Public Safety Dispatcher (opens in new tab)

FailSafe Communications; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ames is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher for the Police Department to manage a complex communications system and handle emergency and non-emergency calls. The role requires dispatching police, fire, and EMS resources and may involve shift assignments and overtime in a 24/7 environment.

Starting salary is $57,147 per year with step increases per the PPME bargaining agreement; additional incentives and benefits are described in the posting.

Responsibilities

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Receives and relays messages to appropriate personnel.
• Directs requests for assistance for police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) to the appropriate agency.
• Prioritizes calls for service and dispatches appropriate resources in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Provides emergency medical instruction.
• Operates radio.

Job description

SALARY
See Position Description
LOCATION
515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, IA
JOB TYPE
Full-Time
JOB NUMBER
26-2202-03
DEPARTMENT
Police
OPENING DATE
11/02/2026
CLOSING DATE
11/30/2026 12:00 PM Central
FLSA
Non-Exempt
BARGAINING UNIT
PPME
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT?
Yes
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT AREAS
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/b15a259924c342e1a434d38c270a4a0b

General Information

The City of Ames is looking to fill at least one position as Public Safety Dispatcher, within the Police Department. A Public Safety Dispatcher with the Ames Police Department performs work involved in the operation of a complex communications system; receives and handles both emergency and non-emergency communications from a wide range of sources; dispatches appropriate services, personnel, and and/or equipment in response to police, fire, or medical emergencies; and performs other related work as required. The work for this position is within a 24/7/365 environment and is subject to shift assignment and creates occasional mandatory overtime.

Salary

The starting annual salary for this position is $57,147 ($27.4745 per hour) as of July 1, 2026. Specified months of City of Ames Dispatcher service are applied in step increases to salary, per the PPME bargaining agreement. The current steps are outlined below:

• July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
  Months Annual Pay
  0-18 $57, 147
  19-36 $59,903
  37 & up $69,239

Hiring Wage Incentive

Anyone who begins employment from this recruitment shall receive a hiring wage incentive to equal $1000.

• 50% upon hire
• 25% after 6 months of employment
• 25% after probationary period ends or 12 months of employment (whichever is later)

Written Exam and Simulation Testing:

Written exam is set for December 3, 2026, with Criticall testing to follow on December 7th and 8th, 2026 for those who pass the written exam. Further details will be emailed to those candidates who qualify for the testing components prior to each date.

Interviews will commence the same week of Criticall testing for candidates with passing scores.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit:
PSLF Program

Please see the Residency Requirement MAP outlining in turquoise the living area boundaries required for Police Boundary or Public, Professional and Maintenance Employees Local 2003 (PPME) bargaining unit agreement for this merit position.
Examples of Essential Job Functions

Examples of Essential Job Functions

• Conducts in depth research by utilizing multiple various resources.
• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Receives and relays messages to appropriate personnel.
• Directs requests for assistance for police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) to the appropriate agency.
• Prioritizes calls for service and dispatches appropriate resources in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Provides emergency medical instruction.
• Operates radio