Public Safety Dispatcher I

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Iowa State University Department of Public Safety is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher I. The role involves operating a multi-frequency radio system, handling 911/phone communications, monitoring alarms, and coordinating with campus and external agencies.

Training will rotate across shifts, with assignment after completion. The candidate must complete IOWA/NCIC certification within 6 months and attend a 40-hour training within one year.

Qualifications

• Two years of clerical education or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to obtain required public safety certifications.
• Familiarity with radio-communications equipment and computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate multi-frequency radio system and maintain logs.
• Answer calls and relay information to units.
• Monitor alarms and emergency weather/road information.
• Dispatch personnel and provide information to stakeholders.

Skills

multi-frequency radio

data entry

clear communication

calm under pressure

Education

Two years clerical education/experience

Tools

FCC regulations

teletype

TDD

computers

Job description

Position Title

Public Safety Dispatcher I

Job Group

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Any combination of clerical education or experience and/or college or university level course work which is equivalent to two years of full-time employment.

Job Description

The Department of Public Safety at Iowa State University is seeking candidates for a Public Safety Dispatcher I. Under general supervision, this position provides communications of a public safety nature for university police and other departments as well as surrounding law enforcement agencies and emergency response agencies utilizing multi-frequency radio, computer systems, telephone, TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf), and personal contact. In addition, this position is responsible for monitoring university emergency phones and multiple alarm systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public Safety experience
• Dispatch experience

The Duties Of This Position Require

• Ability to perform multiple tasks at one time and to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer terminal, PC or other keyboard device with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Skill in using equipment such as multi-frequency radio, teletype, telephone, TDD and computers.
• Skill in communicating with members of the public and departmental staff both orally and in writing.

During training, this position will rotate through all shifts. At the conclusion of training, the employee will be assigned to a specific shift. Days off will be determined by shift assignment. Dispatchers are expected to work extra hours whenever large events are held on campus. This includes home football games, political events, Iowa Games, etc. Dispatchers are also expected to report to work during times of major disturbances or disasters on campus.

Other Requirements

• Must achieve certification in IOWA/NCIC (National Crime Information Center) System within 6 months of employment.
• Must attend 40-hour training course at Iowa Law Enforcement Academy within one year of employment.
• Must pass departmental background check.

Iowa State University Police Department employees will support the Department’s vision and mission by operating in a fair, unbiased manner, which respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. Department employees’ everyday actions are guided by the Department’s values of Respect, Integrity, Caring, Honor, Excellence and Service (RICHES) and be grounded in the highest ethical and professional standards. Department employees are expected to work in partnership with the campus and area communities to provide leadership in solving community problems, preventing crime and providing a safe environment to fulfill the mission of the University. Employees will strive for excellence in fulfilling the Department’s Mission and Vision Statements, values and goals.

Characteristic Duties And Responsibilities

• Operates a multi-frequency radio system in accordance with FCC regulations and completes a radio log and other records as required.
• Operates a multi-line telephone system providing emergency and business information.
• May be responsible for monitoring 911 phone system.
• Monitors radio traffic from surrounding local and state law enforcement agencies and relays information to patrol units.
• Dispatches duty personnel to requests for assistance or complaints.
• Receives and provides information to visitors, faculty, staff, and students.
• Notifies on-call personnel as required by departmental policy.
• Receives and relays emergency weather and road information to public safety officers and to other university departments and the university administration as required.
• Provides information to institutional public information services or outside news services on incidents and accident information as required.
• Monitors, updates, and relays information regarding building alarms.
• Operates a computer for the state crime computer network.
• Maintains voice communication tapes and applicable files and manuals for reference at public safety dispatch office.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the geography of the university campus.
• Knowledge of FCC regulations and public safety dispatching procedures.
• Skill in using equipment such as multi-frequency radio, teletype, telephone, TDD, and computers.
• Skill in communicating with members of the public and departmental staff both orally and in writing.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.
• Ability to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks at one time and to remain calm in stressful situations.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type

Regular

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

7591a

Original Posting Date

August 24, 2026

Posting Close Date

October 21, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19853

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.