DISPATCHER

State of Arkansas; Hill Township (AR); On-site; USD 47,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas seeks an experienced Dispatcher to handle 911 and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and EMS. You will gather critical information, provide life-saving instructions, and coordinate with responders using CAD, radios, and telephone systems.

Responsibilities include ensuring timely dispatch, maintaining logs, and supporting large-scale emergency response. A six-month background in public safety communications and ACIC certification are preferred.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience in emergency dispatch or related field.
• ACIC Level I or II certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer and process 911 calls, determining nature and urgency.
• Gather critical information from callers and relay to responders.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers, including CPR guidance.
• Maintain composure under pressure and assist distressed callers with clear communication.
• Dispatch law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other personnel based on priority.
• Use CAD systems, radio, and telephone systems to track and manage response.
• Record and maintain detailed call logs and incident documentation.
• Activate emergency alert systems when necessary.

Skills

Emergency Dispatch

Public Safety Communications

Customer Service Skills

Ability to stay calm under pressure

Effective information gathering

Communication Skills

Critical information relay

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

ACIC Level I or Level II Certified (preferred)

Tools

Dispatch Equipment

Radio Consoles

Telephone Systems

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Position Number: 22079509
County: Pulaski
Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,396.96

The mission of the Department of Military is to provide a professional staff of Arkansas State Employees who help maintain and improve the readiness of Arkansas National Guard units through effective fiscal management of State Resources, Human Resource Management, and quality administration of Arkansas National Guard Programs.

Additional job duties and/or day-in-the-life details:

Receives radio and/or telephone calls concerning building maintenance, emergency situations, or inquiries from the general public. Communicates with callers to obtain information and offers assistance on directions, procedures, & relays information to appropriate department personnel.

• Operates a computer in the performance of essential functions by recording or entering information into log/computer database
• Responsible for performing Emergency and Non-Emergency Calls for Police and Fire Department via radio or telephone
• Run Background Checks for Front Gate to allow or deny access on Post to visitors and contractors
• Run Background Checks for issuance of Sportsman and Contractor Passes
  Enter warrants, stolen vehicles, etc. into the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer systems.
• Issue keys for Billeting (after hours)

Preferred qualifications, specific skills and/or professional background details:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 year experience in Emergency Dispatch, Public Safety Communications, Law Enforcement, or a related field
• Ability to operate and maintain Dispatch Equipment, Radio Consoles, and Telephone Systems
• ACIC Level I or Level II Certified
• Customer Service and Communication Skills
• Ability to maintain composure while under pressure and assist distressed or panicked callers with clear and reassuring communication
• Ability to gather and give critical information to Emergency Responders

Position Information

Job Series: Internal Affairs – Career Path

Classification: Dispatcher

Class Code: SIA12P

Pay Grade: SGS05

Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148

Job Summary

The Dispatcher is responsible for receiving, processing, and relaying emergency and non-emergency calls for service. This position plays a critical role in public safety by ensuring timely and accurate dispatching of law enforcement, fire, medical, and other emergency services.

Primary Responsibilities

Answer and process 911 emergency and non-emergency calls, determining the nature and urgency of the situation.Gather critical information from callers and relay it to the appropriate emergency responders.Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers, including CPR guidance and other life-saving measures as needed.Maintain composure under pressure and assist distressed or panicked callers with clear and reassuring communication.Assign and dispatch law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and other personnel based on priority and availability.Utilize computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communications, and other technology to track and manage response efforts.Monitor real-time status of field personnel to ensure proper coverage and safety.Coordinate mutual aid requests and relay crucial information between multiple agencies.Accurately record and maintain detailed call logs, reports, and incident documentation.Operate and maintain dispatch equipment, radio consoles, and telephone systems.Follow state and agency protocols, policies, and procedures regarding emergency response and record-keeping.Assist in coordinating large-scale emergency response efforts during disasters, severe weather, or critical incidents.Provide ongoing situational awareness to emergency responders and update them with critical details in real time.Activate emergency alert systems when necessary to inform the public of hazards or emergency situations.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver clear and concise instructions.Ability to remain calm and professional under high-stress conditions.Active listening skills to accurately gather and relay essential information.Strong written skills for accurate documentation and report writing.Quick analytical thinking to assess emergency situations and determine proper response protocols.Ability to prioritize multiple calls and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.High attention to detail for accurate data entry and call documentation.Proficiency in computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication protocols, and emergency response procedures.Familiarity with geographic areas, streets, and landmarks within assigned jurisdictions.Strong ability to handle emotionally charged situations with professionalism and discretion.Resilient in managing exposure to traumatic or high-intensity emergency calls.

Minimum Qualifications

At least six months of experience in emergency dispatch, public safety communications, law enforcement, or a related field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.