911 Emergency Dispatcher

County Emergency Communications; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County Emergency Communications in San Jose is seeking an 911 Emergency Dispatcher. The role involves handling emergency and nonemergency calls, confirming critical details, and coordinating responders across safety services.

These positions require calm communication, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple systems. Applicants should be prepared for shift work, background checks, and required certifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent commonly required.
• Strong typing, listening, and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to organize information under pressure and input data accurately.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and nonemergency calls within the assigned service area.
• Confirm addresses, callback numbers, incident details, and safety concerns.
• Assess call priority using approved questions and procedures.
• Enter incident information into dispatch systems.
• Dispatch responders when needed and monitor radio traffic.
• Maintain records and protect confidential information.

Skills

Typing

Active listening

Clear speech

Information prioritization

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

911 Emergency Dispatcher Opportunities in San Jose

911 Emergency Dispatchers connect people who need urgent help with the public safety personnel who respond. In this role, you may receive emergency calls, gather essential information, and coordinate police, fire, or emergency medical resources according to agency procedures.

The work requires calm communication and careful attention. Dispatchers must listen closely, confirm incident locations, document changing circumstances, and relay accurate information while managing multiple communication systems.

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, San Jose, CA
• Employer: The hiring public safety 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}

Emergency communications centers commonly operate around the clock. Depending on the position, assignments may include overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, rotating schedules, and required overtime.

What You May Do

• Answer emergency and nonemergency calls within the assigned service area
• Confirm addresses, callback numbers, incident details, and immediate safety concerns
• Assess call priority using approved questions and agency procedures
• Enter incident information into computer-aided dispatch systems
• Dispatch appropriate responders when assigned to radio operations
• Monitor radio traffic and update responding personnel as circumstances change
• Provide approved caller instructions within the limits of training and certification
• Maintain accurate records and protect confidential information

Experience and Education Requirements

A high school diploma or recognized equivalency credential is commonly required. Some agencies recruit entry-level applicants, while others require previous emergency communications experience or current certifications.

Useful skills include accurate typing, active listening, clear speech, basic computer proficiency, and the ability to organize information under pressure. The official announcement determines required testing scores, experience, and training deadlines.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet the agency’s minimum age and employment eligibility requirements
• Complete required background screening and hiring assessments
• Complete medical, psychological, or drug screening when required
• Obtain and maintain applicable telecommunicator certifications
• Follow information-security and confidentiality requirements
• Remain available for assigned shifts and emergency staffing needs

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position generally involves extended workstation duties, headset use, keyboard entry, and monitoring multiple screens. Employees may handle distressing calls and rapidly changing incidents. Essential functions and any accommodation process are described by the hiring agency.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive health coverage, retirement benefits, paid leave, employee-assistance services, and professional training. Shift differentials, overtime compensation, and other benefits depend on the employer and appointment terms.

Prepare for the 911 Dispatcher Hiring Process

• Step-by-step hiring-process guidance
• Listening, typing, and information-prioritization practice
• Resume and application support
• Interview-preparation resources
• Job-search tools and candidate support

Start preparing for 911 Emergency Dispatcher opportunities in San Jose.