911 Emergency Dispatcher - Essential Public Safety Career

Emergency Telecommunicator Services; Tennessee; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Employee assistance

Professional training

Shift differentials

Overtime compensation

Job summary

Emergency Telecommunicator Services in Birchwood, TN is seeking 911 Emergency Dispatchers to connect callers with responders and coordinate resources according to agency procedures.

Role requires calm communication, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple systems while ensuring accurate incident information and timely dispatch decisions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Some agencies recruit entry-level; others require experience or certifications.
• Typing speed and accuracy emphasized.
• Following testing scores and training deadlines determined by the official announcement.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Typing speed

Active listening

Clear speech

Information organization

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

911 Emergency Dispatcher Opportunities in Birchwood

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.

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

Position Details

• Duty Location: {airport_name}, Birchwood, TN
• 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}

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
• Professional training
• Shift differentials
• Overtime compensation
• Other benefits depend on the employer and appointment terms