911 Communications Dispatcher
At a glance
Mid-level Communications role at Marathon County. Wausau · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate $77,500–$133,675 across the United States.
Marathon County has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Answer public requests for help, assess what is needed, and send patrol, fire or ambulance units
- Use the countywide 911 dispatch system to coordinate emergency response, including calls for nearby communities
- Share radio and phone messages with the right department staff, and manage non-administrative radio traffic
- Issue weather alerts based on reports from the National Weather Service or certified spotters
- Update service-area maps and computerized security files, and handle related dispatch work
What you bring
- You need a high school diploma or equivalent
- You can communicate clearly, stay composed under pressure and handle several tasks at once
- Your background must pass a pre-employment investigation
- You must pass hearing, drug and psychological screenings if offered the job
Who this fits
This role suits someone who can make quick, sound decisions and communicate accurately during stressful calls. You’ll work 11.25-hour shifts, including weekends and some holidays; the schedule can change with department needs. Every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday are scheduled off.
From the employer
Job Posting End Date:
Worker Sub-Type:
RegularScheduled Weekly Hours:
39.38POSITION SUMMARY:
Key position responsible for receiving, evaluating and acting upon information and requests concerning public safety and law enforcement. Works with computer-aided equipment and a multi-agency enhanced 911 system to dispatch law enforcement, ambulance, and fire services throughout Marathon County. Employees work 11.25 hour shifts with every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. This schedule is subject to change based on department needs. All work schedules include weekends and some holidays.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school graduation or equivalent and the ability to speak clearly, remain calm in stressful situations, and perform multi-task responsibilities required.
- Related education, training, and certifications (CPR, First Responder, TIME) desired.
- 911 emergency dispatch, EMT, First Responder, fire department, related dispatch/military/customer service, or other related experience also desired.
- Ability to speak Hmong or Spanish helpful.
- Possess a good reputation and background that will withstand pre-appointment investigation.
- Candidates offered employment will be required to pass a hearing test, drug screen, and psychological assessment.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
- Operates an enhanced 911 multi-agency system to do computer aided dispatch of patrol, fire, and ambulance units throughout Marathon County.
- Receives requests for emergency assistance and/or complaints from the public; dispatches patrol officers and/or originates calls for emergency services such as fire, ambulance, wreckers, etc.
- Issues local weather watches and/or warnings in response to inclement weather information received from the National Weather Service or certified weather spotters.
- Dispatches proper emergency services for surrounding communities.
- Operates console for non-administrative radio traffic plus the general Sheriff’s Department phone system; relays messages to proper personnel or provides necessary information.
- Operates TIME system for Department of Transportation, Crime Information Bureau, and National Crime Information Center.
- Utilizes computerized business security files and phone lists and makes required changes on service area maps as needed.
- Develops solutions to work issues that add value for our customers.
- Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance; works extra hours as required.
- Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of approved principles and practices of law enforcement work plus applicable laws and ordinances.
- Ability to make immediate decisions in dispatching patrol units and handling complaints.
- Skill in exercising independent and appropriate judgment in emergency situations and act quickly and calmly in applying appropriate techniques.
- Ability to receive and disseminate information in a calm, clear, and accurate manner, particularly during highly stressful situations.
- Ability to deal courteously, yet firmly and effectively, with the public in both adversary and non-adversary situations.
- Ability to refer communications to proper personnel within the department.
- Ability to use a computer to accurately log law enforcement, emergency, and non-emergency administrative radio communications plus telephone calls.
- Ability to operate computer-aided dispatch equipment, teletype, switchboard, and computer terminal.
- Understands the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.
- Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.
COMPENSATION:
Initial Hire Rate: $27.61/hour
Candidates with prior experience may qualify for lateral entry up to $29.01
Also provided is our comprehensive employee benefits package: County Benefits
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
The selection of successful candidates may be made by assessment of related education and experience, criminal record check, oral interview, extensive background investigation including fingerprint check, review of references, and/or other job-related selection procedures.
Candidates who are offered employment will be required to satisfactorily complete a hearing examination, psychological assessment, and drug screen paid for by the County.
Special Accommodations:
Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.
Notice to Applicants:
Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law