Public Safety Dispatcher II - Communications Division

St Mary's County Government; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 61,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

St. Mary's County Government is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher II to handle 911 calls, dispatch emergency services, and maintain accurate CAD logs. The role requires proficiency in call-taking, dispatch operations, and system technologies, with a strong emphasis on calm decision-making.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and at least one year of dispatcher experience with current certifications; the work includes rotating 12-hour shifts and potential recalls.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year experience as Public Safety Dispatcher I or equivalent.
• All mandatory certifications current for Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Answer 911 emergency calls using in-depth questioning and call-taking procedures.
• Answer administrative phone lines and dispatch appropriate agencies.
• Receive and dispatch calls for the Sheriff’s Office; log information into the CAD system.
• Evaluate requests and dispatch Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS according to protocols.
• Record and log all information into the CAD system; provide information to responding agencies.
• Input and distribute messages using METERS/NCIC system; maintain awareness of geography and response areas.
• Maintain a high degree of attentiveness and operate dispatch/communication systems under stress.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Calm under pressure

Communication

Attention to detail

Typing 24 WPM

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

One year experience as Public Safety Dispatcher I

Tools

METERS/NCIC

TDD/TTY system

Severe Weather Alerting System

CSD Alarm Computer

Job description

ELIGIBLE FOR $1,500 SIGN-ON BONUS

Receives emergency 911 calls and dispatches appropriate agencies; is certified as proficient in Law Enforcement and/or Fire/EMS Dispatching; receives calls for the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office; logs calls into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System; answers administrative telephone lines, works with minimal supervision, and performs other duties as assigned.

The hiring salary for this position is $60,548 - $68,411

full salary range for this position is $60,548 - $101,691

1. Must maintain all certifications of Public Safety Dispatcher II;

2. Answers 911 emergency phone calls utilizing in-depth questioning and call taking procedures;

3. Answers administrative phone lines and dispatches appropriate agencies;

4. Receives and dispatches calls for the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office;

5. Evaluates requests and dispatches Law Enforcement or Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in accordance with established protocols;

6. Records and logs all information pertaining to all calls (emergency and routine) into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System;

7. Provides information about calls to various responding agencies;

8. Utilizes METERS/NCIC law enforcement network and police dispatching;

9. Makes critical decisions in response to transmissions from responders;

10. Must be certified as proficient in call-taking and dispatching Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS;

11. Must be proficient in the various technologies associated within Emergency Communications Center (TDD/TTY system, Severe Weather Alerting System, CSD Alarm Computer, Door Access, Fire Suppression System, Equipment Room, and ANI/ALI 911 Functions;

12. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Thorough knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures;

2. Answer phones in a calm manner, distinguish between telephone lines, and evaluate and prioritize emergency calls;

3. Effectively represent St. Mary's County Government to the public;

4. Ability to multi-task and work effectively under stressful conditions;

5. Ability to keep accurate and thorough records;

6. Dispatch emergency agencies as appropriate;

7. Ability to operate relevant computer and radio systems;

8. Ability to maintain a high degree of attentiveness, alertness, and responsiveness on duty;

9. Ability to maintain self-control in tense situations and work effectively under stress;

10. Ability to receive and input messages into METERS/NCIC system and distribute as appropriate;

11. Ability to file messages by classification type, code number or alphabetically;

12. Ability to input codes, demographics, DMV, and other law enforcement information;

13. Thorough knowledge of geography of St. Mary's County road systems, waterways, police districts, and fire/EMS response areas and all surrounding counties;

14. Thorough knowledge of emergency services' roles (groups, teams, agencies) utilized in emergency response;

15. Ability to take direction from the Public Safety Dispatcher Supervisor and respond accordingly.

1. High school diploma or equivalent;
2. One year experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher I or equivalent;
3. All mandatory certifications are current for Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS as applicable to the discipline proficient in.

Additional Requirements:

1. Must maintain typing proficiency of 24 WPM;
2. Must pass written Public Safety Dispatcher (CritiCall) examination with the passing score of 80 or above;
3. Must possess unimpaired hearing, speech, and finger dexterity;
4. Working knowledge of National 10 Code System;
5. Continues training in classes relating to duties of position.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work requires no unusual demand for physical effort. Must be able to work 12 hour rotating shift schedule including weekends and holidays. May be required to stay on duty or subject to recall to duty as needed or in case of an emergency.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls.