DISPATCHER

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

Job summary

The Dispatcher is a safety-sensitive role with the State of Arkansas, responsible for receiving, processing, and relaying emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services.

It requires calm, clear communication, and proficiency with CAD and radio systems. Starting salary is $47,397 with a maximum up to $70,148, reflecting the SGS05 pay grade and state pay practices.

Qualifications

• The Dispatcher is responsible for receiving, processing, and relaying emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers, including CPR guidance and other life-saving measures as needed.
• Maintains records, and logs related to telecommunication operations on computer database.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Verbal communication

Active listening

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

CAD systems

Radio procedures

Geography knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CAD systems

Radio consoles

Telephone systems

Job description

Position Number: 22090099

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: [[postingEndDate]]

Anticipated Starting Salary: 47397

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The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state’s premier public safety agency.

This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug screenings.

If you are requesting veteran’s preference, please include your DD214.

Answers and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls

Monitors, responds to and logs radio transmissions and activity

Contacts by phone other agencies or services as needed and provides details of the situation for response

Maintains records, and logs related to telecommunication operations on computer database

Gathers and prepares information for requested reports by researching records and recordings and ensures the integrity of data and corrects and updates as required

Interacts with the public/coworkers in many different and sometimes critical situations, through telephone or in person

The formal education equivalent of a High School Diploma or GED.

Minimum 2 years' experience of emergency communications and/or dispatch training in receiving, evaluating, transmitting, and monitoring emergency and/or non-emergency requests via telephone and/or radio for police, fire and/or medical services

Experience or other qualifications that demonstrate strong decision-making skills, excellent interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution skills

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.