Dispatcher

Dispatcher

A dispatcher’s job description typically involves managing communications for emergency and non-emergency situations, assisting law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), and other public safety agencies. Dispatchers play a crucial role in ensuring that help is dispatched efficiently and in a timely manner.

Handling Emergency Calls:

  • Answer and prioritize emergency calls (e.g., 9-1-1 calls) for police, fire, and emergency medical services.
  • Assess the urgency of calls and quickly determine the appropriate resources and responses.
  • Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers (e.g., CPR, first aid) when necessary.

Non-Emergency Call Management:

  • Respond to non-emergency calls, including public inquiries, requests for information, and service requests.
  • Direct calls to appropriate personnel or agencies based on the nature of the request.

Dispatching Services:

  • Dispatch police officers, fire departments, ambulances, or other emergency services to locations based on the information provided.
  • Monitor and update field personnel regarding incidents in progress and provide real-time support and instructions.
  • Use computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems to track the status of emergency units and respond to changing situations.

Coordinating Communications:

  • Act as a communication liaison between emergency responders, agencies, and the public.
  • Relay critical information to officers, paramedics, and firefighters as needed to ensure safety and effective response.
  • Maintain clear and effective communication with team members and emergency personnel.

Emergency Situations Support:

  • Remain calm under pressure and handle stressful situations, including crises and disasters.
  • Make quick decisions to allocate resources, handle high-pressure situations, and ensure public safety.

Equipment Operation:

  • Operate radio, telephone, and computer systems to communicate with emergency personnel.
  • Ensure that communication equipment is functioning properly and report any issues with equipment.

Providing Support to First Responders:

  • Assist emergency responders with up-to-date information and support as required.
  • Monitor weather conditions, road closures, and other situational changes that might impact emergency response.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

• Original diploma or official sealed transcripts required at time of application

• Age 18 years or older by closing date of application

• Possession of a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Michigan

• Copy of drivers license required with application

• No felony convictions

• U.S Citizen
• Written examination: Will take place at the time of application or by the deadline of March 20, 2025. The exam is taken in the Human Resources Office and will take about 2 hours to complete. The exam is mandatory and must be completed with a passing score of 70 % or higher and a minimum typing test result of 30 w.p.m.
• Oral examination interview date and time for the week of March 31, 2025. This must be passed at a 70% or higher. You will be notified of the date and time of the Oral Boards upon passing the written exam.
• Applicants must also pass an extensive background investigation, physical exam, psychological exam and drug screening.
• Preference points will be awarded as follows for a maximum of two (2):
o 1 point Honorably discharged Veteran, verified by a DD214
 Original DD214 must be presented with application
o 1 point Bachelor’s Degree or higher education
 Original diploma or official transcripts required at time of application.

Required Qualifications:• No felony convictions

Pay rate: $56,448/year – $67,901/year (after 3 years)*
**Lateral transfer pay is offered if qualified.

Benefits of Newly Hired Dispatchers

  • Retirement: All new dispatchers will be provided the 401(A) Defined Contribution Pension Plan with the following funding options: 10% City contribution 4% Employee contribution
  • Insurance: Blue Cross Community Blue 4 Health Insurance; Maximum out of pockets of $2,000/$4,000 with NO monthly premiums; Delta or Golden Dental; Life Insurance Policy
  • Shifts: 12-hour Shifts; 8am-8pm, 8pm-8am; Employees who work night shift earn 5% shift premium
  • Holidays: Paid 16 holidays per year plus time and a half to work a holiday; double time on holiday overtime
  • Vacation: 160 hours paid vacation annually increasing yearly after 10 years
  • Additional: 16 hours of paid personal time annually; $100 Buy American Bonus. Buy or Lease a new Ford, GM, or Stellantis vehicle
  • Clothing: $400 annual reimbursement for uniform purchases; $300 annual reimbursement for cleaning of uniforms
  • Education: Certificate, Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree in a Police Science and/or Police Administration and/or four (4) years of service pays $200, $400, or $600 annually
  • Longevity: $680 Longevity Bonus paid each year after 5 years; then doubles every 5 years

Michigan dispatchers play an essential role in the public safety system, managing the flow of emergency and non-emergency communications. The job requires strong communication skills, the ability to multitask under pressure, and the ability to make quick decisions that can affect the outcome of emergency situations. Successful dispatchers are calm, efficient, and skilled in using various communication technologies to support first responders and the public.