Public Safety Dispatcher / Telecommunicator

Public Safety Dispatch Network; Centralia (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Employee assistance resources

Professional development

Job summary

Public Safety Dispatch Network in Centralia, WA, is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher/Telecommunicator to join a team responsible for processing emergency and nonemergency requests. The role combines communication, technology, and careful decision-making to keep callers and responders informed.

duties typically include operating CAD, telephone, mapping, and radio systems; prioritizing incidents; coordinating resources; and maintaining records, with shifts that may include nights, weekends,

Qualifications

• Accurate typing, active listening and clear communication are essential.
• Ability to switch between tasks while maintaining accuracy and composure.
• Certifications depend on the services handled and jurisdiction requirements.

Responsibilities

• Process emergency and nonemergency requests for public safety assistance.
• Verify incident locations and gather essential caller information.
• Classify and prioritize requests using approved procedures.
• Operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, mapping, and radio systems.
• Coordinate response resources within assigned qualifications.
• Monitor unit status and communicate significant incident updates.
• Support interagency coordination and requests for additional assistance.
• Maintain accurate records and follow information-security requirements.

Skills

Accurate typing

Active listening

Clear communication

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD (computer-aided dispatch)

Telephone systems

Radio communications

Mapping software

Job description

Public Safety Dispatcher / Telecommunicator Opportunities in Centralia

Public Safety Dispatchers and Telecommunicators support the flow of information between the public and emergency response agencies. Depending on the communications center, their responsibilities may include call taking, police dispatch, fire dispatch, emergency medical dispatch, or a combination of assignments.

This position brings together communication, technology, and careful decision-making. Employees must organize incoming information and apply agency procedures while keeping callers and responders informed.

Position Details

Duty Location: {airport_name}, Centralia, WA

Employer: The hiring public safety or consolidated communications agency identified in the official vacancy

Pay: {salary_min}-{salary_max} per year

Schedule: {work_schedule}

Appointment Type: {appointment_type}

Who May Apply: {who_may_apply}

Application Deadline: {closing_date}

Public safety communications centers often require continuous staffing. Assignments may include nights, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and overtime during staffing shortages or major emergencies.

What You May Do

• Process emergency and nonemergency requests for public safety assistance
• Verify incident locations and gather essential caller information
• Classify and prioritize requests using approved procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch, telephone, mapping, and radio systems
• Coordinate response resources within assigned qualifications
• Monitor unit status and communicate significant incident updates
• Support interagency coordination and requests for additional assistance
• Maintain accurate records and follow information-security requirements

Experience and Education Requirements

A high school diploma or recognized equivalent is commonly required. Entry-level and experienced classifications may have different qualifications, training expectations, and compensation.

Applicants should demonstrate accurate typing, active listening, clear communication, and the ability to switch between tasks. Required certifications depend on the services handled and the jurisdiction's training standards.

General Conditions of Employment

• Meet the hiring agency's eligibility and minimum age requirements
• Complete required background screening and competency assessments
• Complete medical, psychological, or drug screening when specified
• Successfully complete training for assigned operational positions
• Maintain applicable certifications and continuing education
• Follow confidentiality rules and emergency staffing procedures

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Telecommunicators typically work at technology-equipped consoles for extended periods. Duties involve headset communication, keyboard entry, screen monitoring, and sustained attention. Exposure to distressing incidents is possible. Review the vacancy for essential functions and accommodation information.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may receive health coverage, retirement benefits, paid leave, employee-assistance resources, and professional development.
• Additional compensation and benefits depend on the employer, classification, and appointment conditions.