Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral Transfer Only)

The Town of West Hartford; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 68,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of West Hartford is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral Transfer Only) within the Police Department to support 911 and routine calls across Police, Fire and EMS services.

This role requires strong customer service, calm under pressure, and ability to work 8-hour shifts with a 5/2, 4/2 schedule; certification by the Office of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications is expected within one year.

Qualifications

• 18 Years of Age
• High school graduate or an equivalency certificate; and one (1) year of experience operating job related communication equipment.
• Must be certified by the Office of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications within one (1) year from date of employment or as prescribed by law.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving history in accordance with the Town of West Hartford's Safe Driving Record policy.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• No felony conviction, conviction for any Class A or Class B misdemeanor, certain drug convictions or any conviction for domestic violence.

Responsibilities

• 911 and routine calls for Police/Fire/EMS responses, Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch (EMD & EFD) protocols including pre-arrival instructions, dispatching and radio communications with West Hartford Fire and EMS services, coordinating other town resources, required on-going training, and various electronic and/or paper documentation.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

1 year experience operating job related communication equipment

Job description

Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral Transfer Only) JobID: 555

• Position Type: Dispatcher
• Date Posted: 8/19/2026
• Location: Police Department
• Date Available: TBD
• Closing Date: 12/31/2026

The Town of West Hartford

Open Competitive Examination

Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral Transfer Only)

Salary: $67,574 - $83,512 per year*

* Applicants who are not a Certified Emergency Telecommunicator will start at Step 1 of the salary scale

The West Hartford Police Department is one of the largest municipal police departments in the State of Connecticut. The Emergency Reporting Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and working nights, weekends and holidays is required. We seek highly motivated, enthusiastic, dedicated, customer service-oriented individuals who are interested in a rewarding career as a Public Safety Dispatcher. The Emergency Reporting Center is staffed by 13 civilian dispatchers who operate in support of Police, Fire and EMS services for the Town of West Hartford. Public Safety Dispatchers work 8-hour shifts with a 5/2, 4/2 days on/off schedule and shift scheduling is determined by yearly bids based on seniority.

Public Safety Dispatchers are responsible for multiple emergency telecommunication duties to include, but not limited to; 911 and routine calls for Police/Fire/EMS responses, Emergency Medical and Fire Dispatch (EMD & EFD) protocols including pre-arrival instructions, dispatching and radio communications with West Hartford Fire and EMS services, coordinating other town resources, required on-going training, and various electronic and/or paper documentation.

Requirements

• 18 Years of Age
• High school graduate or an equivalency certificate; and one (1) year of experience operating job related communication equipment.
• Must be certified by the Office of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications within one (1) year from date of employment or as prescribed by law.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving history in accordance with the Town of West Hartford's Safe Driving Record policy.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• No felony conviction, conviction for any Class A or Class B misdemeanor, certain drug convictions or any conviction for domestic violence.

Hiring Process

• CPCA Dispatcher Written Exam (Minimum 70% score). This requirement is waived for applicants currently certified by the Office of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications
• Psychological Exam
• Physical/Drug Screening

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

It is the policy of the Town of West Hartford that discrimination in any way on the basisrace, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity/expression, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, military/veteran status, political belief, criminal record, disability or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements and any exceptions under applicable state or federal law toward employees is strictly prohibited and will be not be tolerated.

The above description is intended as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. It is intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete itemization of all facets of any job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The Town of West Hartford provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation on the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 860-561-7488 or email Alan Horner .

Individuals who do not have access to a computer or need assistance completing an online application may visit the Noah Webster Library or its branches for access and assistance.