Dispatcher Testing

Gulfshoresal; Punta Gorda (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulfshoresal in Punta Gorda, FL seeks a Public Safety Dispatcher to handle 911 and non-emergency requests for Police or Fire Department assistance. You will determine urgency, initiate actions, and coordinate with field units while maintaining tight communication and records.

The role requires strong multitasking, calm decision-making, and reliable data entry. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and clerical experience; certifications such as CS/EMD/LED and FCIC/NCIC are

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public service activity and local government.
• Proficiency with computer technology and equipment.
• Familiarity with law enforcement terminology and procedures.
• Geography knowledge for Punta Gorda area.
• Strong spelling and word usage in English.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and manage data entry.

Responsibilities

• Receives and transmits police and fire messages and records them by data entry.
• Acts as central switchboard operator for Police and Fire Departments.
• Maintains central recording system.
• Obtains information requested by police officers (license checks, wanted persons, etc.).
• Prioritizes, directs and logs calls and dispatches units accordingly.
• Communicates with towing services and utility crews as needed.
• Researches and updates warrants, missing persons, and related records in databases.
• Monitors police scanner radio to ensure officer safety and dispatches backups.
• Maintains security and confidentiality of information.
• Keeps informed of departmental regulations and procedures.
• Makes routine announcements and relays messages via radio.

Skills

Public service knowledge

Computer technology

Law enforcement terminology

Geography knowledge

English spelling

Multi-tasking

Analytical observation

Two-way radio use

Interpersonal communication

Map reading

Attendance reliability

Quick thinking under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification

Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) certification

Fire Service Dispatcher (FSD) certification

Law Enforcement Dispatcher (LED) certification

FCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification

Job description

Skilled emergency service position that involves receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency requests for Police or Fire Department assistance, determining nature/urgency of calls, initiating Police, Fire or other emergency personnel action and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements.

Application Deadline: Application and all required documents must be received by Human Resources no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026. Please provide only the specified documents. Candidates who submit an application but are unable to complete the required testing should contact Human Resources as soon as possible.

The City of Punta Gorda utilizes the following assessment process in determining the qualifications for Dispatcher Candidates.

CritiCall Examination

This examination will be administered virtually and may be taken any time between Monday, August 24, 2026 and Sunday, August 30, 2026. Candidates will be emailed an invitation and login credentials to the exam once their application has been processed. Candidates will have 7 calendar days to complete the testing process.

The CritiCall examination is comprised of 10 sections: Decision Making, Data Entry, Data Entry (Audio), Call Summarization, Character Comparison, Cross Referencing, Memory Recall (Numeric), Prioritization, Sentence Clarity, and a Personality Test. Candidates must receive a passing score on each of the graded sections to pass the exam. The Decision Making and Personality Test portions are not graded. This exam is meant to ensure basic skills needed for success as a Public Safety Dispatcher, but prior dispatch experience is not necessary.

Dispatcher Eligibility List

Candidates who successfully complete the pre-hire testing process will be placed on the Dispatcher Eligibility List and are not automatically employed. Those candidates who are on the Dispatcher Eligibility List may be considered for a dispatcher position as positions become available. Candidates will remain on the Dispatcher Eligibility List for a period of one year from the date of the assessment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES i

include the following. Other duties may be assigned as dictated by operational necessity.

• Receives and transmits police and fire messages and calls, and records same by data entry.
• Acts as central switchboard operator for the Police and Fire Departments.
• Maintains central recording system.
• Obtains information requested by police officers (checks license plates, checks for wanted persons, checks driver license information etc.)
• Prioritizes, directs and logs police and fire calls and dispatches units accordingly.
• Communicates with towing services, utility crews, etc. as needed.
• Researches, enters, clears, cancels, and updates warrants, missing persons reports, runaway juveniles reports, stolen article descriptions or vehicles in designated computer database.
• Monitors police scanner radio to ensure safety of police officers, and dispatches backup units.
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Keeps informed of departmental regulations, policies and procedures.
• Periodically makes routine announcements and relays messages via radio.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities; education and/or experience; and, certificates or licenses required in order to fill the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. In lieu of certain requirements listed below, Employee may accrue or acquire certain specified time in service, specialized skills, and/or certifications, thereby qualifying for this position through the City’s career progression policy.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government;
• Knowledge of computer technology and equipment;
• Knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures;
• Knowledge of geography for the City of Punta Gorda;
• Knowledge of English language for spelling and proper word usage;
• Skill in multi-tasking- coordinating simultaneous mental, manual and visual activities;
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately;
• Skill in communicating using two-way radio and telephone equipment;
• Skill in operating a variety of communications equipment effectively;
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries;
• Able to work rotating shift assignments and overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24 hour facility.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely;
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergencies;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police and Fire Department personnel, other City employees, outside law enforcement or fire agencies and the public;
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
• Able to data entry at 6200 keystrokes per hour with an accuracy rate of 95%.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school, or a GED from a properly accredited institution of learning.
• PC knowledge/experience, typing and telephone skills.
• Two (2) years clerical experience in a fast-paced, stressful office environment.
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the requisite mental and communication skills.
• Obtain and maintain the 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification as required by FSS 401.465.
• Obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Fire Service Dispatcher (FSD) and Law Enforcement Dispatcher (LED) certification by the completion of the Communications Training and Evaluation Program.
• Obtain and maintain FCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification within 6 months of employment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct supervisory authority