911 Dispatcher/Communications Technician - Lateral October 2026

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life Insurance

Vacation, sick and personal leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Retirement plan

Wellness program

Employee assistance program

Rec center membership

Job summary

The City of Dublin is seeking lateral 911 Dispatchers/Communications Technicians to join the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC). This position dispatches for multiple agencies and operates a multi‑channel radio system, CAD, and 9‑1‑1 resources.

Shifts include day, evening and overnight hours with overtime eligibility; advanced placement is available for prior dispatch experience. A high school diploma or GED is required, and U.S.

Qualifications

• Lateral entry requires 1+ year of related dispatch experience outside training.
• High school diploma or GED is required; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency preferred.
• Knowledge of CAD and LEADS/NCIC is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Operate a multi‑channel radio system to dispatch requests for safety and services.
• Process 9‑1‑1, text‑to‑9‑1‑1, and non‑emergency calls and coordinate resources.
• Record and prioritize incidents and maintain data integrity in CAD/LEADS/NCIC.
• Coordinate with partner agencies and maintain professional communication during crises.

Skills

Dispatcher experience

Public safety communication

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CAD systems

LEADS/NCIC knowledge

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 lateral 911 Dispatchers/Communications Technicians. This posting is only for LATERAL candidates who have related experience in the field. For a candidate to be considered for lateral entry, they must be a 911 Dispatcher, Communications Technician, or other directly related position with at least 1 year of work experience outside of their training period, and not currently in a probationary period. Out of state related experience is accepted. Candidates that do not meet the requirement for the lateral process, should apply to the entry based posting.

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. 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.

Shift Times

• 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

Important dates to be aware of

• Application process: October 14 - November 5
• Panel Interviews: November 12 - 13
• Background checks: November 16 - December 11
• Final Chief Interviews: December 15 and December 18
• Conditional Offers: December 18
• Projected start date: February 1, 2027

Advanced Step Placement

The City of Dublin offers advanced step placement for those with prior dispatching experience.

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

Comprehensive Benefits Program

• 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.

For a candidate to be considered for lateral entry, they must be a 911 Dispatcher, Communications Technician, or other directly related position with at least 1 year of work experience outside of their training period, and not currently in a probationary period. Out of state related experience is accepted.

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 records check, 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