Address
Form of work
SalaryWould you like to have a job that makes a difference? Would you like to help the public and first responders? Would you like a rewarding career with great benefits instead of just a job? Would you like to be able to retire in 25 years? If so, being a Certified Emergency Dispatcher with the Utah Department of Public Safety could be just the career for you.
Incentives
- One for One salary credit may be given for prior Emergency Dispatch experience
- $2,500 hiring bonus for those with current Emergency Dispatch certification (Utah POST Dispatch certification)*
- $1,000 signing bonus to a new hired Dispatcher with no experience or with out of state certification*
After successfully completing full background investigation, polygraph and drug test
Dispatchers are the critical link between callers and first responders. The purpose of this job is to provide dispatching services to single and/or multiple jurisdictions which include, but is not limited to state and local public safety agencies, the Highway Patrol, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other state agencies. Dispatchers receive calls for one or a combination of emergency police, fire, and medical services, and dispatch the appropriate personnel and equipment in response to the calls. Dispatchers often make urgent decisions affecting the life, health, and welfare of the public and public safety employees. Dispatchers are required to obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification, and also Dispatcher Certification through POST within the probationary period and maintain both certifications thereafter.
The Utah Department of Public Safety Certified Emergency Dispatchers participate in the Public Safety Retirement plan which is just a part of the benefits that the State of Utah offers. Other benefits include; 11 paid holidays each year, 4 hours of annual and 4 hours of sick leave granted each pay period for a total of 104 hours each year.
Principal Duties
- Receives 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls. Interrogates callers to determine the nature and location of the incident and dispatches law enforcement officers, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, fire personnel, and public works personnel.
- Interprets information from callers to determine the priority of an incident, and makes urgent decisions affecting the life, health, and welfare of the public and public safety employees. Calms callers and provides instructions as required by the circumstances.
- Relays geographical information to responding units including air ambulances, search and rescue, forest service personnel, fire units, and EMS units.
- Uses a phone, radio, and computer simultaneously.,
- Monitors multiple computer screens to track calls for service and all on-duty personnel (law enforcement, fire, EMS) for all user agencies.
- Accesses confidential files relating to wanted persons, driver license files, motor vehicle files, warrants, and protective orders. Enters data and maintains entry files for all user agencies. Relays information to appropriate agencies.
- Monitors, transmits, and receives information over multiple radio frequencies to detect emergencies, exchange information or provide dispatch services.
- Informs appropriate agencies of law enforcement, fire, and/or EMS-related calls.
- Receives, updates, and broadcasts Amber Alert notifications.
- Makes a variety of telephone calls relating to vehicle dispositions, wreckers, and notifications to parents of juveniles and relatives of accident victims. Receives, records, and forwards calls for service from one agency to another as needed.
The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate will possess:
The Agency
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 11 divisions and bureaus that include the Utah Highway Patrol, the Division of Emergency Management, Driver License division, Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), State Fire Marshal, Highway Safety Office, Communications, State Crime Lab, Bureau of Criminal Identification, and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The DPS dive team, aero bureau, CERT team and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1,500 state employees who are stationed across Utah.
The mission of the Communications Bureau is to provide effective communications support for public safety agencies; provide useful communications services for the public; and effectively manage the state's public safety communications resources.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- The ability to type a minimum of 30 wpm.
- The ability to accurately transcribe spoken information to relay to first responders .
- The ability to maintain their composure, reassure the callers, and collect precise information in crisis situations.
- The ability to take information from multiple sources regarding an ongoing situation and produce an accurate narrative that includes the key elements and facts.
- The necessary skills to be able to concisely paraphrase vital information.
- The aptitude to be able to prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls.
- The ability to operate a variety of radio and telephone communications equipment
- The ability to work rotating shifts
The Agency
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 11 divisions and bureaus that include the Utah Highway Patrol, the Division of Emergency Management, Driver License division, Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), State Fire Marshal, Highway Safety Office, Communications, State Crime Lab, Bureau of Criminal Identification, and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The DPS dive team, aero bureau, CERT team and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1,500 state employees who are stationed across Utah.
The mission of the Communications Bureau is to provide effective communications support for public safety agencies; provide useful communications services for the public; and effectively manage the state's public safety communications resources.
Typical Qualifications
Supplemental Information
The Dispatch video exam will be held the following day. You must attend and pass the video exam and type test in order to be eligible for an interview.
Wednesday April 17th
9:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Location 181 E DL Sargent Drive Cedar City 84721
DPS Conference Room
The testing sessions take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to complete. You only need to attend 1 of the testing sessions.
Interviews will be held on Monday April 29th for those who qualify for an interview.
Additional information will be emailed to you after the recruitment closes, info will be mailed to the email address on your profile.
- Must complete and pass a Level II background investigation as well as a polygraph and drug test.
- New hires will be required to obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification during the probationary period and maintain thereafter.
- Dispatchers in this job are required to obtain Dispatcher Certification through POST within the probationary period and maintain thereafter. Dispatcher Certification through POST and a full-time work schedule (at least 2080 hours annually) establish eligibility for Public Safety Retirement in accordance with HB 115; 2015 Legislative Session that amended Utah Code Sections 49-14; 49-15; 49-23.
- Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc. Work exposes incumbent to highly stressful situations including life or death decisions involving the safety of officers, fire, and EMS personnel, and the general public.
- Typically, the employee may sit comfortably, possibly for extended periods of time, to perform the work; however, walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. May have to work for sustained periods of time. Work is performed in an office, computer room, or other environmentally controlled room; and involves sensitive contact with members of the public, who may be hostile, emotional, unstable, or physically or mentally distraught.
