911 Telecommunicator

Ramsey County; St. Paul (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramsey County is seeking a 911 Telecommunicator in the Emergency Communications Department. The role handles 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, coordinates with police, fire, and EMS, and documents caller data using CAD and radio systems.

The position requires high school graduation, 2 years of customer service (or 1 year in public safety), and strict background checks including BCA/ FBI fingerprinting. Eligible list may cover multiple vacancies; veterans’ preference applies.

Qualifications

• Education: High school graduation or equivalent.
• Experience: 2 years customer service; or 1 year in police/fire/EMS support.
• Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Certifications/Licensure: None.
• Finger printing: BCA and FBI fingerprinting required after hire for access to databases.
• Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): Certification after hire for MNJIS access and must be maintained every two years.

Responsibilities

• Answer 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public.
• Operate CAD, 800 MHz radio, and other communications equipment.
• Provide caller information with appropriate advice or referral and initiate EMS services when needed.
• Maintain records and documentations; perform data entry and verification.
• Provide updates within CAD for responding units and keep supervisor informed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Emergency call handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting number: 2026-00487

Department: Emergency Communications

Division: Admin

Job classification: 911 Telecommunicator (0785)

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: 911 Telecommunications

Summary

The current vacancy is in the Emergency Communications Department. The eligibility list created by this vacancymay be used to hire other vacancies in the department.

Answer 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, the interdepartmental calls from police, fire andambulance services, and calls from other public safety agencies. Monitor four to six computer screens, while efficientlygathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information. Provide callers with the appropriate advice or referral, orinitiate police, fire, and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller. Perform data channel duties when scheduled. Operate Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), 800 MHz radio, multiple sophisticated communications equipment systems,and perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once on this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of duties

1. Operate multi-line 9-1-1 emergency phone system; respond to emergency and non-emergency calls by either handling directly or transferring to appropriate agencies. Operate TDD/TTY.
2. Condense large amounts of information into readable, sensible typed remarks in a timely manner and use appropriate acronyms and codes essential to appropriate call processing.
3. Maintain familiarity with the standard operating procedures and appropriate manuals that provide thorough knowledge of Emergency Communications Center operations and procedures.
4. Access and operate multiple federal, state and local data base systems to query, enter, modify, clear and cancel information as requested.
5. Compose and/or send various teletypes or comprehend and process correctly those received.
6. Provide excellent customer service to community members and law enforcement requests for information.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of the geography of all agencies served including the location of streets, important structures and landmarks. Ability to use a computerized map.
8. Prioritize and effectively relay requests by radio, phone, electronic format or fax from law enforcement personnel, or other public safety agencies. Contact outside public service divisions as requested and relay response information as required.
9. Provide on-going timely updates within CAD for law or fire dispatcher or responding field personnel as you receive information. Keep supervisor advised of operational needs.
10. Testify in court when required.
11. Deal with sensitive information in a discreet and professional manner by maintaining confidentiality.
12. Must be reliable and dependable and report for work on a consistent and predictable basis.
13. May train new employees and provide coaching and complete daily observation reports.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Qualifications

Education: High school graduation or equivalent.

Experience: Two (2) years of customer service experience; or one (1) year of experience where providing service for police, fire and EMS services was the primary responsibility.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Finger printing: The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI require the Emergency Communication Center (ECC) to submit fingerprint cards of new employees and to keep them on file for every employee that has access to their databases.

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): Certification by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for authorized access to the Portals/MNJIS (Minnesota Justice Information System) computer system required after hire and the ability to maintain this certification every two (2) years.

Supplemental information

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for 911 Telecommunicator will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination. Applicants who pass the examination within the top 30 will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a 911 Telecommunicator. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: [e-mail]