Public Safety Dispatcher

City of Lincoln & Lancaster County; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lincoln & Lancaster County is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher. The role involves handling emergency and non-emergency calls, operating an advanced CAD and radio network, and delivering life-saving information to first responders.

Dispatchers must stay organized, multi-task, and remain calm under pressure while ensuring accurate records and timely communications. Training academy and on-the-job training are provided; several promotion paths exist within the emergency communications

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and CPR certification are required.
• Certification on NCIC system is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate emergency service consoles and dispatch police, fire, and EMS units.
• Maintain logs and records of calls and dispositions.
• Coordinate with various agencies to ensure rapid response.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Calm under pressure

Strong communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

CAD terminals

Radio consoles

EMD systems

Job description

HOURS: FULL TIME; Variable 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts with rotating days/evenings/nights/weekends and holidays.

The City of Lincoln is currently accepting on-line applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher. If you are interested in a fast-paced, challenging work environment this job may be for you!

Public safety dispatchers play a vital role in public safety by expertly managing emergency and non-emergency calls for service. They operate a sophisticated network of technology—including phone and radio systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and data systems—to quickly process and relay critical information.

While maintaining calm under pressure, dispatchers provide life-saving instructions, such as CPR guidance, and ensure that accurate, timely information is delivered to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and other response teams.

Precision is essential; dispatchers are responsible for keeping detailed, accurate records of all communications, whether from callers or responders in the field. They work as part of a coordinated team—often in collaboration with other Communications Centers—to ensure seamless, efficient responses to a wide range of incidents.

At the heart of the role is commitment to community safety, service, and teamwork. By leveraging advanced technologies and strong partnerships, public safety dispatchers support both the public and emergency personnel in moments that matter most.

Their work is grounded in the values of the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center:Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence.

The Lincoln Police 911 Center is a nationally accredited Center through CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.).

Lincoln is one of the few cities in the United States where Police, Fire, and Communications have all received national accreditation. Lincoln received accreditation in 2002 making it only the 14th center in the nation to be accredited by CALEA.

Career Opportunities

The Public Safety Dispatcher is considered the first, first responder of the emergency response team. These professionals, are required to gather essential information from citizens, and take control of situations that may be chaotic, tragic, stressful, confusing, and frantic in order to dispatch the appropriate first responders to the scene. Public Safety Dispatchers must be organized, adept at multi-tasking, level-headed, calm and trustworthy. Their work within the emergency response system often places them at the front end of life or death situations. Training requirements for these positions are demanding, rigorous and steadfast.

New employees will be required to successfully complete a classroom training academy and extensive on-the-job training. Career advancement opportunities include promotion to Senior Public Safety Dispatcher, Certified Training Officer, Training Supervisor, and Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor.

Senior Public Safety Dispatcher - $29.46-37.62

Duties

Dispatchers operate an emergency service console and sophisticated technical equipment receiving and dispatching calls for police and sheriff units, fire companies, EMS (emergency medical systems) units, fire/rescue squads and other emergency services. Responsibilities include operating radio consoles, CAD (computer aided dispatch) terminals, EMD (emergency medical dispatch) systems, and related emergency communication equipment; receiving calls via the 911 emergency lines; performing radio tests on communication equipment; maintaining logs and records of all calls received and nature and disposition of each dispatch; maintaining CAD status monitor of units in and out of service; and transferring or referring calls to proper local, state, and federal agencies.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of a pre-employment on-line exam, an oral interview, background check, medical and psychological investigation. Candidates who successfully complete the final phase are offered employment with the Lincoln Police Department Emergency Communications Center. Applicants with diverse backgrounds and educational experience are encouraged to apply. All required training is completed in-house.

Qualifications

High School graduate or G.E.D.

Necessary Special Requirements

Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and CPR certification, provided by Lincoln Police Department, is required prior to the completion of the probationary period. Certification on the National Crime Information Center computer system, which is provided by Lincoln Police Departmentas required.

NO FELONY CONVICTIONS OR SERIOUS MISDEMEANORS.

Testing:

You will receive an email with a link to complete the on-line exam. The email will come from "TestGenius" and will be sent within 48 hours after your application has been received. You will have 7 days to complete the exam.

Interview:

If you successfully pass the on-line exam, you will be invited to an in-person interview.