911 Emergency Dispatcher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

911 emergency dispatcher job description

In a world where safety and urgency are paramount, the role of a 911 emergency dispatcher is more crucial than ever.

As society evolves, the demand for alert, responsive, and composed professionals to manage and coordinate our emergency responses grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a 911 emergency dispatcher?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker aiming to comprehend the true nature of this role,
  • A hiring manager delineating the ideal candidate,
  • Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of emergency response,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we unravel a customizable 911 emergency dispatcher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

911 Emergency Dispatcher Duties and Responsibilities

911 Emergency Dispatchers perform crucial tasks related to receiving emergency calls and dispatching necessary services in a timely and effective manner.

They act as the critical link between the public and emergency services such as fire, police, and medical services.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Answer incoming emergency calls, including calls for medical assistance, fires, assaults, burglaries and car accidents
  • Evaluate emergency situations and prioritize emergency dispatch according to the severity and urgency of the situation
  • Provide immediate over-the-phone instructions for emergency medical situations, such as CPR
  • Dispatch appropriate emergency services to the scene, including police, fire, and medical services
  • Coordinate and communicate with multiple service providers simultaneously
  • Document all call information, including time of call, nature of emergency, and actions taken, into computer systems for record-keeping purposes
  • Keep callers calm and collected during emergency situations and provide reassurance until help arrives
  • Provide critical information to emergency response personnel and update them on situation changes as necessary
  • Undergo regular training to stay updated on emergency procedures and protocols

 

911 Emergency Dispatcher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated 911 Emergency Dispatcher to join our team.

The dispatcher’s primary responsibility is to receive emergency and non-emergency calls, assess the required service, and dispatch the appropriate response teams.

Our ideal candidate should be calm under pressure, have excellent communication skills, and be able to effectively coordinate and prioritize multiple emergency situations.

Ultimately, the role of the 911 Emergency Dispatcher is to ensure fast and appropriate assistance to people in emergency situations.

 

Responsibilities

  • Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and record significant information
  • Address problems and requests by transmitting information or providing solutions
  • Receive and dispatch orders for emergency services
  • Use the radio, phone or computer to send crews to appropriate locations
  • Monitor the route and status of emergency units
  • Prioritize the most serious calls to ensure the allocation of limited resources
  • Provide emergency medical instructions
  • Enter data in the computer system and maintain logs of call activities

 

Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a dispatcher or relevant position
  • Fast typing with experience in data entry
  • Knowledge of procedures and guidelines for emergency situations
  • Proficient in English (oral and written)
  • Outstanding organizational and multitasking abilities
  • Active listener with excellent communication skills
  • Sound judgement and critical thinking
  • High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: 911 Emergency Dispatcher
  • Work Environment: This role requires working in a high-stress environment, often with extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dispatch Supervisor or Operations Manager.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a 911 Emergency Dispatcher Do?

A 911 Emergency Dispatcher, also known as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, is a crucial link between the public and emergency services such as police, fire, and medical aid.

Their primary role is to receive emergency calls and obtain essential information from callers, such as the nature of the emergency, location, and any relevant descriptive details.

This information is then used to determine the appropriate emergency service required.

They dispatch the relevant emergency response units to the scene and relay critical information to them.

They also provide the caller with instructions for what to do until help arrives, such as CPR instructions or safety measures.

911 Emergency Dispatchers use specialized equipment and software to handle calls, track the status of dispatched units, and maintain communication with those units.

In high-stress situations, they must remain calm, collected, and professional to ensure the efficient dispatch of emergency services.

In addition to handling emergency calls, 911 Dispatchers also handle non-emergency calls for information or services.

They may also be required to maintain records of calls and dispatched services for future reference or analysis.

In many cases, the work of a 911 Emergency Dispatcher can be lifesaving, providing a vital service to their community.

 

911 Emergency Dispatcher Qualifications and Skills

A qualified 911 Emergency Dispatcher should possess the following set of skills and qualifications:

  • Exceptional communication skills for receiving, transmitting, and relaying emergency calls clearly and efficiently.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize calls based on their urgency, using sound judgement and critical thinking skills.
  • Proficiency in operating computer systems, radio consoles, telephones, and other specialized equipment used in emergency dispatch centers.
  • Strong geographical knowledge to assist in guiding emergency services to the correct location as quickly as possible.
  • Emotional resilience and stress management skills to handle high-pressure situations and distressing calls calmly and effectively.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to provide comfort and reassurance to callers in emergency situations.
  • Problem-solving skills to quickly provide solutions and instructions in emergency scenarios.
  • Experience in providing customer service, as this role requires empathy, patience, and understanding towards distressed callers.
  • Ability to work in shifts, as emergency dispatch services are required to function 24/7.

 

911 Emergency Dispatcher Experience Requirements

911 Emergency Dispatchers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some dispatch centers may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field such as criminal justice or emergency management.

Experience for this role can be gained through on-the-job training, where dispatchers learn how to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, how to use the necessary computer systems and equipment, and the laws and regulations related to dispatching emergency services.

In addition, some dispatchers may gain experience by starting in a role with less responsibility, such as a dispatcher assistant or operator, where they can learn the basics of dispatch operations.

Volunteer or part-time work in a related field such as a firefighter, EMT, or police officer can also provide valuable experience.

Some dispatch centers may require their dispatchers to have certifications in areas such as Emergency Medical Dispatch or CPR, which can be obtained through various training programs.

Dispatchers with more than 5 years of experience often have developed the necessary skills to handle high-pressure situations, communicate effectively with a variety of individuals, and coordinate emergency response teams.

They may be ready for a supervisory or managerial role in the dispatch center.

 

911 Emergency Dispatcher Education and Training Requirements

911 Emergency Dispatchers generally require a high school diploma or GED as a minimum educational requirement.

In addition to this, they typically undergo an extensive on-the-job training program that can last between 3 to 12 months.

This training typically covers topics such as emergency response procedures, communication procedures, stress management techniques, and local geography.

Many states require 911 Emergency Dispatchers to be certified.

Certification requirements often include completing a training program, passing a written exam, and demonstrating proficiency in emergency dispatch procedures.

These certifications are generally provided through organizations like the National Emergency Number Association or the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.

Additional courses in criminal justice, law enforcement, or public safety can be beneficial.

Knowledge of a second language can also be useful in this role due to the diversity of callers.

Continuous training and education is important as dispatchers must stay updated with the latest technologies and procedures related to emergency response.

Furthermore, 911 Emergency Dispatchers should possess strong listening skills, the ability to think quickly and make decisions under pressure, and excellent communication skills.

These skills are often honed and developed further during their on-the-job training period.

 

911 Emergency Dispatcher Salary Expectations

A 911 Emergency Dispatcher can expect to earn an average salary of $41,910 (USD) per year.

However, this may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of training, location, and the specific employing agency.

 

911 Emergency Dispatcher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a 911 Emergency Dispatcher need?

A 911 Emergency Dispatcher should have excellent communication skills to accurately relay information between callers, police, and paramedics.

They need to be able to multitask, handle high-stress situations, and make decisions quickly.

Computer and technology skills are necessary as dispatchers use complex computer systems to respond to emergency calls.

Attention to detail is also important in this role.

 

Do 911 Emergency Dispatchers need a degree?

A degree is not typically required for 911 Emergency Dispatchers, but some post-secondary education in fields such as criminal justice, communications, or emergency management may be advantageous.

Most agencies provide on-the-job training.

Certain certifications, like the Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification, may be required or preferred.

 

What should you look for in a 911 Emergency Dispatcher resume?

A 911 Emergency Dispatcher resume should highlight previous experience in a dispatch or customer service role, demonstrating their ability to handle stressful situations.

Certifications relevant to the role, such as CPR or the Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification, are a plus.

Also, look for evidence of excellent communication skills, computer literacy, and ability to work in a team.

 

What qualities make a good 911 Emergency Dispatcher?

A good 911 Emergency Dispatcher is calm, composed, and able to handle high-stress situations.

They should be empathetic, able to provide comfort to callers in distress.

They must have strong problem-solving skills to evaluate situations and determine the appropriate response.

Attention to detail, a good memory, and quick decision-making skills are also important in this role.

 

What is the typical work schedule for a 911 Emergency Dispatcher?

911 Emergency Dispatchers work around the clock to ensure public safety, so they often work shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Shifts can be stressful and demanding due to the nature of calls received, so it’s important for dispatchers to have strong stress-management skills.

They typically work in call centers, police stations, or similar environments.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap!

Today, we’ve explored the fascinating realm of a 911 emergency dispatcher.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about answering distress calls.

It’s about ensuring public safety, one call at a time.

Armed with our top-notch 911 emergency dispatcher job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why end here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every emergency call is a chance to save a life.

Let’s safeguard that future. Together.

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