Public Safety Communications Operator I (911 Dispatcher)

City of Joplin, MO; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Joplin, MO is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher under general supervision to answer emergency and non-emergency requests, operate two-way radios, and dispatch law enforcement, fire, and EMS staff. You will research and disseminate information from multiple databases used by the Joplin ECC and enter details into CAD, RMS, and related systems.

The position requires completion of a post‑offer background check, physical exam, and drug test (including THC).

Qualifications

• Knowledge of data entry procedures and Microsoft Office.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate two-way radios and dispatch equipment.
• Ability to remain calm and composed during emergencies.
• Familiarity with local, state, and national databases is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency 911 calls and non-emergency requests.
• Dispatch appropriate units and document actions.
• Search databases for information and verify details.
• Operate teletype and fax as needed to transfer information.
• Enter data into CAD, RMS, and other systems.
• Maintain professional conduct and ensure reliable attendance.

Skills

Data entry

Microsoft Office

Verbal communication

Written communication

Two-way radio operation

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Requires successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test (including THC) as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin.

• Public Safety Communication testing is a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to work 12-hours shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Primary Purpose

Under general supervision; answers emergency calls and non-emergency call requests from citizens or agencies, operates two-way radios to answer questions, dispatches appropriate law enforcement, fire, and/or emergency medical staff; researches and verifies information for public safety staff. Researches, enters, and disseminates information from multiple databases adopted by the Joplin ECC to appropriate emergency and non-emergency personnel.

Essential Job Functions

• Answers emergency 911 phone calls; evaluates the call to determine response needed; dispatches appropriate law enforcement/fire/emergency assistance staff; records information required to document time and nature of the call and action taken.
• Conducts computer search through local, State and national databases; provides information to the requesting officers or other public safety staff.
• Operates teletype or FAX machine to send/request information needed by a variety of law enforcement agency/organization staff.
• Operates two-way radios to provide information to requesting Fire Department staff or law enforcement officers and agencies to inform officers and other staff of the nature and location of calls; operates a computer terminal to enter/request law enforcement information and data; logs calls to provide a record of daily activities.
• Answers routine phone calls on regular phone lines to respond to questions requiring general information about the Police and/or Fire Departments and the City of Joplin.
• Enters service calls into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, Emergency Medical Dispatch(EMD) system, Rapid SOS, GEM, Records Management System (RMS), InCode, Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES), 3SI Security System, Page Gate, and other computer systems as adopted.
• Contributes effectively to the Police Department, communicates effectively with co-workers, both within the department as well as outside the department. Maintains satisfactory attendance to ensure duties are performed without negatively impacting co-workers or delivery of service to the public.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: Data entry procedures; Microsoft Office Suite.

Skill in

Communicating clearly, both verbally and in writing; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers, Fire Department and emergency response staff, and the public; communicating using standard telephone and two-way radio equipment; evaluating emergency calls and determining the appropriate response; remaining calm and calming others in emergency situations so that necessary information related to the emergency can be obtained and relayed; operating a variety of office equipment, including a FAX or teletype machine and computer terminal; data entry; Microsoft Office Suite.

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Experience

No specific experience is required, but prefer prior experience in public safety communications or high-volume telephone customer service environments requiring data entry.

Licenses and Certifications

A valid state issued driver's license is not required; however, transportation to and from work and off-site training programs must be accomplished without impacting attendance. Must obtain certification for Missouri Uniform License Examination System (MULES), Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and CPR and First Aid prior to completion of the probationary period.