Emergency Dispatcher I / Emergency Communications

MINIMUM SALARY: $55,775.22 per year (Possible pay up to $61,352.74 upon completion of required training and becoming eligible for mandatory overtime.)

JOB OVERVIEW: Receive and evaluate incoming emergency and non-emergency calls, compile relevant information from callers, and dispatch Police, Fire, and/or EMS units and personnel to the scene or transfer the call to the appropriate agency.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives emergency calls and dispatches appropriate response units to the scene
• Gathers information and prioritizes calls
• Tracks availability and status of response personnel
• Logs/documents calls
• Relays information clearly and concisely to response personnel and callers
• Enters calls for service data into computer
• Monitors multiple radio channels including mutual aid communications
• Maintains knowledge of emergency communication equipment operations, emergency communication procedures and techniques, and county geography
• Performs other duties as assigned
• NOTE: Initial training and assignment will be for either Fire and EMS Dispatching or Police Dispatching, however, the newly employed Dispatcher I will be required to cross-train in all disciplines at a later date, at which time he/she will be reclassified as a Dispatcher II.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Education
• Graduation from a general/technical high school or equivalent - Additional college courses preferred
• Certifications
• Must be certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) or Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) or willing to obtain EMD/EFD or EPD certification within 90 days of appointment; and be willing to be certified in all three at time of cross-training
• Experience
• Prior Police, Fire and/or Emergency Medical Dispatching experience preferred
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts rotating between days and nights, as well as weekends and holidays
• Ability to interview callers under stressful situations and enter the appropriate information into the CAD System in an accurate and timely manner
• Ability to speak with clarity and calmness in emergency situations
• Ability to recall detailed information with accuracy
• Ability to relay information to field personnel quickly and accurately
• Ability to sit at Dispatcher console for long periods of time
• Excellent oral communication and hearing skills
• Working knowledge of St. Charles County street systems and jurisdictional boundaries preferred
• Successful completion of CritiCall computerized skills testing - Overall Data Entry Score of 3800 KSPH and Overall Non-Data Entry Score of 84% required
• All applicants extended a conditional offer will be required to satisfactorily complete the following: medical exam to include vision and hearing tests, drug screen, psychological evaluation, and a full background investigation including: verification of qualifying credentials; criminal history report; verification of personal and professional references; education verification; and employment history. Applicants must be free of felony convictions and/or pending charges. (Failure to disclose any information on background investigation may disqualify an applicant.)
• Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Employment is contingent on successfully passing a full criminal background check.

APPLICATION/SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications must be submitted through the St. Charles County Government Employment Opportunities website. We do not accept faxed, e-mailed, or print applications.
• Applications will be accepted until enough applications have been received or until the position is filled.
• Applicants must pass the CritiCall test in order to be eligible for consideration.
• Minimum scores required: Overall Data Entry = 3800 KSPH and Overall Non-Data Entry = 84%
• Applicants who have not completed CritiCall testing within the past 2 years must re-test.
• CritiCall Testlinks will be emailed on a weekly basis to the most recent applicants.
• Applicants selected for consideration (based on CritiCall testing, information provided via their applications, and any other information submitted) will continue the selection process and be required to complete the following components, which are all conducted on the same day (NOTE: format may be altered due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements):
• Initial Interview
• Dispatch Floor Observation
• Secondary Interview
• Final candidate selection for a probationary position will be based on consideration of all components of the selection process (application, CritiCall, interview(s), etc.) collectively and not individually.
• Following the closing date for the acceptance of the applications, the selection process may take up to three months.
• Applicants who complete all elements of the selection process, but were not selected for the position, will remain on the Certification List of eligible candidates for 120 days, after which they must reapply for the position at the next job posting.
• Applicants not selected for an interview may reapply at the next job posting.
• Applicants who do not pass the CritiCall test may re-apply and re-test with the next job posting.

TO APPLY: All applications must be submitted using the St. Charles County Jobs Page. We do not accept faxed, e-mailed or print applications.

This is a full-time position which includes a full range of benefits including Paid Time Off, Extended Medical Leave, Holidays, Employee Health, Dental, Life, Disability, Retirement, and Tuition Assistance programs.

St. Charles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. St. Charles County is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. A pre-employment drug screen is required for all positions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,775.22 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person