Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Bedford; Bedford (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bedford is hiring a Public Safety Dispatcher to act as a crucial link between the community and emergency services. The role encompasses duties such as answering emergency calls, coordinating responses, and operating dispatch systems under high-pressure conditions. Candidates must have a high school diploma, a valid TX driver's license, and meet additional certification requirements. This shift-based position demands excellent communication, multitasking skills, and the ability to work under stress. Essential personnel status requires attendance during emergencies and city-wide incidents.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid TX Driver’s License.
• Must pass the Texas state licensing exam.
• Must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency lines with professionalism.
• Assess and prioritize incoming calls.
• Gather and relay critical information to field responders.
• Operate public safety radio systems.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Excellent verbal communication

Keyboarding proficiency (minimum 35 wpm)

Multi-tasking abilities

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma / GED

Tools

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD)

911 call systems

Radio communications

Job description

SUMMARY

Public Safety Dispatchers are vital members of the first responder team who serve as the lifeline between the community and emergency services. This role requires the ability to assess high-pressure situations in real time, coordinate emergency response efforts, and provide critical support to law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel. Dispatchers are trained professionals who protect lives through rapid, accurate communication and sound decision-making. This is a shift-based position and requires a high level of resilience, focus, and commitment to public service and is designated as Essential Personnel, meaning attendance during emergencies, natural disasters, and city-wide incidents is mandatory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Act as the first point of contact in emergencies, answering 911 and non-emergency lines with speed, professionalism, and situational awareness.
2. Assess and prioritize incoming calls, including reports of crimes, accidents, medical emergencies, fires, and other urgent or non-urgent matters.
3. Gather, verify, and relay critical information to field responders while maintaining contact with callers during unfolding incidents.
4. Operate and monitor public safety radio systems, dispatching police, fire, EMS, and support units with clarity, precision, and adherence to established protocols.
5. Coordinate multi-agency response efforts, ensuring accurate, timely communication between departments and jurisdictions.
6. Track and document all activity in real-time using computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems; log updates and maintain situational awareness across multiple incidents.
7. Access and input sensitive data into state and national databases (TCIC/NCIC) to assist in criminal investigations, warrant management, and officer safety.
8. Monitor alarms, hazard indicators, and alerts, responding proactively and initiating the appropriate notifications or responses.
9. Stay composed and clear-headed under stress, making quick judgments and decisions with public and responder safety as the top priority.
10. Maintain readiness for emergency events, including severe weather, large-scale incidents, or disasters, serving as essential personnel.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma / GED.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must be able to obtain certification in Public Safety Telecommunications and TCIC/NCIC within 6 months of hire and maintain biannual recertification.

Must pass the Texas state licensing exam.

Must complete NIMS (ICS-100/200,IS700) within one year of employment.

Must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education to maintain an active license every 2 years.

Valid TX Driver’s License

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

SPECIALIZED KSA’S

• Desired: Basic knowledge of computer-aided dispatch system, operation and utilization of the computerized database, 911 phone system, voice recording system, paging software, weather siren software and other relevant equipment utilized by this position.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task through applicant dispatch testing. A minimum keyboard speed of 35wpm is required.
• Calm under pressure and capable of handling high-stress, life-threatening situations.
• Proficient in the use of CAD, 911 call systems, radio communications, and other emergency communication tools.
• Strong multitasking and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to relay complex information quickly and clearly.
• Keyboarding proficiency (minimum 35 wpm) and familiarity with dispatch technology.
• Integrity, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential and sensitive information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arm; speak clearly and have good hearing. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This role is performed in a secure communications center with multiple monitors and equipment in use simultaneously.

DISCLAIMER

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer to meet organizational needs and job requirements.