Emergency Communications Specialist

maine; United States; On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Public Safety - Bureau of Emergency Communications in Augusta, ME is seeking Emergency Communications Specialists to serve as the liaison between the public and first responders. The role involves handling high-pressure 911 calls, gathering essential information, and coordinating rapid responses.

The position requires accurate data entry, skillful use of CAD and radios, and the ability to work a rotating schedule that may include days, evenings, nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Able to pass fingerprint-based background check and polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for people in need of help for emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Coordinate effective response to calls for service.
• Develop incident resolution strategies.
• Search databases to find pertinent information for first responders (criminal history, stolen property, motor vehicle data).
• Document calls in the computer aided dispatch system.
• Operate communications equipment, including CAD and radio systems.

Skills

Prompt decisions

Multi-call handling

Database checks

Work under supervision

Prioritization

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Department of Public Safety - Bureau of Emergency Communications

• Job Class Code: 8600


• Grade: 19 (Professional/Technical)


• Salary: $28.09 - $37.35/Hour (Includes 30% stipend)


• Location: Augusta, ME


• Opening Date: October 16, 2026


• Closing Date: October 30, 2026

Lights flashing... Sirens blaring... Emergency vehicles must be dispatched before they can help anyone.. .

Enter the importance of Emergency Communication Specialists; they play this crucial role, acting as the liaison between law enforcement and people in need of help. They must gather essential information from callers before sharing it, accurately and promptly, with first responders. Build your career with the Department of Public Safety. Possible advancement routes include: Q/A positions, Supervisor, Operation Managers, CAD Administrators, or Director.

This operation must provide 24/7 coverage; therefore it operates on a rotating schedule, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or night shifts.

Any selected candidate must be able to pass a fingerprint-based background check and a polygraph before employment.

During the training period, the selected applicant must be available to work all 3 (three) shifts including days, evenings, and overnights. After the probationary period, shift assignments are determined by seniority in compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Typical Day

• For emergency and non-emergency situations: Acting as the first point of contact for people in need of help


• Coordinating effective response to calls for service


• Developing incident resolution strategies


• Searching databases to find pertinent information for appropriate personnel (things like criminal history, stolen property, and motor vehicle data)


• Documenting calls in computer aided dispatch system


• Operating communications equipment, including computer aided dispatch and radio systems

Required Skills & Attributes

• Make prompt and accurate decisions under stressful and time-sensitive conditions


• Handle multiple enhanced 911 calls simultaneously


• Detect discrepancies within agency databases and report inconsistencies


• Perform duties with minimal supervision


• Prioritize incidents

Within six months of hire, new employees receive training from the Department of Public Safety to attain certifications in:

• Maine State Terminal Operator


• Emergency Telecommunicator


• Emergency Fire Dispatcher


• Emergency Medical Dispatcher (which includes CPR training)


• NexGen 9-1-1

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.


• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.


• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .


• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).


• Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.


• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.


• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.


• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer