Communications Specialist

Union Pacific; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Paid vacation

Competitive pay

457(b) plan

FSAs

Wellness program

Employee assistance

Health clinic

Volunteering leave

Job summary

City of Salem is seeking a Communications Specialist/Dispatcher to answer 911 and non‑emergency calls, determine needed responses, and guide callers to the right agency. You will train in an academy setting with WVCC and DPSST while supporting 29 agencies in the region.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a strong ability to type quickly, and proven teamwork and calm under pressure. Overtime and rotating shifts, including holidays and nights, are expected.

Qualifications

• Pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.
• Type 35 words per minute with 95% accuracy.
• Work periodic overtime and a 24-hour rotating shift schedule.
• Pass vision and hearing examinations.
• Complete EMD and Basic Tele-communicator courses by end of probation.
• Graduate from high school or GED with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Answer 911 and non-emergency calls for multiple agencies.
• Determine if police, fire or ambulance response is needed.
• Provide callers with information or refer to the appropriate agency.
• Receive academy training at WVCC and DPSST.

Skills

Teamwork

Multitasking

Typing 35 wpm

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary

Working as a Communications Specialist or Dispatcher is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career that provides critical service to the community.

What makes our team successful:

• Teamwork – We rely on each other to get the job done.
• Multi‑tasking – We answer, classify, and prioritize all 911 and non‑emergency calls while keeping callers calm and dispatching emergency services.
• Resiliency – We maintain composure and adapt quickly under pressure, supporting one another.
• Purpose – Every call makes a difference; saving lives starts with us.

Responsibilities

• Answer 911 and non‑emergency calls for 29 Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Service agencies in Lincoln, Polk, and Marion counties.
• Determine if police, fire, or ambulance response is needed using prescribed questioning protocols.
• Provide answers to callers for non‑in‑person requests or refer them to the appropriate agency.
• Receive training in an academy setting at WVCC and at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

Qualifications

• Pass a pre‑employment background check, criminal background check, drug test (including marijuana), and psychological exam.
• Type 35 words per minute with 95% accuracy.
• Work periodic overtime and a variety of 24‑hour rotating shifts, including holidays, nights, and weekends.
• Pass vision and hearing examinations.
• Successfully complete the Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Basic Tele‑communicator courses provided by WVCC by the end of the probationary period.
• Graduation from high school or a G.E.D. plus experience in high‑activity call‑receiving work, telephone communication, or emergency‑related public service.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer‑paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre‑tax contributions to a 457(b) account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Volunteer long‑term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for this opening. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.