Entry Dispatcher Public Safety Telecommunication Trainee

Skagit 911; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Skagit 911 is hiring entry-level Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST) with no prior experience required. Trainees receive 12 months of on-the-job training under a Training Supervisor, with a four 10-hour day schedule during training and a transition to independent work in a dispatch specialty after completion.

The PST role serves as the critical link between public callers in crisis and emergency responders, requiring rapid decision-making, clear communication, and professional calm under

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 using a CAD system.
• Provide life-saving instructions to callers before help arrives, including EMD protocols.
• Monitor and coordinate multiple radio channels, updating responder status.
• Support people in crisis with compassion and composure.
• Coordinate resources and communications between agencies during high-risk incidents.
• Operate and monitor telecommunications and public safety equipment in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Task switching

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAD system

Job description

This is an entry-level position - no prior experience required!

Applications due by 6am on September 30th, 2026.

Public Safety Telecommunicators at Skagit 911 are represented positions. The 2026 trainee wage is $31.20 per hour. After completing training, wages start at $32.14 per hour and progress up to $42.98 per hour with time and advancement within the organization.

Skagit 911 is seeking dedicated and highly motivated individuals to join our team as Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST).

If you thrive in a fast-paced customer service environment, we want to hear from you. Experience as a barista, server, bartender, restaurant or fast-food employee, retail associate, hospitality professional, call center representative, bank teller, or in another high-volume customer-facing role can provide many of the skills that transfer well to 9-1-1: rapid task-switching, prioritizing competing demands, clear communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and remaining calm and professional under pressure.

New PST Trainees receive comprehensive on-the-job training over a period of 12 months, working under the close supervision of a certified Training Supervisor. During this time, PST Trainees follow a four 10-hour day schedule (four days on, three days off) as they progress through a structured training program. Upon successful completion and demonstration of core competencies, trainees are signed off to work independently and will be assigned to either a Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS dispatch specialty.

What You’ll Do

This critical role serves as the vital link between community members in crisis and the emergency services that respond. As a first responder, you will help ensure the safety and well-being of the public and field responders through skilled communication, rapid decision-making, and unwavering professionalism.

• 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.

Schedule & Overtime

• PST Trainees: Work a four 10-hour day schedule (four on, three off) during training - subject to change with notice.
• Post-training schedule:
  • 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule:
    • Week 1 – Work 3 days, Off 4 days
    • Week 2 – Work 4 days, Off 3 days
• Schedules are bid annually for the whole following year.
• Shifts include weekends, holidays, days, nights, and overnights.
• Mandatory overtime may be assigned, up to a maximum of 8 hours on a scheduled day off, to ensure 24/7 emergency coverage.

Minimum 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 (with or without accommodation), drug test and other hiring criteria.

Who We're Looking For

• Team player with integrity: You show respect to others, protect confidentiality, and adhere to policies and procedures.
• Calm under pressure: You think clearly and act quickly in high-stress situations.
• Technologically adaptable: You demonstrate the ability to expertly use computerized systems, learn new platforms quickly, and thrive in an environment of ongoing technical change.
• Detail-oriented multitasker: You manage multiple conversations, prioritize tasks, and maintain focus with accuracy.
• Excellent communicator: You listen attentively, speak clearly, and adapt your communication style for diverse callers.
• Adaptable and committed: You are flexible with scheduling and available for overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.