Dispatch Specialist

Oakland County, Michigan Government; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County Sheriff’s Office seeks skilled emergency dispatchers to answer 9-1-1 calls and coordinate police, fire, and medical responses. You will provide calm, accurate instructions and support to first responders in high-pressure situations.

The role involves handling multiple systems, gathering precise caller details, and delivering critical information to officers. Training and ongoing certification are required to maintain readiness for around-the-clock operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED completion is required.
• Six months of full-time 911 call center experience or 1 year in a high-volume hospitality role or 1 year of college in any major or two emergency dispatch certifications.
• No criminal convictions; must pass background checks and psychological evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process emergency calls (police, fire, ambulance, 9-1-1).
• Dispatch appropriate personnel or refer callers to the correct agency.
• Provide pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions during emergencies.
• Gather caller/location details and enter data accurately under pressure.
• Use multiple computer systems to enter and retrieve critical information.
• Respond to requests for information from officers (safety alerts, records).
• Maintain and operate dispatch information systems.

Skills

Communication

Calm under pressure

Multitasking

Computer literacy

Education

HS diploma / GED

1 year college or 2 certs (EMD/EMD etc)

Tools

Law Enforcement Information Network Teletype machine

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

General Summary

$50,116-$77,292

The anticipated hiring timeline for this position is early January, aligning with the next scheduled training class.

Are you ready to be the lifeline between the public and first responders? Dispatchers play a critical role in keeping our communities safe by answering 9-1-1 and emergency calls, coordinating police, fire, and medical responses, and providing calm guidance in urgent situations. This is a fast-paced, high-impact position where no two days are the same.

What You’ll Do

• Receive and process calls for police, fire, ambulance, 9-1-1, and general emergency services.
• Dispatch the appropriate personnel or refer callers to the correct agency.
• Provide pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions during medical, fire, or law enforcement emergencies.
• Multi-task by gathering essential caller and location details while keeping communication clear under pressure.
• Use multiple computer systems and equipment to enter and retrieve critical information.
• Respond to officer requests for information such as safety alerts, criminal history, driving records, and prior contacts.
• Operate and maintain certification for law enforcement information systems.

Why You’ll Love It

• You’ll make a real difference knowing that every call you answer could save a life or protect your community.
• The work is dynamic, with a fast-paced environment where each shift brings new challenges.
• You’ll be part of a team, working closely with dedicated law enforcement, fire, and EMS professionals.
• You’ll grow your skills as you gain valuable experience with specialized communication systems and emergency protocols.
• You’ll find purpose in serving the public and being part of an essential, respected team that operates around the clock to keep Oakland County safe.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience, Training, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Have graduated from high school or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test; AND
• Have had six (6) months full-time work experience in a 911 call center, responding to emergency situations (such as fire, ambulance, law enforcement, or hospital), or any military experience; OR
• Have had one (1) year full-time work experience in in a high-volume customer-facing hospitality service industry (such as hotel desk, waitstaff, and food service, etc.); OR
• Have completed one (1) year of college from an accredited college or university in any major or possess two current certifications in Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch or Emergency Police Dispatch.
• Have not been convicted of a violation of criminal law. (Criminal law generally includes all offenses except traffic law, conservation law and liquor law. Generally, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatically disqualifying.)
• Must possess normal or corrected hearing in each ear and normal color vision.

Special Requirements

A background investigation will be conducted covering an evaluation of employment, school, home, criminal, military, or other personal records. Any conviction or convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non-moving traffic violations, or violations of other laws will be reviewed by the Sheriff Office before an applicant can be appointed. Information obtained during the background investigation will be considered in the hiring decision. Convictions of the Domestic Violence Statute will be a disqualifying factor.

A psychological exam will be conducted. This information will be reviewed by the Human Resources department before an applicant can be appointed. Information obtained during the psychological examination will be considered in the hiring decision.

Must successfully complete and maintain required training certifications in the following: the State of Michigan Public Safety / Emergency Telecommunicator Course, L.E.I.N. operator certification, EMD / EFD /EPD protocols, CPR / First Aid, and Security Awareness.

Must successfully complete the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Communications Training Program and all other training and continuing education deemed necessary.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

Ability to prepare reports, analyze data, focus for long periods of time.

Ability to work in an enclosed environment and potentially remain stationary, sitting or standing, for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical emergency dispatch center environment, involving critical and high-stress situations.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Reasonable ability to present coded written or oral information in a clear, concise, and accurate manner.
• Reasonable ability to use a computer.
• Reasonable ability to receive a call at the same time it is processed.
• Reasonable knowledge of the location of streets and highways throughout the County.
• Reasonable ability to determine directions from verbal description of location.
• Reasonable knowledge of and ability to follow modern office practices and procedures.
• Reasonable knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Reasonable ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Reasonable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Reasonable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Sheriff’s Office personnel and the general public.
• Reasonable ability to recognize and correct departures from departmental practices and procedures.
• Some knowledge of and ability to operate the Law Enforcement Information Network Teletype machine.
• Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, and Internet software.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union* BU10 - Deputy Sheriff Association: Law Enforcement (OCDSA)

• If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.