Communication Technician-911 Dispatcher

Portage County; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Portage County is seeking a Communication Technician to be an essential part of emergency response communications. The successful candidate will answer 911 and non-emergent calls, monitor radio communications, and dispatch services for law enforcement and emergency responders.

Ideal candidates should have experience in emergency dispatch or related law enforcement and demonstrate excellent multi-tasking and decision-making skills during high-stress situations.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.
• No felony convictions unless pardoned by the Governor.
• Preferred: Six months or more experience in emergency dispatch or related law enforcement.
• Preferred: One year work experience or four years of volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue experience.
• Preferred: Six months or more experience in customer service and/or in a call center environment.
• Preferred: One year military communications experience that primarily involved direct voice broadcasting.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergent and non-emergent phone lines.
• Monitor radio channels and dispatch services.
• Page emergency responders and set off weather sirens.
• Research information for law enforcement agencies.

Skills

Information technology experience

Multi-tasking and multi-listen

Active listening skills

Quick decision-making

Computer skills

Customer service skills

Ability to handle high-stress situations

Detail-oriented

Education

Public Safety Communications Dispatch diploma

Job description

JOB REQUIREMENT: As a Communication Technician, you’ll be part of a dedicated team committed to preserving life and property, serving our diverse community with care and professionalism, and delivering the best emergency and non‑emergency communications.

Job Duties

• Answer 10 emergent 911 phone lines and 9 non‑emergent phone lines.
• Monitor over 20 radio channels.
• Page Fire, EMS, Medical Examiner.
• Set off weather sirens and create and send community alert notifications for both emergent and non‑emergent situations.
• Dispatch services for Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Stevens Point Police Department, and Plover Police Department.
• Provide dispatch services to 33 EMS and Fire agencies and many other agencies in Portage County.
• Research information for Deputies, Officers, and Detectives for all three law‑enforcement agencies and UWSP Police.
• Enter warrants for five law‑enforcement agencies.
• Enter missing persons, stolen vehicles, or property information for four law‑enforcement agencies.
• Enter restraining orders.

Other Experience and Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.
• No felony convictions unless pardoned by the Governor.
• Preferred: Six months or more experience in emergency dispatch or related law enforcement.
• Preferred: One year work experience or four years of volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue experience.
• Preferred: Six months or more experience in customer service and/or in a call center environment.
• Preferred: Public Safety Communications Dispatch diploma from an accredited technical school.
• Preferred: One year military communications experience that primarily involved direct voice broadcasting to send and receive messages associated with military police and emergency equipment.

Key Skills

• Information technology experience.
• Ability to multi‑task and multi‑listen.
• Good active listening skills.
• Quick decision‑making skills and ability to prioritize emergency situations.
• Computer skills with the ability to use multiple screens.
• Good customer service skills and ability to work as a team.
• Ability to handle high‑stress situations, sometimes for hours at a time during high call volume.
• Ability to visualize the information given and think outside the box.
• Must be detail‑oriented.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The department is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be considered based upon qualifications and not on any protected characteristic.