911 Dispatcher / Radio Communications Operator

State of Minnesota; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 64,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Connect700 program for applicants with

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a 911 Dispatcher for the Public Safety Dept in Rochester. Responsibilities include receiving emergency calls, determining priorities, and using a CAD system to coordinate police, fire, and medical services 24/7.

Rotating shifts apply in a full-time, unlimited-term role. Applicants should have at least one year in emergency communications and demonstrate calm, sound judgment under pressure, with strong communication to the public and partners.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in emergency communications or related fast-paced dispatch.
• Ability to gather, evaluate, and prioritize information per policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and partner agencies during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide communications for agencies using the State Patrol Communications System.
• Receive emergency calls and determine nature and location; prioritize responses.
• Operate CAD and monitor public safety radio frequencies; enter and update data.
• Assist the public by obtaining information for emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Maintain contact with units and manage multiple computer systems simultaneously.

Skills

Emergency communications experience

Effective communication

Multitasking under pressure

Sound judgment under pressure

Confidential information handling

Education

Public safety communications certification (APCO/NENA/NAED)

Tools

CAD system

Radio dispatch consoles

E911/phone systems

Job description

Working Title: 911 Dispatcher / RCO

Job Class: Radio Communications Operator

Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job ID : 96907

• Location : Rochester

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Date Posted : 09/11/2026

• Closing Date : 09/24/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-LELS

• Division/Unit : Central Office District 2000 / Roch Region Comm Cntr Team 3

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift

• Days of Work : Rotating

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $30.43 - $39.35 / hourly; $63,537 - $82,162 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 227 - LELS U17 Public Safety RCO/LELS

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This posting may be used to fill multiple openings.

The anticipated start date for this training class will begin January 13, 2027.

To provide communications for all agencies which utilize the State Patrol Communications System to assist agencies in processing criminal information. Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency services. Determines the nature and location of the emergency; determine priorities and using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. Maintains contact with all units on assignment, maintains status and location of all units. Answers non-emergency calls for assistance and information. Also enters and updates and retrieves information from a variety of computer systems and monitors several complex public safety radio frequencies (VHF/800Mhz). Operates a variety of communications equipment, including radio dispatch consoles, E911 telephones and computer systems in 24/7 facilities. Assists the public by obtaining information required pertaining to emergency and non-emergency situations.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year of experience in emergency communications, public safety dispatching, law enforcement support, emergency services, military communications, transportation operations, customer contact centers, or another position requiring independent judgment in a fast-paced operational environment.

Experience must demonstrate:

• Ability to gather, evaluate, and prioritize information to determine the appropriate response using established policies and procedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and partner agencies by telephone, radio, or other communication systems, including during stressful or emergency situations.

• Experience simultaneously using multiple computer applications to enter, retrieve, and update accurate information while managing competing priorities.

• Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and make timely decisions under pressure.

• Experience handling confidential or sensitive information while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification(s) from APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International), NENA (National Emergency Number Association), or NAED (National Academies of Emergency Dispatch).

• One (1) year experience in dispatch for public safety or military entity or 911 Telecommunications Certificate or equivalent and six (6) months customer service experience or law enforcement experience.

• Experience as a full-time police officer.

• Post-secondary certificate or degree.

Physical Requirements

1. Ability to remain calm during stressful situations.

2. Movement to use several computer keyboards and mice.

3. Ability to remain aware of surroundings while receiving information from telephone, radio, or person.

4. Must stay at a workstation for long periods of time.

5. VISION: Corrected to 20/40

6. HEARING REQUIREMENTS: Must not have more than 35 DB loss in either ear when averaging the loss at 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 HZ

7. Very Light: Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:

1. Criminal History Check

2. Reference check

3. Fingerprint check (MNJIS)

4. Hearing and Vision assessments

5. SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former state employees only)

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.