Public Safety Dispatcher

Position Title:

Public Safety Dispatcher

Job Description:

We are looking for Public Safety Dispatchers to receive incoming emergency and non-emergency calls requesting police, fire, and EMS assistance from SLC911 (Salt Lake City 911).

SLC911 Communications is looking for people who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others, work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of the first responder family. Our public safety dispatchers are the calm voices in times of need that ensure the safety of our communities by answering calls, assessing situations, and dispatching appropriate response teams.

 

About the Position: 

 

This role requires you to operate multiple telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems in order to answer phone calls dispatch emergency units and/or personnel in response to requests for assistance from police, fire, and EMS.

 

The ideal candidate will be computer literate, have strong communications skills, and be able to remain compassionate and professional during high-stress situations. Must be skilled in critical thinking and problem-solving. 

 

About the Team: 

 

The SLC911 Communications team provides direct access to public safety during emergency and non-emergency events in Salt Lake City and Sandy City. Our staff works 24/7/365 to connect the public to police, fire, and/or emergency medical services (EMS) as quickly as possible and provide life-saving instructions until help arrives.

 

Work Schedule:  

 

This position requires employees to work non-traditional hours as needed to cover a 24-hour-per-day operation, which includes days, afternoon, graveyards, and weekends, holidays, during emergencies, and may include on-call hours. This position requires working overtime.

 

Position Salary Range:  

 

Candidates who have directly related qualifications and experience will be compensated using the rates below.   

 

Entry - $25.91/hr. 

2 Year - $27.75/hr.  

4 Year - $31.46/hr. 

6 Year - $33.29/hr. 

8 Year - $38.96/hr. 

 

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including: 

• Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city) 

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance 

• Paid vacation and personal leave 

• Six – twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment 

• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k) 

• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) 

• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually 

• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

 

Learn more about our benefits here: https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/.

 

IMPORTANT: Application review begins October 12, 2025. This position may be closed earlier based on interest in the position. Early application submission is strongly encouraged.

 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Using computer-aided dispatch and a telephone system, answers emergency 911 lines including calls and requests for assistance from various public and private agencies for all disciplines. Reviews and prioritizes calls as either emergency or non-emergency. 

• Responds to inquiries, transfers calls and/or records, and inputs call information into computer database.  Determines level and type of response needed and takes appropriate action based on established protocols, policies, and procedures.  

• Uses Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) and mapping software to aid in the dispatching and tracking of units in the field. 

• Uses multi-channeled computerized radio system to dispatch either Police or Fire/EMS units and communicates with field personnel.  Updates emergency units while in route to a scene and as additional information becomes available.  Patches channels in accordance with policies and guidelines for major situations or events. 

• May be required to maintain contact with caller to obtain and relay additional information and/or provide instructions, until emergency field personnel arrive on the scene.  May provide emergency, lifesaving first aid or safety instructions based on clearly defined policies and guidelines. 

• Contacts other Police and Fire/EMS agencies, public and private utilities, various government agencies and outside specialists as requested by public safety officials. 

• Responds to field officers’ requests for information regarding vehicle registrations, driver license status, criminal histories, outstanding warrants, etc.  Receives and dispenses information on city, state and private property impounds, repossessions and stolen and recovered vehicles. 

• Responds to field personnel with pertinent information, performing requests for service and making necessary callbacks. 

• Initiates contact with callers who have disconnected from 911 emergency lines to determine if an emergency exists.  If unable to make contact via phone, dispatches emergency units to the scene for follow-up. 

• Operates TTY system to communicate with the hearing-impaired community as well as proficient in text to 911 messaging.  Must be able to continue communication to determine call type and priority for response from police, medical or fire personnel. 

• Provides prior notification and pertinent information to domestic violence victims regarding release of suspected offenders.  If unable to make phone contact with victims, ensures field personnel are notified and dispatched to make contact in person. 

• Receives and records information obtained from reports on minor criminal acts, crimes with minimal dollar amounts, and no suspect information. Enters all information into computer database. 

• Proficient in the records management system software for their dedicated discipline. 

• Monitors computer equipment, alarm systems and video surveillance equipment; notifies Dispatch Communications Supervisor in the event of an emergency or malfunction. 

• Complies with all City, Department (Police & Fire), and SLC911 policies and procedures. 

• May be responsible for on-the-job training and mentoring of new Public Safety Dispatchers. 

• May act as a functional lead in the absence of a Dispatch Operations Supervisor. Must stay proficient in call-taking as well as dispatching emergency calls for service for Police, Fire, and EMS related calls. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• Ability to successfully complete all training and training-related exams required to perform police, fire, and EMS and Fire/EMS call-taking and dispatching within 12 months of hire. 

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including personal computers and word processing software. 

• Ability to work rotating shifts and holidays. 

• Ability to work long shifts, overtime shifts, and last-minute shift assignments.

• Ability to maintain composure and relate well with the public under adverse circumstances and stressful situations. 

• The ability to maintain positive working relationships and effective oral and written communication on a regular basis with department management, supervisors, other employees, peers, and the public. 

• Ability to see, hear, and speak clearly and be easily understood. 

• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain certification in Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) Certification, and Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) Dispatch Certification within six (6) months of employment. 

• Must maintain a reliable attendance record, which includes showing up on time and showing up for all scheduled shifts, and overtime. 

 

Working Conditions: 

• Comfortable working conditions.  Required to stay within workstation boundaries for extended periods of time.  Intermittent sitting, standing, and walking in a normal office environment.  Typing, copying, writing, and using a computer is a regular part of the day. 

• Considerable exposure to stressful situations because of human behavior and due to the crisis nature of the duties. 

• Unconventional working hours are required, including eight (8), ten (10) or twelve (12) hour shifts (up to 16 hours at a time) and evening, overnight, holidays and overtime as needed. 

• Continual exposure to several computer monitors for extended periods.  Requires some extended reaching and repetitive movement due to many computers. 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.  

 

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

 

Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with City policy and applicable law.  Criminal offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically disqualify a candidate from City employment. 

Position Type:

Full-time

Department:

911 Communications Bureau

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40