Public Safety Dispatcher
Full-Time Public Safety Dispatcher at Ramsey County
Available Openings: 1
Industry: Government
Pay Type: Salary
Compensation: $56,282.24 - $81,415.74 Annually
Education Level: High School
E-Verify: Yes

Basic Function

The current vacancies are in the Emergency Communications Department.  The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

Perform skilled emergency communication dispatch work specializing in law or fire; prioritize requests for 9-1-1 emergency assistance by transmitting information by radio, telephone and computer terminal; exercise independent judgment to determine the type and level of response necessary when dispatching law agencies, fire departments, public works, utilities or other support assistance; perform other related duties as required.  Work performed will either specialize in law or fire.

 If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
 
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Responsibilities

Examples of Work Performed

Receive requests for emergency and non-emergency law or fire responses.  Prioritize and notify the appropriate response unit with alerts, pages and/or verbal assignment calls based on the nature, magnitude, and degree of priority.

Operate an 800 Mhz radio, multi-computer terminals, multi-line 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency phone system.  Directly respond to emergency and non-emergency calls or transfer to appropriate personnel and/or agency.

  1. Communicate with emergency units regarding location details and necessary dispatch adjustments and monitor communications of field personnel to verify addresses, answer questions and look up information for appropriate response.
  2. Relay information from the Incident Commander to arriving units or other agencies and call for additional public safety resources in response to requests from field personnel.
  3. Maintain current information on the location, availability and status of all in-service units to ensure that the most appropriate units are dispatched.  Track status of vehicles and equipment on calls and provide on-going updates electronically and verbally to responding field personnel as information is received.
  4. Alert appropriate supervisory personnel of operational needs, high profile incidents or when a unit fails to clear or respond.
  5. Maintain all pertinent information, records and actions taken as required by department policy on a daily basis.  Enter all pertinent information about the incident in the computer aided dispatch system.
  6. Provide credible testimony in court when required.
  7. Receive transmitted requests for police emergency assistance and determine type and level of response necessary.
  8. Dispatch and arrange for all appropriate resources and responses to an incident which may include police, fire, medical, vehicle tows, other city departments, and outside agencies within a designated time frame.
  9. Maintain current information on the location, availability, and status of all police squads on duty and notify supervisor of scheduling problems.
  10. Coordinate the activities of special units such as the Ordinance Disposal unit, CIRT, K-9, etc. by locating on-duty and off-duty personnel and monitoring location status of the incident.
  11. Operate and cooperate with other public safety agencies through shared radio channels.  Assign tactical radio channels as needed.
  12. Maintain records of street closings and assist in updating information on the CAD system and related files.
  13. Query CAD and other data base systems to provide information for field personnel and prepare reports as directed.
  14. When necessary, provide on-the-job training, coaching and daily observation evaluations to 9-1-1 Telecommunicators and probationary Public Safety Dispatchers.
  15. Monitor weather broadcast for emergency conditions so that proper preparations can be made.
  16. Perform the duties of a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator and change to other dispatching stations as the need arises due to staffing.
  17. Coordinate information on special enforcement activities such as the execution of search warrants, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) incidents and auto/foot pursuits.  Coordinate activities of special units such as Ordinance Disposal Unit, SWAT and K-9 by locating on/off duty personnel and monitoring status of incidents.
  18. Monitor special events such as parades, marathons, and other law enforcement details; monitor alarm systems and take appropriate action when these alarms are activated.
  19. Monitor radio traffic from neighboring jurisdictions and inform officers of necessary information.
  20. Provide initial, pre-arrival emergency medical instructions to citizens as needed.(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification.  Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
     ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: One year of experience as a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator or dispatcher in a public safety environment (law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services).
Substitution: None.
Certifications/Licensure: Incumbents must obtain within one year, and maintain thereafter, a valid MNJIS (Minnesota Justice Information System) Hot File Certification and the NAED (National Academies of Emergency Dispatch) Certification.
Preferred Experience None
Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
 Training and Experience Rating = 100% 

The examination for Public Safety Dispatcher will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating.  The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely.  Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.


 Eligible List:  The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Public Safety Dispatcher.  This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 45 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.
Veteran's Preference:  This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process.  Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process.  Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
 
Criminal Background Checks:  All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
 
E-Verify Participation:  Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer:  Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
 Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
 To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

 For further information regarding this posting, please contact Megan.Simmons@co.ramsey.mn.us

Ramsey County

Contact: Nirvana Wallace
Phone 651-266-2700
388 E 13th Street
Saint Paul, Ramsey, Minnesota 55101
United States
Transit: On bus line, On the Green Line