9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee
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9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee
Salary
$32.72 - $37.87 Hourly
Location
9911 SE Bush St. Portland, OR
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
2025-00790
Bureau
Bureau of Emergency Communications
Opening Date
09/15/2025
Closing Date
9/19/2025 12:57 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
The Position
Are you ready for work that is both challenging and meaningful?
Join the dynamic environment of a 9-1-1 call center and contribute to the community safety of the Portland metro area!
Job Appointment: Full-Time, Regular.
Schedule/Work Environment: Experienced employees are required to work independently with minimal supervision and may assist in training new employees. Typical schedules for experienced employees are four 10-hour workdays. The ability to work any shift, on any day of the week, and to work overtime is an essential function of the job. Employees are not required to report to work on their days off.
Work Location: Employees report to 9911 SE Bush St, Portland, Or 97266. This position cannot be filled in a remote status.
Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.
Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/class-comp/language-pay-differential-overview) for qualifying employees.
Union Representation: This classification is represented by Portland Police Association (PPA). To view this labor agreement, please click here (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements) .
Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland's online portal. You will need to provide answers to the Supplemental Questions.
Position Summary:
Bring your enthusiasm for serving the community to the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee (EC Dispatcher Trainee). EC Dispatcher Trainees receive paid training that will provide you with the skills needed to answer 9-1-1/non-emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, medical and mental health responders. No previous experience is expected nor required. The work of 9-1-1 is fast-paced and rewarding but often performed under stressful demands for speed and accuracy. We routinely assess our employees' work, providing feedback and training to ensure that we are delivering quality service to the public and to our partner agencies.
If you have previous experience working in this position at a 9-1-1 center within the last year, please apply HERE (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portlandor/jobs/4950146/lateral-9-1-1-emergency-communications-dispatcher-trainee) .
Our full-time paid training program includes:
Classroom learning with hands-on computer training
Simulation exercises, study, and practice time
Assigned experienced coaches to guide you while taking live calls and dispatching responders
Daily performance feedback to track your progress
To be successful in the program, you must demonstrate critical thinking skills during quickly changing situations; an ability to use required computer, radio and phone systems; and the skill to communicate with the public and responders in emergency situations.
Training Pay Scale
Starting Pay
$32.72
12 Months
$36.08
18 Months
$37.87
Training Completion
$39.90
Emergency Communications Dispatch Trainees who successfully complete training will promote to Senior Dispatchers.
Virtual Meet & Greet Opportunity
Come to learn more about the recruitment process and what it's like to work as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 5:00PM - 6:00PM - Virtually on Microsoft Teams
Join the meeting now
Please note: Informational sessions are not required but are a great opportunity to learn more about the position and ask questions.
Questions? Contact:
Jaclyn Snyder, Senior Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Jaclyn.Snyder@portlandoregon.gov
To Qualify
Applicants must provide details in their supplemental question responses that demonstrate how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications:
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old at time of hire.
Type 40 Net Words Per Minute (wpm) with 90% accuracy.
Meet all the requirements indicated in the supplemental questions.
Applicants must also possess:
Ability to pass a background investigation through the Criminal Justice Information Services System.
The Recruitment Process
The recruitment process will consist of the following steps:
Step 1: Application: When you submit your application, please provide thorough and complete answers to the essay questions listed on the application. We use these supplemental questions, instead of a resume or cover letter, to get to know you. The answers you provide will be evaluated in the interview process. Therefore, please take your time to provide a thorough answer.
Step 2: Typing Test: Those who pass the minimum qualifications mentioned above will be emailed a link and instructions to complete a typing test. We use an online program, Typing Test Pro, which sends us the results automatically. To pass, you must have a typing speed of at least 40 words per minute with 90% accuracy. You will get four (4) chances to pass.
Step 3: CritiCall Test: Those who pass the typing test will be emailed a testing link and instructions to complete the CritiCall test. This is an online test where we look for underlying skills and abilities important for the work. The test involves components such as multitasking, memorization, and reading comprehension.
Step 4: Eligible List Established: T hose who pass the CritiCall test will be placed on an equally ranked Eligible List.
Step 5: Pass/Fail Oral Interviews: Everyone who passes the CritiCall test will have a chance to meet with an interview panel which includes an emergency communications dispatcher and a supervisor. We conduct two (2) rounds of interviews. During the first interview, questions will be provided 30 minutes prior to the interview itself. Most people who interview for this job have no experience with 9-1-1. The second interview is an opportunity for our training manager and training supervisor to learn more about you.
Step 6: Conditional Offer & Background Checks: All candidates who pass first and second interviews are given a conditional offer. The final offer of employment is based on passing a background/reference check, a psychological assessment, a drug screening and vision/hearing tests.
Recruitment Activity Schedule
Recruitment Opens: September 15, 2025
Recruitment Closes: September 19, 2025
Typing Test: September 24 - October 1, 2025
CritiCall Test: October 6-12, 2025
Eligible List Established/Notices Sent: Week of October 15, 2025
1st Interview: October 20-23, 2025
2nd Interview: November 3-5, 2025
Backgrounds begin: November 21, 2025
Backgrounds completed by: February 9, 2026
Psychological Assessments: Week of February 23, 2026
Start Date: April 6, 2026
Timeline is approximate and subject to change without notice*
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit responses to the supplemental questions online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:
Your responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for this position.
If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, as identified below, please describe in your responses to the supplemental questions and resume any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to this position.
All completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
Additional Information
Click here (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/career-center/recruitment-policy) for additional information regarding the following:
City of Portland Core Values
Recruitment Process - Work Status
Equal Employment Opportunity
Veteran Preference
ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Return to the top.
A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to
Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
Carrot Fertility
Wellness Benefits
Life Insurance
Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
Employee Assistance Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Retirement
Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
Family Medical Leave
City Paid Parental Leave
AND SO MANY MORE!
Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/benefit-offerings/benefits-quickstart-guide/benefit-plan-summaries-highlight-guides) .
01
Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.
The following supplemental questions are an important step in the examination and selection process to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the posted vacancy.
A lack of a complete and thorough response to each of the supplemental questions in the space provided may result in disqualification from the examination. In addition, the selections you make and responses you provide in the questionnaire must accurately reflect what is documented in your work history.
All of the supplemental questions below that are specifically listed in the "To Qualify" section are required for this position. Please provide unique responses for each question that specifically address the qualification(s). Answering "No", "See resume", or entering "N/A" in the open text field to any of the minimum qualifications may result in elimination from further consideration.
If you are requesting veterans' preference, please be sure to indicate that you are a veteran and also upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.
Have you read and understood all of the information listed above?
Yes
No
02
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website, job board, or job fair please specify which one)
03
The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate: (Answer will not disqualify you from the process)
My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.
You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.
04
Will you meet the minimum requirements of being at least 18 at the time of hire, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and a record clear of adult felony convictions?
Yes
No
05
Are you willing and able to work within a highly structured and controlled environment where work productivity and quality is frequently evaluated and critiqued?
Yes
No
06
Are you willing and able to wear a headset and be confined to your work area for extended periods?
Yes
No
07
Depending on your assigned shift, you may be working evenings, overnight, Saturdays and Sundays. You will also be expected to work your assigned shift when it overlaps with observed holidays such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and religious holidays. Are you willing and able to work regularly assigned shifts, which may include overtime on short notice?
Yes
No
08
Are you willing and able to be courteous to callers who scream or direct obscene language at you; or callers who are drunk, irrational or confused?
Yes
No
09
Are you willing and able to remain on the telephone and provide a caller with instructions or relay additional information, which may necessitate listening while the caller is being attacked, victimized, trapped in a fire, or other life threatening events?
Yes
No
10
Are you willing and able to demonstrate our core values of integrity, respect, competence, compassion, responsibility and teamwork?
Yes
No
11
Are you willing to participate in a comprehensive background investigation?
Yes
No
12
Are you willing and able to maintain intense concentration and attention for extended periods of time?
Yes
No
13
Please note: Please provide detailed answers to the following questions. Your answers will be reviewed during the first round of interviews. Incomplete responses will receive fewer points which will affect your overall score for the interview. Do you understand?
Yes
No
14
Essay Question 1: Please provide two examples from your background or work experience that required you to communicate complex information in a more simplified manner in order to explain it to someone else.
15
Essay Question 2: Rate your interpersonal communication skills (unskilled, skilled, or highly skilled) for effectiveness, tact/diplomacy, and ability to interact with a variety of people. Please provide examples to support your rating.
16
Essay Question 3: Please provide an example of any projects or work experience that required a high degree of accuracy, memory recall, and/or attention to detail.
17
Essay Question 4: Please provide an example demonstrating your ability to navigate using street maps and/or mapping systems to find a location. (Note: no experience with Portland/Multnomah county is required).
18
Essay Question 5: Please provide two examples of your experience adjusting priorities and remaining focused in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Required Question
Employer
City of Portland
Address
1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987 Portland, Oregon, 97204
Website
http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs
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