Dispatcher I

CLOSING DATE/TIME: MARCH 27, 2026/5:00PM

TESTING DATES: APRIL 7 & APRIL 8

**THE SCHEDULING LINK WILL BE SENT OUT VIA EMAIL ONCE THE POSITION HAS CLOSED

All applicants must submit an online application to be considered for the position. To apply, please visit https://www.kentcountyde.gov/My-Government/Employment-Human-Resources/Employment-Opportunities if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources department at (302) 744-1918 or by email at hr.recruitment@kentcountyde.gov.

General Description

The purpose of this position is to learn the proper methods of receiving, handling and processing emergency and non-emergency calls received through the enhanced 911 phone equipment at a trainee level: dispatches fire, rescue, and emergency medical units to all residents and non-residents.

This position works under close supervision according to set procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions as necessary.

· Receives numerous emergency and non-emergency calls.

· Determines the exact location of the emergency incident and dispatches the proper response agency and equipment.

· Dispatches additional fire equipment or personnel when circumstances require.

· Dispatches Delaware State Police helicopter/paramedic service on medical emergencies.

· Maintains a constant update of all mobile units in service in the field, showing their status, location, and fire ground conditions.

· Assists fire, rescue, emergency medical, government and private agency officials in the field with special logistical support information such as hazardous materials, water supply, location of handicapped individuals, mutual aid support, and/or evacuation plans.

· Contacts appropriate utility companies to shut off services in emergency situations when necessary.

· Relays and/or ties in through radio/telephone communications all basic and advanced life support ambulances to the appropriate medical facility and monitors same for channel control.

· Provides scene safety and potentially life-saving instructions.

· Maintains logs/records and collects data.

· Monitors fire, security, and other alarms in Kent County.

· Operates logging recorder.

· Provides back-up service for the City of Dover Fire Department.

· Performs related work as required.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

Good working knowledge of computer networks and computer programs/systems; good knowledge of infrastructure-related projects and daily operations in a multi-site agency; advanced knowledge of personal computers and pertinent applications; excellent communication and customer service skills; ability to work independently with little supervision to accomplish multiple tasks concurrently; well-developed problem-solving skills; excellent interpersonal, team building and communications skills; regular and timely attendance; performance of duties a safe manner.

Must pass testing for substance abuse and criminal background investigation. Must maintain a positive work environment by acting and communicating in a manner that promotes harmonious relations with customers, co-workers, and supervisors. Direct deposit of pay is required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required.

· Occasionally lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.

· Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.

· Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.

· Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator.

· Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Essential Functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions

Notices:

Kent County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), Kent County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is an employment at-will position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.33 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Dover, DE: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person