Public Safety Telecommunicator

You can be the FIRST, first responder when someone calls for help on potentially the worst day of their life. This job requires the ability to think fast, your split-second decisions make a difference. Our police, fire and medical professionals rely on you to provide the essential information they need when responding to emergency calls.  At the same time, you will be the calmness and reassurance the caller is depending on when experiencing potentially the most stressful, heartbreaking, painful, chaotic, or traumatizing moment of their life. You will also hear the relief in the callers’ voice when help arrives, smile when you hear the fire department was able to pull a puppy to safety from a water drain in the street and breathe your own sigh of relief when first responders (that you sent) are able to prevent an accident from becoming a tragedy.  This job is stressful but will push you to reach your greatest potential as you strive to serve the members of our community. 

This video provides additional insight into the dynamic profession of 911 dispatching. Dispatch Testimonial Video 

Starting Salary: $31.36 per hour   

Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division  offers two state of the art communications centers, one located in Elk River and one in Zimmerman.  

The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Communications Division is currently the only communications division within the state of Minnesota that is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The Communications Program is focused on a range of operational functions, including: quality assurance, interoperability, emerging technology, risk analysis, asset security, resources access, and contemporary training. CALEA - Communications 

Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota, where you can find a nice blend of suburban and rural life. As a thriving organization fueled by people passionate about serving our community, Sherburne County strives to support and engage employees through investments in competitive compensation and equitable benefits; a culture that promotes physical and emotional wellbeing; opportunities for professional growth and a sense of honor and purpose. Learn more about our workplace culture .

In this position, you will receive 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls and promptly relay sufficient information to appropriate law enforcement, fire, ambulance, or other agencies as necessary.   Provide radio communication and other support to county, city, and state agencies to assist them in providing emergency response in a timely and efficient manner.  

The following duties are normal for this position.  These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provide communication support to Sheriff's deputies and law enforcement agencies operating within the county.   Support includes, but is not limited to, running computer checks, confirming inquiries, making work-related phone calls, arranging for tow trucks, and arranging support from other civilian agencies.  

Monitor multiple computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing and documenting caller information. 

Provide callers with appropriate advice or referral, or initiate police, fire and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller.

Enter CAD/ICR information and dispatch to the appropriate responders. 

Access and operate multiple federal, state and local data base systems (NCIC, MNCIS, others) to query, enter, modify, clear and cancel information as requested.

Perform routine record checks as necessary.

Provide "hit" confirmation to law enforcement officers on warrant checks.

Maintain missing person files, stolen/wanted vehicle files, identity theft files and the lost/found article files.

Maintain restraining order, harassment order, and other civil files. Provide information when appropriate or requested.  Make service entries into computer once notification of service has been received.

Run criminal history checks for authorized personnel and agencies.

Perform weekly pager tests for the fire departments and monthly call out tests for Sheriff ERU and Mobile Field Force units.

Provide school radio tests on a weekly basis when school is in session.

Comprehend and adhere to data practices laws and policies. Provide information to the public when applicable or refer them to appropriate personnel for further assistance. 

Activate and deactivate all civil defense sirens when directed to do so.

Activate the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office Emergency Operations Center in the event of a major emergency and coordinate with all emergency service personnel and agencies until such activation is complete.

Arrange for emergency repairs of all essential equipment in the dispatch center, including the computer system, phone system, radio console, and other essential equipment.

Maintain accurate records on each request for assistance.

Type messages and requests to other agencies for information, receive and respond to messages from other agencies via teletype.

Testify in court as necessary. 

Monitor all assigned radio channels.

Manage large and expanding public safety radio system with law enforcement personnel, fire departments, ambulances, civil defense, and other emergency service agencies.

Perform other duties as directed.

Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.

Regular and reliable attendance according to the department’s work schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Ability to use a computerized map and quickly learn the county geographic layout, emergency service area, and highway systems.

Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations/guidelines relating to the operation of public safety radio systems.

Ability to operate a number of telephones, radios, and computer terminals simultaneously while remaining calm and decisive when dealing with calls for emergency assistance.

Ability to remain professional despite the potential for callers to be in distress, angry, overwhelmed and speaking erratically. 

Ability to pass a state administered test for certification of a state computer terminal operator's license and Security Awareness Training

Ability to comprehend and follow difficult written and verbal instructions.

Ability to condense large amounts of information from multiple sources, recognizing pertinent information and relaying it as applicable.  

Demonstrate ongoing commitment to provide excellent customer service by managing difficult or emotional callers, promptly respond to caller’s needs, convey reassurance that the caller will receive proper response to their needs. 

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees, the public, and users of the communication system.

Ability to type 40 WPM

An individual must meet the minimum qualifications as stated below to qualify for this position.

High School Diploma and two years of work experience in a call center or multi-tasked customer service related setting.

Experience as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, 911 Dispatch Certification, and 911 emergency telephone system experience within the last five years is preferred. 

CJIS Terminal Operator Certification, can be obtained upon hire. 

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Work Environment: Majority of tasks are performed while seated. Acute hearing, vision, speech, memory recall, and manual dexterity are necessary to perform essential tasks.  The position requires frequent to constant turning/twisting, reaching, grasping, and pinching.  The ability to distinguish between colors is essential.  Assigned tasks require attention to detail and concentration to numerous activities occurring simultaneously.  The nature of the job causes persons working in this position to sometimes be under periods of stress. Equipment utilized includes but is not limited to: CAD, computers, 911 systems, TTD machines, a variety of alarms and monitors, head sets, phones, and two-way radios.

Work Schedule: Shifts are bid on a seniority basis for the calendar year. Based on seniority work schedules could be day or overnight shifts with either set or alternating days off. All shifts are 12 hours. 

Hiring Process:
Phone Interview (15 minutes): tentatively scheduled on 02/12/2025 and/or 02/14/2025
In-Person Interview (30 minutes): tentatively scheduled on 02/19/2025 and/or 02/21/2025
Sit Along: 4-hour job shadow with a current Public Safety Telecommunicator
Background/Criminal History Check
Psychological Evaluation
Hearing/Vision Evaluation
 
The training period for this position consists of 8-12 weeks of one-on-one on-the-job training with a certified trainer, and consists of 3 phases that include a combination of material review, quizzes, and hands on learning.  During the training period, you may be assigned a combination of shifts and trainers in order to gain the most job knowledge.
 
 This position is subject to random drug tests after employment has started.
 
 Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $26 - $37