Job description template
911 Dispatcher Job Description Template
A copy-ready 911 dispatcher job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.
Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows 911 dispatchers earn a median of $53,040 ($25.50/hour); the middle 50% earn $45,210–$64,260.
Job title
911 Dispatcher
Job summary
[Company name] is seeking a dependable 911 dispatcher to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will answer 911 and non-emergency calls, determine the nature and location of emergencies and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.
Responsibilities
- Answer 911 and non-emergency calls
- Determine the nature and location of emergencies
- Enter calls into computer-aided dispatch
- Dispatch police, fire and EMS units
- Give pre-arrival instructions such as CPR
- Monitor radio traffic and unit status
- Run database checks for officers
- Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations
Required qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Working knowledge of call-taking protocols and computer-aided dispatch
- Calm under pressure and clear communication
- [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]
Preferred qualifications
- APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator
- Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
- CPR certification
- Experience with computer-aided dispatch (CAD)
Skills
- Radio communication
- Emergency medical dispatch
- Multitasking
- Geography and mapping
- Empathy
- Quick decision making
Work environment and schedule
Dispatchers work in communications centers at consoles with multiple screens, headsets and radios. The work is sedentary but intense. Centers operate 24/7 with 8-, 10- or 12-hour rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime.
Pay and benefits
$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]
Equal opportunity
[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Tips for a 911 dispatcher job posting that attracts applicants
- Use the title candidates search for. “911 Dispatcher” is the clearest; alternates include Emergency Dispatcher, Public Safety Telecommunicator, Police Dispatcher.
- Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
- Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a 911 dispatcher so applicants self-select accurately.
- Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as 911 Dispatcher training: widens your applicant pool.
Next steps
Screen and interview with our 911 Dispatcher hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.