Emergency Dispatch Trainee — Public Safety

Skagit 911; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Skagit 911 is seeking dedicated individuals to join as Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST). Entry-level position with no prior experience required and comprehensive on-the-job training of 6–12 months.

PST Trainees earn $31.20/hour during training; upon completion, wages rise to $32.14/hour and progress up to $42.98/hour with advancement opportunities, while providing critical dispatch support across police, fire, and EMS as the calm link between callers and responders.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• No felony convictions.
• No active criminal charges or warrants.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Must pass a law enforcement background investigation, polygraph screening, hearing test, drug test and other hiring criteria.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls via phone and text, gathering vital details quickly and accurately.
• Dispatch police or fire and medical, and other emergency services using a state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Provide life-saving instructions to callers before help arrives, including Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
• Monitor and coordinate multiple radio channels, updating responder status and ensuring smooth communication.
• Support people in crisis — from distressed callers to individuals with disabilities or language barriers — with compassion and composure.
• Coordinate resources and communications between agencies during complex or high-risk incidents.
• Operate and monitor a variety of telecommunications and public safety equipment in a fast-paced, secure environment.

Skills

Team player

Integrity

Calm under pressure

Technologically adaptable

Detail-oriented

Excellent communicator

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Skagit 911 is seeking dedicated individuals to join as Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST). Entry-level position with no prior experience required and comprehensive on-the-job training of 6–12 months.

PST Trainees earn $31.20/hour during training; upon completion, wages rise to $32.14/hour and progress up to $42.98/hour with advancement opportunities, while providing critical dispatch support across police, fire, and EMS as the calm link between callers and responders.