Communications Dispatcher

Port of Portland; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Communications Dispatcher to join their Emergency Communications Center. This pivotal role requires exceptional communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. As part of a dynamic team, you will coordinate emergency responses, ensuring the safety of travelers and airport personnel. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety while working in a technology-rich environment. If you thrive in fast-paced settings and are committed to excellence, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and decision-making under pressure.
• Ability to multitask in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and dispatch emergency services at the airport.
• Monitor multiple communication systems and provide timely information.

Skills

Effective Communication

Decision Making Under Pressure

Customer Service

Multitasking

Data Entry

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Job description

The Port of Portlandis hiring a Communications Dispatcherfor the Emergency Communications Center!

Who We Are:The Port of Portland serves as a critical transportation and logistics hub, linking the Pacific Northwest with global markets. Through our three airports, four marine terminals, and five business parks, we facilitate the movement of people and goods that drive regional prosperity. We are committed to excellence in everything we do, from providing exceptional service to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. Our work is rooted in a culture of collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement, where each team member contributes to the success of our region and beyond.

Our Emergency Communications Center supports this mission by ensuring the safety and security of millions of travelers, airport staff, and regional partners—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Your Role: As a Communications Dispatcher, you will serve as a critical link between the public and emergency services. Working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, you will coordinate and dispatch police, fire, medical, and operations personnel in response to a wide variety of incidents at Portland International Airport and other Port facilities.

This is more than just answering calls—it’s about ensuring safety, staying calm under pressure, and delivering clear, timely communication that makes a real impact. You’ll be part of a team that works closely with law enforcement, emergency responders, and aviation security teams to keep our airport safe and secure.

What You Bring:You bring strong communication skills, sound decision-making under pressure, and a calm, professional demeanor. You have a natural instinct for customer service and the ability to multitask in a high-volume, high-stakes environment. Whether or not you have previous experience as a 911 dispatcher, you’re committed to public service, eager to learn, and ready to grow as part of a supportive, team-driven operation.

Working Conditions:This is a 24/7 operation, including holidays and weekends. Dispatchers work rotating shifts and must be available for overtime, emergency response, and support during large-scale incidents. You’ll work primarily indoors in a secure, technology-rich environment.

Salary Information:Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service (with no breaks in service) as an emergency telecommunicator. NOTE: Lateral-entry pay is determined by the continuous number of previous full-time, complete years of service, up to five (5) years.

Contract Salary Scale

Start: $36.137

1 year: $38.184

2 years: $40.278

3 years: $42.118

4 years: $44.321

5 years: $46.416

Disclaimer: Numbers are based on the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Premium Pay: Premium pay may be available to Dispatchers who possess an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Intermediate Certification or Advanced Certification.

• Provide emergency and non-emergency dispatch and communication services in support of first responders and airport operations using a wide range of advanced technologies.
• Monitor and operate multiple radio talk groups and telephone lines, providing timely, accurate information to the public, airport employees, and public safety personnel.
• Operate and monitor various computer systems, including computer-aided dispatch (CAD), fire alarm panels, access control and duress alarm systems, surveillance platforms, and law enforcement data systems.
• Observe security surveillance feeds covering perimeter gates, terminal doors, security checkpoints, airport roadways, parking structures, and other critical infrastructure; initiate appropriate responses when necessary.
• Act as a central point of contact and communication between internal teams and external agencies, providing outstanding customer service and situational support.
• Coordinate and support effective response efforts to maintain safety and continuity across Portland International Airport (PDX) and General Aviation facilities.

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities:

• Skilled at communicating effectively under stressful situations while maintaining composure and conveying clear concise information.
• Able to build key partnerships with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Skilled at intake/output of data and maintaining accurate typing of at least 45 words per minute.
• Work efficiently in a complex environment, with rapidly shifting and conflicting priorities.
• Effectively solve problems, while applying complex procedures under high-pressure circumstances.
• Monitor several operational systems, listen, and paraphrase important information in a timely manner.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system or experience working in a 911 emergency communications center or airport communications center is preferred.

Testing and Certification (Post-Hire):

• Obtain an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Certification as Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatcher within 18 months of hire.
  • Note: For candidates who are not currently DPSST certified, eligibility to obtain certification requires one of the following: a college degree or passing a standardized reading comprehension and critical thinking test (e.g., CritiCall or similar assessment). Candidates must meet this prerequisite before enrolling in certification training.
• Acquire and maintain a Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) Certification
• Acquire and maintain a valid First Aid or CPR card.
• Comply with Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) requirements within 30 days of hire, which includes successfully completing CJIS Security Awareness Training and passing a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.

Background and Security:

• Applicant must pass a post-offer comprehensive background check, pre-employment drug test, psychological evaluation, and medical examination (required).
• Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge (required).
• Must be able to qualify for CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) clearance (required).

Selection Process (Important Information):As part of the public safety role, the selection process for this position is thorough and may take 2-3 monthsto complete. It includes several steps designed to ensure candidates meet the high standards required for this critical position. Please review the steps below and understand the timeline involved:

1. Application Materials & Qualification Review

2. Screening Interview

3. Reading Comprehension & Critical Thinking Assessment

   1. Note: Candidates who are not currently DPSST certified and do not hold a qualifying college degree will be required to pass a standardized assessment (e.g., CritiCall) before advancing to the panel interview.

4. Panel Interview

5. Background Investigation

6. Psychological Exam

7. Medical Exam

8. Pre-employment Drug Test

9. TSA & CJIS Security Screening

10. Employment Confirmation

Applicants should be prepared for a comprehensive screening process, which includes multiple evaluations and a detailed background check. This process is necessary to maintain the highest standards of safety and service. Our goal is to schedule the first round of virtual interviews for candidates who pass the initial evaluation in mid to late June.