Public Safety Dispatcher

Job Overview
Strafford County Dispatch Hiring Process

Working at Strafford County Dispatch is a demanding and rewarding career that requires professionalism, strong decision-making skills, the ability to multitask under pressure, and excellent communication abilities. Dispatchers serve as the critical link between the public and emergency responders by handling emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinating police, fire, and EMS responses throughout Strafford County.

Strafford County Dispatch provides emergency communications services for 9 municipalities as well as the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, dispatching for police, fire, and EMS agencies across the region.

Due to the sensitive and high-responsibility nature of the position, the hiring process is extensive and thorough. Applicants should expect the process to take approximately 4–5 months from the time of application to final hiring. The process is designed to ensure candidates are capable of performing the duties required in a high-stress public safety environment.

Hiring Process May Include:

• dispatch skill test
• Oral interview panel
• Comprehensive background investigation to include a criminal background check
• Reference and employment verification
• Medical examination
• Psychological evaluation
• Drug screening
• Final command staff interview
• Training and orientation requirements

Applicants must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, emotional stability, confidentiality, and the ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Main Functions of Strafford County Dispatch

Strafford County Dispatch operates as the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and communications center for the agencies it serves. The center performs several critical public safety functions including:

Call Taking

• Answering 911 emergency calls
• Handling non-emergency administrative calls
• Gathering critical information from callers
• Prioritizing incidents based on urgency

Dispatching Emergency Services

• Dispatching police, fire, and EMS units for 9 municipalities and the Sheriff’s Office
• Coordinating responses to emergencies and large-scale incidents
• Providing updates and critical information to responders in the field

Radio Communications

• Monitoring multiple radio channels simultaneously
• Maintaining communication with field personnel
• Relaying officer safety information
• Coordinating mutual aid and interagency communications

Emergency Coordination

• Managing major incidents and disasters
• Coordinating resources during severe weather, fires, crashes, and critical incidents
• Supporting incident command operations

Records and Information Systems

• Entering and updating calls for service
• Running vehicle registrations, warrants, and criminal history information
• Maintaining accurate documentation and logs
• Accessing state and national law enforcement databases

Public Assistance

• Providing assistance to callers during emergencies and crisis situations
• Handling requests for welfare checks, road hazards, alarms, and public assistance
• Delivering pre-arrival instructions when applicable

Officer and Responder Safety

• Tracking unit status and locations
• Monitoring emergency radio traffic
• Initiating emergency procedures during distress situations
• Maintaining situational awareness during active incidents

Emergency dispatchers are often the first first responders during emergencies and play a vital role in protecting the communities they serve. The position requires calmness under pressure, attention to detail, strong computer skills, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to make rapid decisions in critical situations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $26.90 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person