Dispatcher I

City of Fairfield; Fairfield (AR); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fairfield Police Department is seeking a Dispatcher I to handle emergency and non-emergency 9-1-1 calls, coordinating with field units and other agencies to ensure timely responses. The role requires strong communication, calm under pressure, and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Applicants should have at least 1 year of customer service experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and the required certifications.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of customer service experience.
• Experience with multi-line telephone systems preferred.
• Must be able to remain calm under pressure.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and determine appropriate action.
• Coordinate with field units and other agencies to relay information.
• Maintain composure and accuracy during high-stress situations.
• Work rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Skills

Customer service

Multi-line phone

Emotional intelligence

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

P.O.S.T. Safety Dispatch Certificate

Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate

Job description

Posting number: 2026-00075

Department: POLICE

Division: Police - General

Job classification: Dispatcher I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, 911 Telecommunications, Communications

Summary

The Fairfield Police Department serves a diverse community and exists to improve the quality of life in Fairfield. The department is committed to working with our community members to solve problems together. Dispatchers are an integral part of this effort and the 9-1-1 system, receiving emergency and non-emergency calls and acting as a liaison between the members of the community, other agencies, department personnel and field units in support of the City's organizational goals and objectives.

Emergency dispatchers have an extremely difficult job and must remain calm and collected while under immense mental and emotional pressure. Fairfield Police dispatcher Jena Draper takes us behind the scenes and shares her experiences as a dispatcher.

To learn more about Fairfield PD, please contact the Police Personnel unit at [phone]. Spanish speaking candidates encouraged to apply. Please note the salary posted does not reflect 2.5% shift differential for night shift work.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in the Communications Center in the Police Department. The environment includes exposure to stressful situations; work will involve pressure generated by the necessity for appropriate and timely response and follow-up required by emergency and routine events that often occur simultaneously. Dispatchers are assigned to shifts on a rotating basis including day, swing or graveyard, depending upon department needs. Work will include shift assignments on weekends and holidays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Primarily sedentary work requiring the ability to sit for long periods of time and manual dexterity to sufficiently operate computer keyboards. Requires good vision, the ability to hear well enough to receive information over the telephone and radio amid background noise, and verbal clarity. Work will also involve bending, twisting, turning and reaching.

Experience

One (1) year customer service-related experience, including significant contact with the public, or performing work that includes multi-line telephone systems is preferred.

Education

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required.

LICENSE AND / OR CERTIFICATE

Must possess or be able to obtain a P.O.S.T. Safety Dispatch Certificate and Emergency Medical Dispatch Certificate within one year of hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Employees hired as Dispatcher I are required to meet the requirements of and promote to Dispatcher II by the end of the 12-month probationary period.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire.
• Candidates will be required to pass a thorough background investigation.
• Must be able to maintain the same level of security as when first hired. Failure to maintain this level of security clearance is grounds for dismissal.

Qualifications

If you have compassion, emotional intelligence, a willingness to learn and the ability to multi-task, this is the job for you!

Supplemental information

The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates referred to an eligibility listing. Do not list your current supervisor in the “References” section of your application if you do not want them contacted prior to receiving a conditional job offer. Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the “References” section of your application, they may be contacted at any point in the recruitment process, without prior notification to you.

Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the “References” section to help ensure a timely response. When listing references, please identify persons who can assess your professional qualifications in the context of the workplace. Examples include former colleagues/supervisors, mentors, etc. If you have limited or no work experience, you may identify personal references familiar with your qualifications that correlate to workplace experiences. Examples include teachers, volunteer coordinators, mentors, etc.

The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.