Emergency Response Dispatch - 911 Call Taker - Shift Differentials Available

Public Safety Dispatch Network; West Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Employee-assistance programs

Continuing training

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Yolo County, CA is seeking 911 Call Takers to answer emergency calls, confirm locations, and document details for responders. The role requires strong listening and typing skills, plus the ability to follow structured procedures during high-pressure situations.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED; prior customer service experience is helpful. The job involves headset use, data entry into dispatch software, and collaboration with field responders.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some vacancies value customer service experience.
• Strong listening comprehension and clear verbal communication are essential.
• Accurate typing and ability to follow structured procedures are required.
• Assessments and minimum scores are determined by the hiring agency.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming emergency calls and assigned nonemergency lines.
• Confirm incident location and caller’s callback information.
• Use approved questions to identify nature and urgency of the situation.
• Enter accurate details into call-processing or dispatch software.
• Forward incident information promptly to the appropriate dispatch function.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions only within training and certification.

Skills

Customer service

Typing speed

Listening skills

Verbal communication

Procedures adherence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Dispatch software

Call processing systems

Job description

911 Call Taker Opportunities in Yolo

911 Call Takers are often the first people to speak with someone reporting an emergency. They ask focused questions, confirm where help is needed, and document information for the personnel responsible for coordinating the response.

In some communications centers, call taking is a separate assignment from radio dispatch. In others, employees train for both functions. The official vacancy explains the duties included in this position.

Position Details

Duty Location:
{airport_name}, Yolo, CA

Employer:
The hiring emergency communications agency identified in the official vacancy

Pay:
{salary_min}–{salary_max} per year

Schedule:
{work_schedule}

Appointment Type:
{appointment_type}

Who May Apply:
{who_may_apply}

Application Deadline:
{closing_date}

What You May Do

• 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

Experience and Education Requirements

Employers commonly require a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Previous customer service, telephone support, or public safety experience may be helpful, although some vacancies accept applicants without dispatch experience.

Successful candidates need strong listening comprehension, accurate typing, clear verbal communication, and the ability to follow structured procedures. Required assessments and minimum scores are determined by the hiring agency.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet agency-specific employment eligibility and age requirements
• Complete required background checks and hiring assessments
• Complete additional screening identified in the announcementSuccessfully complete call-taking training and performance evaluations
• Obtain applicable certifications within the required timeframe
• Protect caller privacy and confidential incident information

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Call Takers spend substantial time using telephone headsets, keyboards, and computer displays. The work may involve repeated exposure to callers experiencing fear, injury, or loss. Review the official vacancy for essential functions, scheduling expectations, and available accommodations.

Benefits

• Benefits for eligible employees may include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, employee-assistance programs, and continuing training.