COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR (911 PUBLIC SAFETY)

Linn County; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

IPERS retirement

Health benefits

Wellness program

On-site fitness centers

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Linn County is seeking a public safety dispatcher to receive, prioritize, and dispatch emergency and routine calls for law enforcement, fire, and EMS using CAD software. You will coordinate with multiple agencies, provide pre-arrival instructions, and maintain accurate call data for timely responses.

The role requires a high school diploma and offers competitive wages with benefits, including IPERS and wellness programs. Shifts vary, including floater positions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience in public safety communications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answers and triages emergency (911) and administrative calls.
• Dispatches law enforcement, fire, and EMS units via radio.
• Enters and maintains call information in the CAD system.
• Provides pre-arrival instructions and supports field units.
• Monitors radio frequencies and communicates updates to personnel.
• Performs clerical duties and maintains records.
• Operates security cameras and alarm systems in County facilities.
• Uses NCIC/state systems for records and inquiries.
• Adheres to departmental policies and training requirements.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do! Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public!

Why work at Linn County?

• Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget)
• Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS)
• Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees
• Free on-site fitness centers
• 100% County paid basic life insurance
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Training & professional development opportunities

Linn County offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, life, long-term disability (LTD) insurance and wellness incentives.

Hourly Wage: $30.56

About The Role

Responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching emergency and routine calls for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services using telecommunication systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software. Coordinates with multiple agencies to ensure timely and accurate response, provide pre-arrival instructions, and maintain a strong commitment to public service and departmental procedures.

Essential Functions

• Answers and triages emergency (911) and administrative phone calls using multi-line and telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) systems.
• Dispatches law enforcement, fire, and EMS units using multi-channel radio systems with clear, concise communication.
• Enters, updates, and maintains accurate call information in the computer-aided dispatching (CAD) system.
• Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers as appropriate.
• Monitors multiple radio frequencies and provide timely updates to field personnel.
• Performs clerical duties including maintenance of wanted person records, protective orders, and criminal justice files.
• Operates and monitors internal and external security cameras and alarm systems in County facilities.
• Uses National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/state systems to perform record checks and responds to inquiries from law enforcement.
• Maintains knowledge of and adheres to departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Participates in ongoing training and remain adaptable to technological and procedural updates.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience in public safety communications preferred.

Shift

Floater - shifts vary