Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Denton; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Denton is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher responsible for managing emergency calls and coordinating responses. The successful candidate will utilize their communication skills to dispatch services, maintain logs, and follow protocols for emergency situations. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented with the ability to operate in high-pressure environments.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Type a minimum of 45 words per minute.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer and prioritize incoming emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Dispatch police, fire, and EMS as needed.
• Maintain accurate status logs and document all radio transmissions.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication

Ability to build and maintain effective relationships

Typing speed of at least 45 words per minute

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Title: Public Safety Dispatcher

Position ID: GT0815

Department/Division: Technology Services/Public Safety Communications

Report to: Public Safety Communications Supervisor

FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt

Depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate, applicants with more experience will be eligible for a higher hire rate commensurate with their experience.

Annualized pay rate: $50,035.75 - $71,296.00

*APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE*

Once you've applied and met minimum qualifications, the following steps are necessary to continue in the hiring process:

1. Preliminary Interview Form
2. Skills Testing
3. Interviews
4. Personal History Statement (25 pages)
5. Background Investigation
6. Polygraph Examination
7. Psychological Evaluation
8. Health Assessment and Drug Screen

The Public Safety Dispatcher performs specialized radio and communication work. This position operates radio, telephone, and related communication equipment to receive and relay information to responders. Responsibilities include prioritizing and assigning responses for emergency and non-emergency calls, maintaining logs, providing support to police, fire, EMS, and the public, and answering emergency calls with medical instructions when necessary.

Essential Job Functions

• Answer incoming 911, TTY, emergency, and non-emergency calls, prioritizing and routing calls appropriately.
• Assign calls and report numbers.
• Dispatch police, fire, ambulance, and animal services to calls for service.
• Evaluate information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to dispatch.
• Monitor multiple radio channels and dispatch personnel accordingly.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions for medical emergencies and relay vital information to hospitals.
• Maintain accurate status logs for officers, firefighters, EMS, and animal services.
• Document all radio transmissions.
• Run warrant and stolen check through national and state databases.
• Input and monitor teletype information from reports and databases.
• Gather information such as driver’s license, criminal histories, and property details for officers and agencies.
• Familiarity with city streets, landmarks, and geographic layout.
• Work 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call as needed.

Additional Duties

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications / Acceptable Equivalency

• High School diploma or GED.
• Type at least 45 words per minute (corrected).
• OR any combination of education, experience, certifications, and licenses that demonstrate ability to perform essential functions.

Core Competencies

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Punctuality and regular attendance.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid Class "C" Driver's License (must obtain Texas Class "C" within 30 days).
• Pass drug test, background checks, driver's license check, criminal history, and social security verification.
• Pass CritiCall Skills Assessment.
• Attend and complete in-service training.
• Obtain necessary certifications within one year.
• No disqualifying misdemeanors or felonies in specified periods.
• Pass polygraph, psychological, hearing, and typing tests.
• Meet civilian hiring standards of the Denton Police Department.
• Submit a personal history statement with each application.
• Ability to work 12-hour, rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends; on-call availability.

Note: Public Safety Dispatchers and non-civil service Fire Department employees under age 36 will be placed in the Fire Pension Plan.

Preferences

• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Prior experience as a Telecommunicator in a Law Enforcement Center.

Physical Requirements: Overall strength demands are typical for this role, including the ability to perform essential functions during a workday.