Emergency Communications Specialist - 911 Call Taker

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Salinas, CA seeks 911 Call Takers to handle emergency and nonemergency calls with calm, precise questioning and fact gathering. You will verify locations, collect callback information, and document details for dispatch teams.

Successful candidates will follow structured procedures, demonstrate strong listening and typing skills, and participate in required training and certifications to ensure accurate incident handling and caller safety.

Qualifications

• Employers commonly require a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Strong listening comprehension, accurate typing, clear verbal communication.
• Ability to follow structured procedures.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming emergency calls and assigned nonemergency lines
• Confirm the incident location and caller’s callback information
• Use approved questions to identify the nature and urgency of the situation
• Enter accurate details into call-processing or dispatch software
• Forward incident information promptly to the appropriate dispatch function
• Help distressed callers focus on essential questions and instructions
• Use approved language-access and accessibility resources when needed
• Provide authorized pre-arrival instructions only within training and certification

Skills

Active listening

Accurate typing

Clear verbal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Dispatch software

Job description

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Salinas, CA seeks 911 Call Takers to handle emergency and nonemergency calls with calm, precise questioning and fact gathering. You will verify locations, collect callback information, and document details for dispatch teams.

Successful candidates will follow structured procedures, demonstrate strong listening and typing skills, and participate in required training and certifications to ensure accurate incident handling and caller safety.