Emergency Communication Dispatcher Trainee

Johnson County Kansas; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson County Government is seeking an Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee to join the Emergency Services team. This 24/7 position includes shift work (7:00–19:00, 13:00–1:00, or 19:00–7:00) and weekend/holiday shifts, with up to one year of temporary trainee employment.

Successful completion of the training program is required to continue as a dispatcher. The role involves processing emergency notifications, tracking unit status, coordinating resources, and providing critical

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to pass auditory and vision tests and a drug screen prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• Process 911 emergency notifications and determine location and type of incident; provide proper responses.
• Track unit location and availability; disburse resources and maintain logs and reference files.
• Promote the department's Mission, Vision, and Values; stay updated on system changes and training.
• Activate trauma plan and provide weather and incident information; exercise judgment to ensure proper outcomes.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we deliver excellent public service, continually seeking to improve ourselves and our organization.

We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

The Emergency Communications division of the Department of Emergency Services is looking for a qualified applicant to fill the position of Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee.

This is a 24/7 position with shift work. The shifts could be 7:00 am-7:00 pm, 1:00 pm-1:00 am, or 7:00 pm-7:00 am. There are also weekend shifts, holiday shifts, and mandatory overtime on all shifts.

This is a temporary trainee position with a maximum full-time employment of up to one (1) year. To continue employment as an emergency communications specialist, the trainee must successfully pass the training program.

This requisition will close on 11:59pm on Friday, November 13th, 2026.

Job Description

• Under direct supervision, processes medical/fire 911 emergency notifications; inquiries and determines location and nature of emergency assistance requests; determines and sends proper responses based on location, unit status, and type of incident; obtains and provides specific information for responders to allow for immediate intervention upon arrival and to protect the safety of responders and the public.
• Under direct supervision tracks unit location and availability continuously; facilitates disbursement of county emergency resources; anticipates additional resource needs by staging uncommitted units for depleted area coverage and/or response to working incidents; provides accurate documentation of call activity; maintains support resource files which indicate current street closings, hydrants unavailable, hospital patient acceptance capabilities, equipment resource lists, premise information files, and other pertinent information; observes and tests on-line and backup equipment and systems continuously.
• Under direct supervision articulates, promotes, and supports the Mission, Vision, and Values of the department; provides answers and solutions for non-emergency requests for information and services; reviews and trains to maintain current levels of operations knowledge, stays abreast of continuous system changes; enhances knowledge, and learns new skills; provides input to enhance and improve department services to our customers and the public.
• Under direct supervision answers requests and completes connections; use knowledge of call information and judgment skills proactively to activate trauma plan, which includes timely notification of proper trauma center and additional resources; responds based on stated injuries, location, traffic concerns, time of day, and other pertinent information; determines and provides early weather warning information through activation of county alert sirens, radios and pagers with accompanying alert information; provides command and control of responders until arrival on event scenes; deviates from guidelines and protocols to ensure proper outcomes of events.

Job Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• The ability to pass both an auditory (Audiogram) and vision test (Ishihara Color Vision and Vision Titmus near.far.color.perip) with or without reasonable accommodation and pass a drug screen prior to employment.

Preferred Job Requirements:

• International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED): Advance Emergency Medical Dispatcher (Advanced EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) at time of hire or certifications completed within twelve (12) months of hire date.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.