Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Ames, Iowa; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ames, IA is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher for the Police Department. The incumbent operates a complex communications system, receives and handles emergency and non-emergency calls, and dispatches police, fire or medical units as needed in a 24/7 environment.

The starting annual salary is $57,147 as of July 1, 2026, with step increases and a hiring wage incentive of $1,000 paid in installments. Comprehensive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience or training in emergency communications preferred.
• Ability to perform under stress in a 24/7/365 environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a complex public safety communications system.
• Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls from diverse sources.
• Dispatch police, fire or medical units and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Emergency communications

Public safety dispatch

Job description

SALARY

See Position Description

LOCATION

515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, IA

::: {aria-label="Job Type"}

JOB TYPE

:::

Full-Time

JOB NUMBER

26-2202-02

DEPARTMENT

Police

OPENING DATE

08/05/2026

CLOSING DATE

9/4/2026 12:00 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

BARGAINING UNIT

PPME

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT?

Yes

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT AREAS

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/b15a259924c342e1a434d38c270a4a0b

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.

General Information

The City of Ames is looking to fill at least one position as Public Safety Dispatcher, within the Police Department. A Public Safety Dispatcher with the Ames Police Department performs work involved in the operation of a complex communications system; receives and handles both emergency and non-emergency communications from a wide range of sources; dispatches appropriate services, personnel, and and/or equipment in response to police, fire, or medical emergencies; and performs other related work as required. The work for this position is within a 24/7/365 environment and is subject to shift assignment and creates occasional mandatory overtime.

SALARY

The Starting Annual Salary For This Position Is $57,147 ($27.4745 Per Hour) As Of July 1, 2026. Specified Months Of City Of Ames Dispatcher Service Are Applied In Step Increases To Salary, Per The PPME Bargaining Agreement. The Current Steps Are Outlined Below

July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027

Months Annual Pay

0-18 $57, 147

19-36 $59,903

37 and up $69,239

HIRING WAGE INCENTIVE

Anyone who begins employment from this recruitment shall receive a hiring wage incentive to equal

• $1000.

This Incentive Shall Be Paid In The Following Increments

• 50% upon hire
• 25% after 6 months of employment
• 25% after probationary period ends or 12 months of employment (whichever is later)

BENEFITS

Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:City of Ames Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit:

PSLF Program

Please see the Residency Requirement

• MAP outlining in turquoise the living area boundaries required for Police Boundary or Public, Professional and Maintenance Employees Local 2003 (PPME) bargaining unit greement for this merit position.

Examples of Essential Job Functions

Conducts in depth resear