Emergency Communications Call Taker

Port of Portland; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port of Portland is hiring an Emergency Communications Call Taker to support police, fire, medical, and airport operations across three airports. You’ll work in a fast-paced center handling calls, dispatch tasks, and security monitoring to ensure safe, efficient airport experiences.

Successful candidates must complete critical pre-hire assessments, obtain state dispatcher certification within 18 months, and pass background/security checks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with CAD or 911/airport communications center preferred.
• Must complete CritiCall pre-employment test.
• Post-hire: obtain Oregon DPSST Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification within 18 months; CJIS Security Awareness Training and background check.

Responsibilities

• Receive, document, and triage emergency and non-emergency requests per policies.
• Operate CAD, multi-line phones, alarms, and data systems.
• Monitor security cameras and respond to incidents.
• Provide customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support other Port departments and special projects.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Job description

The Position

The Port of Portland is hiring an Emergency Communications Call Taker!

Portland International Airport (PDX) is often the first impression people have of Oregon, Southwest Washington, and the City of Portland. While PDX is consistently recognized as one of the nation's best airports, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional service, safety, and security. Our Emergency Communications Call-Takers provide emergency and non-emergency public safety and operational communications for customers and tenants across the Port's three airports: Portland International, Hillsboro, and Troutdale. This is a great starting point to begin your career in Emergency Communications!

We are seeking a highly communicative, problem-solving person to receive calls for police, fire, medical, and operations response requests for a variety of incidents. This person will have excellent customer service and sound reasoning skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a high functioning team. This position is represented under the same union as our police force.

Why should you work in Emergency Communications?

This dynamic career is never boring! Our Call Takers have a passion and purpose in serving the community. Create a positive impact on people daily with a diverse team of like-minded peers who value teamwork, education, and fun. On top of rotating schedules and on-the-job training, we also offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. If you are team-oriented, enjoy helping others and embrace the value of providing amazing service please continue reading!

Due to the critical nature of this role within our Emergency Communications Center, applicants will go through a comprehensive screening process, including a thorough background check, to ensure the highest standards of safety and service. This thorough process is essential for maintaining the security and efficiency of our operations.

Essential Job Duties

Emergency Communications & Dispatch:

• Independently and accurately receive, document, and triage requests for police, fire, medical, and airport operations emergency and non-emergency response requests in compliance with established policies and protocols while supporting the Port's strategic and operational goals.

Technology & Systems Operations:

• Monitor and operate multiple computer systems simultaneously, including multi-line phones, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), fire alarms, access/security/duress alarms, law enforcement data systems, and other specialized technology.

Security Monitoring & Incident Response:

• Monitor security surveillance cameras for perimeter gates, terminal doors, security checkpoints, airport terminals, garages, and roadways, taking appropriate action when necessary.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Communication:

• Serve as a communication liaison and provide customer service and support to internal and external stakeholders while promoting a safe and positive airport experience.

Teamwork & Operational Support:

• Provide backup and support to other workgroups within the Airport Communication Center, other Port departments, and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system or experience working in a 911 emergency communications center or airport communications center is preferred.

Testing and Certification (Pre-Hire):

• Applicant must complete the CritiCall pre-employment test, a computer literacy and typing test to measure underlying skills and abilities needed for this role.

Testing and Certification (Post-Hire):

• Obtain an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Certification as Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatcher within 18 months of hire.
• Comply with Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) requirements within 30 days of hire, which includes successfully completing CJIS Security Awareness Training and passing a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.

Background and Security:

• Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge, are required.

Availability:

• Available to work overtime, holidays, weekends, and flexible shifts outside of usual schedule.

Supplemental and Selection Information

SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Application Materials & Qualification Review
2. Screening Interview
3. CritiCall Test -to test computer literacy and typing skills
4. Panel Interview
5. Background Investigation
6. Psychological Exam
7. Medical Exam
8. Pre-employment Drug Test
9. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) & Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Screening
10. Employment Confirmation

SALARY INFORMATION:

Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service (with no breaks in service) as an emergency telecommunicator.

Contract Salary Scale

• Start: $31.704
• 1 year: $33.272
• 2 years: $34.93
• 3 years: $36.874
• 4 years: $38.668
• 5 years: $40.574

**Disclaimer: numbers based on current Contract Bargaining Agreement.

NOTE: Premium pay may be available to Dispatchers who possess an Oregon Department of Public Safety and Security Training (DPSST) Intermediate Certification or Advanced Certification and is applicable to their positions.

Schedule:

• Application Review: Human Resources will review submitted application packets for minimum qualifications. A SME panel will assess your qualifications based on the information provided in your application and responses to any supplemental questions.
• Interviews: After application review, successful candidates will be invited to participate in remote Screening Interviews. Successful candidates after the Screening Interview, will be invited to an onsite Panel Interview.
• Conditional Offers: Following interviews, conditional offers of employment will be extended to selected candidates.
• Background Investigation: Candidates who receive a conditional offer will undergo a comprehensive background check, which typically takes approximately 3-4 months to complete. Once the background check is completed, final offers will be extended, and start dates will be coordinated.

About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have - our three airports, three working marine terminals, six business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them - to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone's life better. And we'll use our power and influence to unlock new opportunities and ensure more people share in our region's success. With YOUR help - together with our partners, customers, and community - we'll help drive meaningful change!

Do you have questions about this job? Contact us: [e-mail]

Safety:

The Port promotes safety as a Core value and we seek to eliminate harm through a culture of active prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently look for improvements that support operational excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination.

Veterans Preference:

Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran's preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing:

The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation:

Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email [e-mail].

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal