9-1-1 Call Taker/Dispatcher (Emergency Communications Specialist, Trainee)
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9-1-1 Call Taker/Dispatcher (Emergency Communications Specialist, Trainee)
Salary
$20.00 Hourly
Location
2675 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Job Number
07989KF
Department
Public Safety
Opening Date
07/02/2026
Closing Date
7/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
Lee County Public Safety is seeking dedicated Emergency Communications Specialist, Trainee to join our Division of Emergency Communications. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in telecommunications, call center operations, or other fast-paced, high-stress customer service environments. If you excel at multitasking, staying calm under pressure, and helping people in urgent situations, we encourage you to apply.
As an Emergency Communications Specialist, you will be a critical link between the public and emergency responders. You'll answer 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, gather essential information, provide life-saving instructions, and coordinate the dispatch of fire, EMS, and law enforcement units. This position requires strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations. All required certifications and training are fully department-funded.
Duties and Responsibilities
What You'll Do
Emergency Call Handling & Assistance
Receive and process 9-1-1, emergency, and non-emergency calls
Gather and evaluate information quickly and accurately
Provide pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions to callers
Prioritize calls and enter events into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system
Dispatch & Radio Operations
Dispatch Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement using advanced CAD and radio systems
Monitor responder status and maintain situational awareness
Analyze developing situations and take action to support responder safety
Coordinate mutual aid and outside agency assistance when necessary
Operational Support & Teamwork
Work closely with fellow call takers and dispatchers in a fast-paced, team-focused environment
Maintain confidentiality of caller and operational information
Deliver excellent customer service to the public safety community and the community at large
Support effective countywide coverage by reassigning units as needed
Training & Certification
Achieve and maintain all required certifications, including:
Emergency Medical Dispatch
Emergency Fire Dispatch
Emergency Police Dispatch
CPR certification
Florida DOH 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification
Participate in call-taking and Fire/EMS/Police radio training phases
Follow department policies and procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality service
Education, Experience, Licensing
What We're Looking For
(Any equivalent combination of education and experience)
High school diploma or GED
Six months of experience in one of the following areas:
Telecommunications
Call center or contact center operations
High-volume or high-stress customer service
Alarm monitoring or security dispatch
Transportation or utility dispatch
Hospital switchboard operations
Public service aide or 311 call screening
Preferred typing speed: 40 wpm
Background/Certification
This role requires all candidates to successfully pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check and obtain all required certifications. These requirements must be met during the probationary period, and continued employment is contingent upon maintaining CJIS clearance.
Required After Hire
Successful completion of call-taking and radio training
Completion of all required certifications and licenses within prescribed timeframes
Supplemental Information
Why Join Us?
Emergency Communications Specialist, Trainee plays a vital role in protecting the safety and well-being of the public. You will be part of a dedicated team that makes a meaningful impact every day, supporting first responders and guiding callers through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. With comprehensive training, peer support, and a structured development pathway-including Qualified Dispatcher, Certified Training Officer, and Supervisor- you can build a long-term career in public safety.
Compensation & Benefits
Starting pay: $20.00/hr with automatic increases as you progress through training
Tuition assistance, generous PTO, paid holidays, sick pool, and more
Employee assistance programs and peer support services for stress management
Advanced communications technology and high-quality facilities
Work Environment & Expectations
This position requires the ability to adapt to a dynamic, 24/7 emergency operations setting. Candidates must be willing to work 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Map reading familiarity, strong communication skills, and comfort with computer systems are essential.
About the Department
The Lee County Division of Emergency Communications is a vital part of Public Safety, serving as the first point of contact during emergencies for residents, visitors, and communities across the county. Our team ensures that fire, law enforcement, and EMS responders receive timely, accurate information so they can deliver effective help in the field. We operate advanced communication systems, follow national best practices, and provide comprehensive training to ensure our specialists are confident, prepared, and ready to support any emergency.
About Lee County:
Lee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 800,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit. Find out more about Lee County at Lee County Government (https://www.leegov.com/) .
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:
All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.
Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high-quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Our Board continues to remain steadfast in maintaining one of the lowest levels of employee costs in our area.
Lee County's benefits package is offered to both regular Full-time positions and Part-time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi-weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On-Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria.
Lee County employees eligible to participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) are required to contribute 3% of each paycheck to FRS. If you have retired from the Florida Retirement Pension plan you will not be eligible for renewed membership in either of the FRS retirement plan options. Retirees of the Investment Plan are eligible for renewed membership in the Investment Plan only. FRS reemployment rules apply for both.
Below is a brief breakdown of what's included in the benefits package that is offered to our employees.
For a more detailed look into our benefits package, please click visit our webpage at www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/FULLTIME%20ACTIVE%20LCBOCC%202024%20Plan%20Year%20OE%20Guide%20FINAL%20AON%202023.09.12.pdf.
To view our employee paid premiums, please visit: https://www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee%20Benefits/2024%20Benefits/2024%20Active%20Employee%20Rates.pdf
Health Benefits:
Medical Insurance
Plans include, but are not limited to: routine, preventative, mental health, hospitalization, and prescription drug benefits.
Vision, Fitness, Weight Management, Natural Products and Services, and Hearing discount programs available.
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Medical Reimbursement Account
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Pharmacy, including Mail-Order Pharmacy
Informed Health Lines (Nurse Hotline)
Basic Life Insurance (1x or 2x Annual Salary at no cost to employee)
Optional Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability (60% of pre-disability salary at no cost to employee)
Short-Term Disability
Sick Leave Pool
Flu vaccinations
Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits:
Florida Retirement System (FRS)
Two Retirement Plan Options:
1) FRS Pension Plan (Defined Benefit)
2) FRS Investment Plan (Defined Contribution)
Deferred Compensation (457) Plans
Financial Savings/Management Programs
Eligible for membership with Suncoast Credit Union
Employee Leave Benefits
Holiday Pay - 11 Paid Holidays Annually
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Vacation Leave
Bereavement & Civic Duty Leave
Family and Medical Leave
Military Family & Medical Leave
Educational Leave
Employee Assistance Program
Services available to employees that offers guidance, support, resources and information for personal and work-life issues. Confidential and provided at no charge to employees and their dependents.
United Way 2-1-1 (Lee County Employee Resource Program)
Lee County BOCC has partnered with United Way 211 to provide an Employee Resource Program which assists BoCC employees who may be experiencing distress due to economic hardship, health or other factors.
Educational Assistance
Reimbursement for coursework taken at an accredited college or university that is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the official duties that the employees perform.
01
This position works 12-hour shifts. Must be able to work overnights, nights, days, weekends, and holidays. Are you able to work this schedule?
Yes
No
02
Do you have six months of experience in a call center, telecommunications, or other high-volume/high-stress customer service environment? (Please include this experience in the Work History section of your application.)
Yes
No
03
Which of the following @types of experience do you have? (Check all that apply) (Please include this experience in the Work History section of your application.)
Call center or customer service
Emergency dispatch or telecommunications
Law enforcement or public safety
Healthcare or EMS support roles
Crisis or suicide prevention hotline
None of the above
04
What is your level of familiarity with Lee County's geography?
I'm very familiar - I live/work in the area
Somewhat familiar
Not very familiar, but willing to learn
Not familiar at all
Required Question
Employer
Lee County Government
Address
P.O. Box 398 ATT: Human Resources Fort Myers, Florida, 33902
Phone
(239) 533-2245
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/leecounty
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