CERTIFIED Public Safety Telecommunicator - 911 Dispatcher

Job Overview
Are you a certified Public Safety Telecommunicator (911 dispatcher) with extensive experience serving as the critical first point of contact in emergencies?

We’re looking for an experienced, certified PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR who is skilled at making rapid, life-saving decisions while managing high call volumes. The ideal candidate for this role will excel at gathering vital information, coordinating with first responders, and keeping callers calm in chaotic situations. Known for clear communication, precision, and unwavering professionalism, the certified Public Safety Telecommunicator brings a steady voice and sharp situational awareness to every call—helping ensure help gets where it’s needed, when it’s needed most.

MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR A FULL-TIME SCHEDULE ANY DAY OF THE WEEK DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD.

About Hood River County Sheriff’s Office: The mission of the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office is to consistently earn the public’s trust by providing the highest quality public safety services with the resources provided to us. We enhance safety, security and livability by serving and protecting our citizens. Through education, leadership and partnerships, we promote individual responsibility and community commitment. We strive to make a difference every day and to be the “Go to Agency” in Hood River County that meets and solves the challenges of creating a safer environment and improving our quality of life. The Sheriff Office responsibilities cover the entire spectrum of public safety — 911, parole and probation, emergency management, law enforcement patrol and investigations, search and rescue, service of legal process of the courts, prisoner transport, court security, off highway vehicle enforcement, marine patrol, forest patrol, the operation of the NORCOR regional jail, and animal control.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be available for a full-time schedule any day of the week during the training period.
• Have a High School Diploma (or GED).
• At least 2 years of continuous experience as an emergency communications dispatcher with a primary Public Safety Answering points (PSAP) within the last 3 years at the time of application.
• Possess a DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification through the State of Oregon or equivalent from another State.
• Have a valid driver license.
• Be able to type 45 WPM.
• Be able to use telephone, computer, and radio while simultaneously prioritizing information.
• Be able to pass a medical examination within the acceptable limits established for telecommunicators in conjunction with DPSST F-2T standards.
• Be able to maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to work shifts that span a 24-hour period (ie: day, swing, and graveyard shifts) – any hours, any day of the week.

Essential Functions:

• Monitors telephones and radio in the dispatch center, answers all incoming calls and ascertains nature of call, gathers all necessary information to transit or relay.
• Dispatches police and other response vehicles for emergency responses; broadcasts nature, location and time of incident; contacts all required personnel and other local concerns such as the fire department in the event of an emergency situation; ensures the presence of reserve units by contacting personnel designated for call-back; relays information as required.
• Maintains log on radio and telephone communications, location of personnel and equipment; in the event of an emergency situation, maintains on-going contact with the responding personnel and keeps them informed of all incoming pertinent information; keeps track of various information such as malfunctioning traffic lights and street closures and keeps emergency personnel informed. We offer a chance to sit with experienced staff and observe the job firsthand and ask all the questions you have about the job. We look forward to sharing with you.

Wage: Certified Dispatchers range from $27.90 to $34.31 per hour depending on experience
Certification Pay: 4% Intermediate, 8% Advanced
Longevity Pay: 2.5% on base salary beginning after the 5th year of employment; additional 2.5% increase each 5-year period thereafter
Additional Compensation: Spanish bi-lingual fluency

Application Process: Review and complete the full Hood River County Application. Applications can be found on the Hood River County website within the Services > Employment tab – www.hoodrivercounty.gov/employment

While this position will remain open until it is filled. We will be reviewing applications frequently. If there are any questions regarding this process, please reach out to Hood River County Human Resources.

Email: hr@hoodrivercounty.gov
Phone: 541-387-6879
In Person: 601 State Street, Hood River, OR – 3rd Floor Administration Office

HOOD RIVER COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Pay: $27.90 - $34.31 per hour

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person