Introduction:
Is a career in 911 for you? Do you have great communication skills? Do you want to make a difference? If you’d like to work in a fast-paced environment contributing to public safety while providing excellent customer service to residents and other first responders, then please consider joining Pierce County as a 911 Dispatcher!
Our 911 professionals work closely with each other, neighboring agencies, and all our emergency service partners. Dispatchers receive incoming calls and messages, and relay that critical information to responders. They make a positive impact every day in our community making sure help gets to where it is needed.
As a first responder, Pierce County dispatchers receive extensive training at hire and throughout their employment. Opportunities for professional education and training continue beyond initial hire to advance your career. Examples include advanced public safety radio communications skills, certified training officer, peer support team, CAD-GIS application skills, customer service/best practices development, and community outreach teams. In addition, our dispatchers are members of the Association for Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO & WIPSCOM). Our dispatchers also serve on local, state, and even national committees to advance 911 standards and policies.
Position Summary:
This position works in the Pierce County Law Enforcement Center and is responsible for receiving and relaying public safety information to Sheriff’s staff, other law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. Our 911 dispatchers also provide additional support services and record keeping for other state and county agencies; providing follow-up communication and assistance as necessary to assist field first responders.
All 911 dispatchers work assigned schedules. All schedules include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holiday shifts including overnight hours. Overtime shifts may be required to ensure coverage and is posted/assigned based on seniority.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent; and
- Must pass a pre-employment screening test; and
- Valid Driver’s License; and
- Selected candidates will be required to complete a thorough background review and criminal history check for law enforcement employment and certification purposes (no felony convictions); and
- Final appointment is contingent on passing a medical and drug screening.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous emergency call center/dispatching experience.
- Previous experience in public safety (law enforcement, fire, EMS, or military).
- Previous experience in a fast -paced call center or customer service environment.
This Position is a FT overtime (1.5x) paid for any hours over 40 in a week. Starting Salary $23.65-$25.00 per hour. (Depending on qualifications) plus fringe benefits. See attached Position Description.
- Paid leave time of 96 hours vacation, 96 hours sick time, and 80 hours of holiday pay. Unused vacation and sick time will carry over (continues to accrue) each year.
- Health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $37/month for single plans and $118/month for family plans with an annual employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
- An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
- Uniform shirts paid for by the department.
- Department Peer Support Team/Critical Incident debriefing as requested.
- A free and confidential county-wide employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
