Emergency Dispatcher: Calm, Swift 911 Coordination

County Emergency Communications; Persia (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

County Emergency Communications in Persia, IA is seeking 911 Emergency Dispatchers to connect callers with responders, gather essential information, and coordinate police, fire, or EMS according to agency procedures.

The work requires calm communication, strong listening, and careful documentation across multiple computer systems and radio channels, with shifts that may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED commonly required.
• Some agencies recruit entry-level applicants, while others require previous emergency communications experience or current certifications.
• Useful skills include accurate typing, active listening, clear speech, and the ability to organize information under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and nonemergency calls within the assigned service area.
• Confirm addresses, callback numbers, incident details, and immediate safety concerns.
• Assess call priority using approved questions and agency procedures.
• Enter incident information into computer-aided dispatch systems.
• Dispatch appropriate responders when assigned to radio operations.
• Monitor radio traffic and update responding personnel as circumstances change.
• Provide approved caller instructions within the limits of training and certification.
• Maintain accurate records and protect confidential information.

Skills

Typing

Active listening

Clear speech

Calm under pressure

Basic computer proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

County Emergency Communications in Persia, IA is seeking 911 Emergency Dispatchers to connect callers with responders, gather essential information, and coordinate police, fire, or EMS according to agency procedures.

The work requires calm communication, strong listening, and careful documentation across multiple computer systems and radio channels, with shifts that may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.