverage)
• Healthy By Choice Wellness Program
• Employer-provided Life Insurance
• Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave
• Longevity Pay after just four years
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and Peer Support Program
• Dublin Community Recreation Center Membership (Employee and their spouse)
• Deferred Compensation (optional retirement program)
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement (14% employer matching program)

Operate a multi-channel radio system to dispatch requests for assistance and resources for law enforcement, fire, medical, and other emergency requests. Coordinate backup support when needed.

Operate a multi-line phone system to process incoming 9-1-1, text-to-9-1-1, TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), and non-emergency calls, record, and dispatch the appropriate resources to the emergency or concern.

Operate a sophisticated workstation comprised of multiple monitors with various mapping, video feeds, computer-aided-dispatch (CAD), Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) guide cards, and various other computer-aided resources to collect, verify locations of emergencies, evaluate, process, prioritize, track units, and collate incident information with limited supervision.

Utilize accepted techniques and protocols to obtain the necessary information to identify the specific type and priority level of emergency.

Maintains communication with callers and responders during life-threatening emergencies or volatile situations by providing guidance and life-saving pre‑arrival medical instructions.

Performs queries and entries into the computerized state system, LEADS, and national system, NCIC, to assist in locating persons and property and ensuring officer safety.

Utilization of the Dublin Emergency Warning Systems and Dublin Emergency Calling System to notify the public of emergencies such as severe weather, hazardous material incidents, and other public emergencies.

Coordinate with other dispatch organizations to determine and communicate the status of resources for requests for assistance.

Other duties as assigned.

Possession of a High School Diploma or GED and some experience as a Communications Technician with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) automated information preferred, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

Must be a United States Citizen or United States Permanent Resident.

Physical Requirements: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively under highly stressful conditions, listen attentively to radio transmissions for long periods, and attend to information requests from numerous parties.

Ability to transmit information verbally clearly, concisely, and accurately.

Ability to respond to emergency calls appropriately, effectively, efficiently, and calmly.

Necessary Special Requirements: Ability to acquire and maintain LEADS and NCIC certification.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Must establish and maintain a primary place of residence within a County within which the Division of Police has jurisdiction or a county contiguous with such County of jurisdiction. (List includes Franklin, Delaware, Union, Morrow, Marion, Hardin, Logan, Champaign, Madison, Pickaway, Fairfield, Licking, and Knox Counties.)

Other Requirements: Successful completion of all phases of the selection process before appointment (background and record checks, polygraph exam, psychological evaluation, medical and drug screen).

Successful completion of the communications technician training program.

Regular attendance, as governed by and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, procedures, and laws, is regarded as an essential requirement of this classification.

Compliance with training directives established by supervisory/managerial personnel.

Adherence to all applicable Federal and State safety laws, rules, regulations, and City safety policies/procedures.

Composure: Is cool under pressure, can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; is a settling influence in a crisis. Is professional even when frustrated.

Dealing with Ambiguity: Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn’t upset when things are up in the air; doesn’t have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty. Can task switch based on priority.

Patience: Tolerant of people and processes; listens and checks before acting; tries to understand the people and the data before making judgments and acting; sensitive to due process and proper pacing; follows established process.

Problem-Solving: Uses logic and methods to solve, complex problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn’t stop at the first answers.

Priority Setting: Spends his/her time and the time of others on what’s necessary; can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal; eliminates roadblocks; creates focus.

Technical Learning: Picks up on technical things quickly; can learn new skills and knowledge; is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge.

Timely Decision Making: Makes decisions promptly, sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure; able to make a quick decision.

THE CITY OF DUBLIN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER