Dispatcher

City of Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 43,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boulder is seeking an Emergency Communications Dispatcher to answer emergency lines and coordinate responses for police, fire and EMS, while entering data into CAD and CCIC/NCIC.

You will monitor radio traffic, issue pre-arrival instructions, train new dispatchers, and ensure safety of staff and public under high-stress situations.

The role requires a high school diploma, two years of work experience, and a 40-hour weekly schedule in a fast-paced PSAP environment in Boulder.

Qualifications

• Handle multiple demands simultaneously under time pressure.
• Communicate clearly and effectively.
• Receive, comprehend, and rapidly relay accurate information.
• Maintain self-control during periods of extreme stress and pressure.
• Handle confidential information in a secure, professional and discretionary manner.
• Work closely with others to maintain calm, efficient operations.
• Demonstrate interpersonal, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Flexibility and openness to change.
• Learn Computer Aided Dispatch and Enhanced 9-1-1 system.
• Obtain EMD certification within probationary period.
• Obtain CPR certification.
• Type at least 35 words per minute.
• Background information must be acceptable; background investigation will be conducted.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process emergency and routine telephone calls concerning police, fire and EMS matters.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions for callers needing medical help and operate TDD/Text-2-911 systems.
• Broadcast calls for service to officers; monitor status and coordinate emergency operations via radio.
• Operate CCIC/NCIC and relay detailed information to officers.
• Monitor alarms and weather systems; initiate severe weather warnings when needed.
• Assist in training new dispatchers; liaise between communications, public and other agencies.
• Perform related duties to meet City needs and safety policies.

Skills

Multitasking

Communication

Rapid info relay

EMD certification

CPR certification

Typing speed

Background check

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Tritech CAD

Job description

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

October 9, 2026

Compensation Details:

Hiring Range

31.38 - 45.54

This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Job Description Summary:

Under direct supervision, this job requires multi-tasking skills and the ability to make quick decisions.Answer emergency telephone lines and obtain information from callers. Prioritize calls and provide proper pre-arrival instructions to callers. Document calls by inputting necessary information in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive and process emergency and routine telephone calls concerning police, fire and EMS matters. Provides pre-arrival instructions for callers needing medical help.Operates the TDD system (Telephone Device for the Deaf), and Text-2-911.

• Broadcasts calls for service to appropriate police officers; monitors the status of personnel and equipment and coordinates emergency operations as needed through radio communications. Continually monitors radio traffic; provides supplemental information or dispatches additional personnel and equipment as needed. Operates the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC/NCIC) computer system and relays detailed and accurate information to police officers.

• Monitors intrusion and fire alarms for the public safety building and Community Police Centers.Monitors flood alarms, automated stream and rain gauges and color weather radar and initiates severe weather warnings and flood alert procedures.

• Assists in training new dispatchers; functions as a liaison between the communications and the public, other departments, divisions and outside agencies and organizations.May operate communications through a Incident Command Vehicle or Mobile Command Post on pre-planned or spontaneous emergency events.

• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the City.

• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents.Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment.Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures.Reports all accidents and damage to City property.

• Responsible for knowing and complying with all City and department policies; participating in professional trainings and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability that can be demonstrated to handle multiple demands simultaneously, deal with interruptions, and handle difficult situations under time pressure.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to receive, comprehend, and rapidly relay accurate information.
• Ability to maintain self-control during periods of extreme stress and pressure.
• Ability to handle confidential information in a secure, professional and discretionary manner.
• Ability to work closely with others to maintain calm, efficient operations.
• Ability to demonstrated interpersonal, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and openness to change.
• Ability to learn Computer Aided Dispatch and Enhanced 9-1-1 communication system.
• Ability to obtain EMD certification within probationary period.
• Ability to obtain CPR certification.
• Ability to type at least 35 words per minute.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history. Due to the inherent duties of this position, applicants selected to continue will undergo a thorough background investigation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior dispatch experience.
• Work experience in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
• Experience working with Tritech CAD.
• Ability to communicate bilingually in English/Spanish.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent

Two (2) years of work experience.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Dispatch Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Qualified applicants will be required to complete several stages of interviews and testing, pass a job suitability assessment and complete a thorough background investigation.

Demonstrated personal and professional honesty, integrity, and judgment as shown in applicant’s criminal history, background, and motor vehicle record, and use of drugs and alcohol. Preference will be given to applicants who have no history of use, sale or possession of illegal substances. Polygraph or Computer Voice Stress Analyzer used for verification of applicant information. Prior to employment, successful applicants are required to pass a drug screen. Some positions will also require medical and/or psychological testing prior to employment.

• Any felony conviction
• Commission of a felony, whether convicted or not within the past 5 years
• Commission of any non-traffic related misdemeanor, whether convicted or not within the past 3 years
• Excessive number of traffic violations
• Use, even by prescription, of any marijuana, marijuana edible or marijuana concentrate within the past 2 years
• Any marijuana business ownership or interest within the past 3 years
• The use, sale, possession, or transfer of any controlled substance within the past 5 years (examples: cocaine, heroin, MDMA, methamphetamine, etc).
• Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process.

TESTING PROCESS

• Application submission
• Oral Board interview
• Pre-employment interview
• Psychological job suitability test and interview
• Background check
• Computer Voice Stress Analysis Test
• Drug screen
• Final job offer

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical Demands Primarily sedentary physical work with constant sitting up to 8-14 hours/day. Constant and repetitive use of the hands for simple grasping and fine manipulation. Constant and repetitive use of the feet to operate foot controls for radio-transcription. Frequent and repetitivehand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment. Occasional lifting up to 10lbs. Occasional walking and standing up to two hours/day.Occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing/pulling of light objects, climbing stairs and reaching overhead. Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees, co-workers and the public.
• Work Environment Works primarily in a dispatch center, but may occasionally be required to attend meetings outside of the department or work in the Incident Command Vehicle or Mobile Command Post. Exposure to a darkened environment, air conditioning, and dust.
• Machines and Equipmentused :Frequently uses standard office equipment consisting mainly of telephone banks and multi-screen computers. Constantly uses a headset.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.