Public Safety Telecommunicator

County Of Carlton; Minnesota; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

County Of Carlton is seeking a skilled Public Safety Dispatcher to handle emergency calls, assess threats, and dispatch police, fire, and EMS resources efficiently. The role requires calm communication, rapid decision-making, and the ability to use multiple computer and radio systems reliably.

You will work in a fast-paced environment, maintain detailed records, and collaborate with field units and agencies to ensure public safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years related experience in public safety or a similar field preferred.
• Able to multitask and communicate effectively under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch emergency calls and determine appropriate response for police, fire, and EMS.
• Operate multi-channel radio, multi-line phone, and 9-1-1 system.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions and life-saving guidance over the phone.
• Maintain logs and enter information into the CAD system.
• Coordinate with internal units and external agencies as needed.

Skills

Multitasking

Effective communication

English proficiency

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

Two years related experience

Job description

CLOSES: 9/4/26TESTING DATE: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 9:00-11:00 am & 1:00-5:00 pm. Carlton County Transportation Building 1630 County Road 61, Carlton, MN 55718INTERVIEW DATE: Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Carlton County Justice Center 1780 Justice Dr, Carlton, MN 55718 - ******For those that pass the testing and move onto the next phase.*******HEALTHCARE BENEFITSFamily Health Insurance - Monthly Premium of $350.58Single Health Insurance - Paid in Full by EmployerHEALTH INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLES COVERED IN FULL WITH A VEBA ACCOUNT FUNDED BY EMPLOYERBASIC FUNCTIONS:Perform skilled communication dispatch work receiving requests for emergency assistance, determining type and level of response necessary, and dispatching the appropriate law enforcement/fire/EMS units and personnel to the incident.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:DispatchEvaluate the nature of calls and text messages received, determine proper response, prioritize actions to be taken, dispatch appropriate response units, and respond to requests for information from police patrol units.Utilize combination of diplomatic skills, de-escalation techniques, and policy to evaluate dynamic situations involving persons, who may include those suffering from mental health conditions, agitated persons, victims under duress, children, and persons with language barriers.Operate multi-channel radio, multi-line phone system and 9-1-1 emergency phone system; respond to emergency and non-emergency calls by either handling directly, transferring to appropriate agencies, or communicating emergency telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures as needed.Perform emergency telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures as neededProvide pre-arrival instructions and life-saving guidance over the phone according to EMD protocols and/or procedures.Monitor the computer terminal and notify the appropriate response unit with a verbal assignment based on the nature, magnitude, and degree of priority of a call.Monitor status of vehicles, equipment and responders on active calls for service.Provide on-going updates to responding field personnel as information is received.Call for backup, medical, or support services in response to requests from field personnel.Monitor radio traffic from neighboring jurisdictions and inform officers of necessary information.Monitor weather conditions, watches, and warnings and communicate disaster information to appropriate personnel.Receive transmitted requests for police emergency assistance and determine type and level of response necessaryEnter all pertinent information about the incident in the computer-aided dispatch system.Maintain current information on the location, availability, and status of all police squads on duty.Operate multiple computer terminals to enter and obtain information.Alert appropriate supervisory personnel when units fail to clear or respond.Answer questions and look up information for field personnel regarding license numbers, arrest warrant information, etc.Contact emergency service organizations, public works crews, utility companies, etc. as directed or in response to the requests of field personnel and the public.Notify and coordinate activities of special units such as CART, Field Force, CERT, K-9, etc. by locating on-duty and off-duty personnel and monitoring location status of the incident.Monitor special events such as parades and marathons; monitor alarm systems and take appropriate action when these alarms are activated.Perform call-out procedures to maintain minimum staffing levels on a work shift as assigned.Manage and update key holder, common place and premise information in the computer aided dispatch database.Responsible for warrant entry into local and national database by set time limits to include second party checks, verification, confirmations and clearing.Responsible for OFP servicing information update to national database and updating local database with dismissal and cancellation information. Responsible for upkeep of local hard copy OFP files.Maintain District Court Orders such as Domestic Abuse No Contact (DANCO) and Harassment Restraining (HRO) hard copy files and update local database with expiration and dismissal dates.Send alert notifications through the county-wide emergency mass notification system for employees and the public.Activate civil defense alert system when required.Coordinate with cellular phone companies for cell location searches as needed.Attend mandatory training and maintain required certifications; attend staff and committee meetings as assigned.In the absence of 9-1-1 Administrator and/or 9-1-1 Dispatch Supervisor assume a leadership role in setting up communication resources following NIMS and ICS Principles.Other DutiesMaintain the state and national computer files for Carlton County on missing persons, stolen vehicles, stolen articles and other required areas.Assist in maintaining jail security by overseeing automatic door control. Monitor security camera feeds from jail, courthouse and Sheriff’s Office.Operate and maintain recording equipment.Maintain all required logs, records and actions taken as required by department policy on a daily basis.Keep supervisor advised of operational needs.Testify truthfully in court when required.Assist staff in on-the-job training of new telecommunicators by instructing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting progress of trainees.Perform monthly civil defense tests and weekly pager tests for all public safety departments within the County. Perform other equipment tests as needed.Run, review, and interpret criminal histories and background checks as requested.Operate and cooperate with other public safety agencies through shared radio channels.Assign all radio Talk Groups as needed.Enter/retrieve information from national, state and local computer systems.Conduct 9-1-1 information sessions and tours for community groups and schools as assigned.Monitor generator/building and computer backups. Implement backup procedures in a timely fashion.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Experience:High school graduation or equivalent.The ideal candidate will have a combination of relevant post-secondary education and law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services experience to total a minimum of two (2) years.Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.Training Required:None.Certificates/Licenses Required:None required.Current BCA Terminal Certificate preferred.Note:Must successfully complete a comprehensive background check, physical exam, psychological exam and drug screening.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:Required at Entry:Knowledge of office procedures, practices and equipment.Ability to read and understand written correspondence and directives.Ability to remain seated/standing at the same work station for up to twelve (12) hours.Ability to accurately record names and numbers without transposing.Ability to accurately type on a computer keyboard while conversing with callers.Ability to multitask extensively.Ability to communicate effectively both orally and with legible writing. Ability to fluently speak, read, write and understand English.Ability to work under pressure and use good judgment.Ability to operate a computer terminal.Ability to calm distraught individuals to obtain information as quickly as possible.Ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute.Ability to work in a stressful and fast paced environment.Ability to operate as part of a team.Ability to learn new technology.Ability to demonstrate punctual and reliable attendance in accordance with designated work schedules.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with public, field unit staff and co-workers and perform effective customer relations.Ability to continuously wear communications headset and still hear and understand multiple outside auditory inputs.Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.