911 Dispatcher

Are you ready to make a real difference in your community? Join our team as a 911 Dispatcher and become a vital lifeline between those in need and emergency services. We're looking for a calm, compassionate, and quick-thinking individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about helping others.About Our OrganizationAt the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.About Our CommunityNestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!ÂAbout This Opportunity ÂThe first-line public safety professional that serves as the first of the first responders, responding to every class of emergency for which public safety services are requested. The Public Safety Telecommunicator's primary responsibility is to receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, emergency medical and other public safety services via telephone and other communication devices.ÂWork is performed under immediate supervision but has some discretion in sending information or dispatching personnel, within closely prescribed and established procedural guidelines.ÂThe City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.Job Duties And ResponsibilitiesProcesses emergency and non-emergency calls for service while controlling the caller, collecting event specific information, assessing the information, selecting the proper call type and causing the appropriate response; Interacts with the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system including accurate data entry, effective screen navigation, prompt information retrieval and system integration;Communicates with emergency personnel on the City's 800 MHz radio system by the appropriate use of talk groups or frequency coordination;Demonstrates an understanding of the applicability of the incident command/management system, as authorized by the Joint Communications Agency /Police and Fire policy / procedure;Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;Performs related work as required.Required Education And ExperienceGraduation from High School or GED; andExperience in dispatching or in customer service, preferred.OR,Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skillsProficiency with Microsoft OfficeAbility to work collaboratively with diverse populationsRequired Licenses or CertificationsMust be able to obtain National crime Information Center (NCIC) within six months from date of hireMust successfully complete NCIC background check, polygraph examination and be fingerprinted upon acceptance of offer of employmentPass and maintain the following within on year: CPR, Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Police DispatchWork Schedule 3:00pm-11:00pm; Hours may vary including weekends.Hourly RateEmployees in this classification receive a step increase on their anniversary. The steps effective 06/14/2025 include:New Hire1 year2 years3 years4 years5 years6 years$27.74$28.85$30.00$31.20$32.45$33.75$35.11Upon hire of a currently certified Dispatcher from an outside jurisdiction, entry pay will be calculated at the Joint Communications bargaining contract pay step that corresponds to that Dispatcher's full-time, certified years of service. Dispatchers hired at a higher pay step will receive step increases annually on their step date as described in the contract.Shift DifferentialAdditional $0.35 per hour for employees who are working the 3:00pm-11:00pm shift at straight time.