Dispatch Specialist

Missouri State University; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Dispatch Specialist to join their team at the Springfield Campus. This full-time role involves receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency communications, monitoring surveillance systems, and ensuring campus safety through effective communication and coordination. The ideal candidate will possess strong customer service skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and proficiency in using dispatch software. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the safety and security of the university community while working in a dynamic environment. If you are looking to make a difference and thrive in a fast-paced setting, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma and two years of experience in a multi-tasking environment.
• Skills in customer service, data entry, and emergency communication are essential.

Responsibilities

• Receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls accurately.
• Monitors surveillance cameras and alarm systems for campus safety.

Skills

Customer Service

Data Entry

Emergency Communication

Judgment

Computer Operation

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Surveillance Monitoring

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch Software

Access Control Systems

Video Monitoring Systems

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

First date of consideration is April 23, 2025. Review of applications will continue until filled.

Position Information

Position Title: Dispatch Specialist

Work Location: Springfield Campus

Department: Office of University Safety

HR Home Department: 060113 OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY SAFETY

Pay Grade: 24

Proposed Salary: $15-$17 per hour plus .30 2nd shift differential

Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees? Yes

Appointment Type: Full Time Regular

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

General Function

The Dispatch Specialist receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency radio and telephone traffic accurately to Campus Safety Services and Springfield Police Substation personnel and notifies the campus community of emergencies. The Dispatch Specialist monitors the University’s alarm systems and surveillance cameras, maintains computerized logs of radio and telephone transactions, monitors scanners and weather radar resources for events affecting the University community, and monitors the emergency courtesy and elevator phones.

Description of Primary Duties

1. Serves as the contact point for Campus Safety Services, the Springfield Police Substation, and the campus community.
2. Receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for service by utilizing a multi-line, multi-function telephone system, determining critical information for call processing, determining what resources need to respond by applying Standard Operating Procedures, utilizing a computerized radio system, and identifying additional actions to be taken to address the situation.
3. Enters all radio and telephone communications into dispatch software, assists outside customers with obtaining information during emergency situations in accordance with University and departmental policy, and provides information from University resources to University Safety.
4. Proactively monitors surveillance cameras for suspicious or unusual activity and uses surveillance cameras to actively support Campus Safety Services during incidents, and reviews and exports video for internal and external requests in accordance with University and departmental policy.
5. Assists the campus and non-campus community by offering departmental services, issuing building permits and issuing keys to authorized users.
6. Monitors University alarms, weather radar resources, emergency phones, elevator phones, and other systems as assigned and initiates the appropriate response to the incident including dispatching personnel, activating the tornado warning system, sending a mass notification, and other responses as assigned.
7. Remains competent and current through completion of assigned training, self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director, University Safety or designee.
8. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of University Safety by performing all other duties assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Education: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required.

Experience: Two years of experience in a multi-tasking environment with heavy customer contact is required. Data entry experience is required. Emergency communications or dispatch work experience is preferred.

Skills: The ability to deal courteously, calmly, and effectively with people and stressful situations, which may continue for extended periods of time, is required. The ability to listen, speak clearly, assess situations accurately and determine the appropriate course of action is required. The ability to use judgment appropriately when responding to incident reports and emergency situations is required. The ability to operate a computer terminal and keyboard efficiently and accurately is required. The ability to effectively communicate with others using dispatch equipment is required. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing is required. The ability to use software systems such as computer-aided dispatch, access control systems, and video monitoring systems is required. The ability to learn and remain knowledgeable of policy and procedures, the location of campus buildings, and the geography of campus is required.

Certification and Training: Successful completion of the on-the-job training program within the first six months of employment is required. Successful completion of Incident Command System (ICS) 100 and National Incident Management System (NIMS) 700 training is required or must be completed within one year of appointment.

Effort: The scope of the position may require nighttime, holiday, and/or weekend work. Overtime may be required to meet the staffing needs of the department. This position is designated as essential and is required to report to work as scheduled when University offices are closed.

Other: Visual acuity sufficient to be able to accurately and reliably monitor and quickly process visual information fed from surveillance cameras as displayed on multiple video screens and computer monitors is required.

Additional Qualifications

Link to Job Description: Job Description

Open Date: 04/09/2025

Close Date: (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)

Special Instructions to Applicants

First date of consideration is April 23, 2025. Review of applications will continue until filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Non-Discrimination Statement:
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, [e-mail], 417-836-4252.

Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Other Documents -1

If you have questions:
Office of Human Resources
(t)417-836-5102
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have student employment questions:
Student Employment Services
(t)417-836-5627
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.