Emergency Communications Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the role of Emergency Communications Technicians is more critical than ever.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, maintain, and protect our emergency communication systems rises.

But what does it really mean to be an Emergency Communications Technician?

Whether you are:

• An aspirant trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of emergency communications,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we provide a customizable Emergency Communications Technician job description template, designed for seamless integration with job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Emergency Communications Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Emergency Communications Technicians play a critical role in maintaining public safety and welfare.

They are responsible for receiving and processing emergency calls, coordinating with various emergency services and providing essential information to those on the scene.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Receive and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls from the public
• Assess the urgency of calls and prioritize them accordingly
• Communicate with callers to gather necessary information about the emergency
• Dispatch and coordinate appropriate emergency services such as police, fire or ambulance to the scene
• Provide crucial information to emergency personnel about the nature and location of the emergency
• Monitor and maintain communication with dispatched units to ensure their safety and updated about the situation
• Document calls, actions and relevant information into the computer-aided dispatch system
• Provide pre-arrival instructions or advice, such as first aid or CPR, to callers if necessary
• Participate in regular training and stay updated about changes in procedure or technology
• Operate and maintain various communication devices such as radio systems, telephones, and computers.

 

Emergency Communications Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and alert Emergency Communications Technician to join our team.

Your primary responsibility will be to receive emergency and non-emergency calls, determining the nature and urgency of each call, and dispatching the appropriate response.

You will be required to operate various types of communication equipment, maintain logs, and keep records.

Our ideal candidate is composed under pressure, has excellent communication skills, and is thoroughly familiar with the procedures related to emergency response dispatching.

 

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls promptly
• Determine the nature and location of emergency, and prioritize calls
• Operate computer-aided dispatch systems, radio transmitting equipment, and other communications equipment
• Dispatch appropriate emergency personnel and units in response to calls
• Maintain detailed logs of all dispatched calls, messages, and actions taken
• Ensure all relevant laws, regulations, and policies are adhered to
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local geography and street locations
• Coordinate with other emergency service agencies as required
• Provide clear, calm instructions to callers in emergency situations until help arrives

 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in emergency response or a related field is a plus
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to convey information clearly and effectively
• Proficiency in the use of emergency dispatch equipment, including computer-aided dispatch systems
• Excellent knowledge of local geography, streets, landmarks, and buildings
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) is preferred

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Emergency Communications Technician
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. You must be able to work in potentially emotionally distressing situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Communications Supervisor or Dispatch Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $52,000 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 an Emergency Communications Technician Do?

Emergency Communications Technicians, often referred to as dispatchers or 911 operators, play a crucial role in emergency services.

They are the first point of contact for individuals who are in distress and need immediate help.

They are responsible for receiving emergency calls, understanding the nature of the emergency, and dispatching the appropriate emergency services, such as police, fire, or medical assistance.

This involves fast and accurate data entry to ensure that the necessary information is passed on to the responding units.

Emergency Communications Technicians also provide critical instructions to callers to ensure their safety until help arrives.

This could involve guiding someone on how to perform CPR, advising on what to do in case of a fire, or calming down a distressed caller.

In addition, they keep track of the dispatched units’ status, location, and availability.

This job involves dealing with high-stress situations and requires strong communication skills, calm under pressure, and the ability to make decisions quickly.

They may also be required to document calls and actions taken for record-keeping purposes and provide necessary information to investigators when required.

They typically work in a dispatch center, fire station, or police station.

 

Emergency Communications Technician Qualifications and Skills

An Emergency Communications Technician must possess a unique set of technical skills, personal attributes, and relevant knowledge to effectively manage emergency situations, which include:

• Exceptional communication skills to clearly and accurately relay critical information between the public, emergency services, and first responders.
• High stress tolerance and emotional resilience to effectively handle stressful and emotionally charged emergency situations.
• Strong multitasking abilities to manage multiple tasks simultaneously such as receiving emergency calls, dispatching resources, and documenting incident details.
• Accurate data entry skills and attention to detail to ensure that all incident details are recorded precisely and comprehensively.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills to quickly assess situations and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Good geographical knowledge to assist in directing emergency services to the exact locations of incidents.
• Technical proficiency with computer-aided dispatch systems, telecommunication devices and other related technology.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
• Basic life-saving skills such as CPR and first aid, as they may need to guide callers through life-saving procedures over the phone.

 

Emergency Communications Technician Experience Requirements

Entry-level Emergency Communications Technicians are typically expected to have 1-2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in a related field such as emergency medical services, dispatching or law enforcement.

A demonstrated ability to handle high-pressure situations and strong communication skills are also crucial for this role.

Those who have more than 3 years of experience may have gained their technical skills and knowledge through full-time roles in emergency communications.

They are expected to have advanced proficiency in using communication tools and software, and understand the protocols and procedures of emergency response systems.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have significant experience managing stressful situations and coordinating multi-agency responses.

They may also have leadership experience and are prepared to handle supervisory roles in the emergency communications department.

Furthermore, some roles may require certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), or similar qualifications, which involve specific training and field experience.

This would provide a higher level of competency and expertise, making such candidates desirable for more advanced positions.

 

Emergency Communications Technician Education and Training Requirements

Emergency Communications Technicians often need a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

Many aspirants gain their skills and knowledge through on-the-job training, however, some choose to complete certificate or associate degree programs in a field like communications, public safety, or emergency management.

These programs teach the necessary technical skills, such as how to operate and troubleshoot communication equipment, understanding emergency codes and procedures, and effective communication strategies during crisis situations.

Specific certification may not always be required but can provide an advantage in securing employment.

Certification programs, such as the Emergency Telecommunicator Certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, can provide the knowledge necessary to handle emergency situations effectively.

Most states require a background check and drug screening for these roles due to the sensitive nature of the work.

Some technicians may also need to pass a written exam and practical evaluation to demonstrate their competency in handling emergency communications.

Continuing education or training may be necessary as technologies and procedures in emergency response continue to evolve.

 

Emergency Communications Technician Salary Expectations

An Emergency Communications Technician typically earns an average salary of $42,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as level of experience, specific skills, geographical location, and the employing organization.

 

Emergency Communications Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Emergency Communications Technician need?

An Emergency Communications Technician should have excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

They should also have excellent problem-solving skills, fast typing ability, and a good understanding of geographical areas.

A keen ear for detail and ability to understand different accents or dialects might also be important.

Familiarity with emergency codes and procedures, as well as knowledge of computer and radio systems, is also necessary.

 

Do Emergency Communications Technicians need a degree?

While not always required, a degree or diploma in a related field such as communications, emergency management, or criminal justice can be beneficial.

However, most important is specialized training in emergency communications and dispatch, which may be provided on the job or through a vocational school or community college.

 

What should you look for in an Emergency Communications Technician resume?

An Emergency Communications Technician resume should showcase the candidate’s experience in handling emergency calls and utilizing communication systems.

Any training or certification in emergency response, CPR, or dispatch should be noted.

Additionally, look for evidence of strong multitasking skills, crisis management, and ability to work under pressure.

 

What qualities make a good Emergency Communications Technician?

A good Emergency Communications Technician should be calm, patient, and able to manage stress effectively.

They should have excellent listening skills and be able to extract important information quickly.

Strong decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility are also crucial in this role.

They need to be able to make quick, accurate decisions, often in life-or-death situations.

 

How challenging is the role of an Emergency Communications Technician?

The role of an Emergency Communications Technician can be highly challenging and emotionally taxing.

They are often dealing with high-stress situations and need to make critical decisions quickly.

The job requires working in shifts, often in 24/7 operation centers.

However, it can also be very rewarding, as their work directly contributes to saving lives and ensuring public safety.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the role of an emergency communications technician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about answering distress calls.

It’s about orchestrating the first step in life-saving responses, one emergency call at a time.

With our indispensable emergency communications technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re equipped to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Unearth more with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting detailed job listings or honing your resume to the finest detail.

Remember:

Every emergency call is part of a larger response network.

Let’s build that network. Together.

How to Become an Emergency Communications Technician (Complete Guide)

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