911 Communications Dispatcher (LATERAL)
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911 Communications Dispatcher (LATERAL)
Salary
$25.93 - $35.36 Hourly
Location
Dispatch Center, 945 E. Pine Ave., Meridian, ID
Job Type
Full-Time with Benefits
Job Number
03017
Department
Sheriff
Division
ECB- 911 Communications
Opening Date
07/10/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Benefits
Questions
General Summary
NOW HIRING DISPATCHERS
911 Public Safety Communications Dispatchers are the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, providing critical assistance and dispatching law enforcement, fire, and EMS resources. Dispatchers follow established protocols, exercise sound judgment, and coordinate closely with field responders.
Do you meet our minimum hiring standards (https://adacounty.id.gov/sheriff/careers/hiring-standards-disqualifiers/) ?
Please check before applying.
**THIS POSTING APPLIES TO LATERAL APPLICANTS ONLY. Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of recent experience working in a public safety emergency communications center that provides law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services, and must hold a STATE issued POST Dispatcher Certification to qualify as a lateral transfer. College POST certifications do not meet this requirement. Individuals who do not meet these criteria should apply under the 911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher posting.
Lateral Transfer Wage Information: While the selection process is the same for all dispatcher applicants, those transferring from other law enforcement agencies with current (within the last three years) dispatcher experience may receive a higher starting wage.
Level III = Two to four years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical and fire dispatch services.
Level IV = Five to six years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services.
Base = Seven or more years of current experience working in public safety emergency communication focused center providing law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services.
Pay Plan for Dispatcher Positions (https://adacounty.id.gov/sheriff/careers/911-dispatcher/)
SHIFT INFORMATION:
Dispatchers work four 10-hour shifts per week on a fixed schedule that rotates every four months through a shift-bid. Shifts include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, with the following options:
0400-1400 | 0800-1800 | 1400-0000 | 1800-0400 | 2200-0800
HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE: The selection and background process typically spans several months, so we begin early to ensure applicants have enough time to complete each step successfully. If you're motivated to pursue this career and ready to engage fully in the process, we encourage you to apply. This is a meaningful opportunity to prepare for a role that makes a real impact in our community.
SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE/SPARKHIRE VIDEO INTERVIEW: Accesses communication skills, professionalism, and overall readiness.
CRITICALL TESTING: A computerized IN-PERSON pre-employment exam measuring:
Multitasking
Decision-making under pressure
Listening accuracy
Typing (Min. 35wpm & information retention)
Simulates real emergency-dispatch conditions.
TESTING INFORMATION: Computer based exam: The computer-based exam must be passed in all sections. Samples of skills tested: cross-referencing, prioritization, call summarization, and data entry. Read information regarding skill/ability requirements (https://adacounty.id.gov/sheriff/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Skill-Requirements-for-CritiCall-Testing.pdf) .
SIT-IN OBSERVATION: Shadow a dispatcher to see real calls, real decisions, and the pace of the job.
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW: Evaluates a candidate's communication, judgment, skills, and overall suitability for the role. It also provides an opportunity for candidates to ask questions directly to one of our experienced 911 Communications Dispatchers.
SELECTION & BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Candidates selected by hiring managers will be assigned to a background investigator. Background checks typically take 8 - 10 weeks to complete and includes a polygraph exam.
Essential Functions
Emergency Call Intake - Serve as the community's first point of contact, quickly assessing 911 and non-emergency calls to determine the nature and urgency of each situation.
Information Gathering - Use clear, structured questioning to capture accurate details, confirm locations, and identify potential safety risks.
Incident Prioritization - Evaluate each call's urgency and assign the appropriate response level to ensure resources reach those who need them most.
Dispatching Units - Coordinate and deploy law enforcement, fire, and medical teams using advanced radio and computer-aided dispatch systems.
Responder Support - Maintain steady communication with field personnel, relay critical updates, and help safeguard responder safety throughout each incident.
Pre-Arrival Instructions - Provide callers with calm, lifesaving guidance-including CPR and safety steps-until emergency responders arrive.
Recordkeeping - Document call details, actions, and unit activity with accuracy and professionalism in CAD and related systems.
Technology Operation - Operate multi-line phone systems, radios, mapping tools, alarms, and text-to-911 platforms with confidence and precision.
Stress Management - Stay composed and effective while assisting callers who may be distressed, panicked, or confrontational.
Policy Compliance - Uphold agency procedures, confidentiality standards, and all legal requirements governing emergency communications.
Job Requirements
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent;
Must be POST certified as an Emergency Communications Officer within one year of hire;
Ability to operate telephone and radio equipment;
Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy under pressure of time, and amidst emergencies occurring within the community, while there are distractions;
Ability to listen, understand, manage, and provide emergency life aid to callers who are under immense stress;
Ability to react quickly and calmly in receiving and transmitting multiple emergency messages;
Ability to communicate clearly and distinctly verbally and in writing;
Ability to analyze emergency situations, determine and take proper quickly and objectively action;
Ability to relate well with the public under adverse conditions and stressful situations;
Ability to read city and county road and water maps to quickly locate streets, addresses, hydrants, caller's locations, and the emergency location where the on-scene responders should be sent;
Ability to record accurately and legibly, details of activities and provide information;
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; and operate a computer keyboard;
Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
Must obtain and maintain a valid driver's license;
This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
May perform necessary preventive or minor maintenance functions on certain equipment in the dispatch office;
Notifies responsible parties when radios or alarms malfunction;
Field surveys streets to locate hydrants and identify changes necessary for maintaining up-to-date street maps;
Performs related functions as required.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Fast-paced emergency communications center
Long periods of sitting/standing during 10-hour shifts
Frequent repetitive hand/wrist movements
Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.
DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.
BENEFITS:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
PERSI retirement
457(b) deferred compensation with County match
Flexible Spending Accounts
Post-Employment Health Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance
Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
Free access to County gym facilities
Wellness program
Optional 401(k) and Roth IRA
Full details: Employee Benefits (https://adacounty.id.gov/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits)
Visit Employee Benefits (https://adacounty.id.gov/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits) to view details regarding our benefits package, including: paid leave, healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, and more!
Use our Compensation Estimator Tool (https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiZWRhZWNlOWItZjRjMy00NmM2LWI5YTctNDY4NzAzYTM3NDQ4IiwidCI6ImQ4NzFhM2Y3LTI5YTctNDFhYS1iNjczLWFiY2JhM2Q4NjUwYSJ9) to get a personalized look at what your total compensation could be including estimated salary, retirement contributions, health benefits and paid time off. This tool is designed to help prospective employees better understand the full value of working at Ada County.
Ada County recognizes that employees are our most valuable asset. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to benefit-eligible employees designed to support the health, wellness and long-term financial stability of our employees and their families.
Healthcare:
Low-cost medical, dental, vision premiums and deductibles
Post-employment health savings account
Retirement and Investments Plans:
PERSI retirement benefits
457(b) post or pre-tax investments options with up to 3% employer match
401(k)
Wellbeing Program:
Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal concerns.
Free ACHD Commuter ride vanpool program
Free bus pass
Paid-leave:
11 paid holidays per year
8 weeks paid Parental Leave
Approximately 96 hours of vacation accrual for full-time employee
Approximately 96 hours of sick accrual for full-time employee
5 days paid bereavement leave
Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
Basic Life Insurance employer paid if benefit eligible
Short Term Disability employer paid if benefit eligible
Optional Benefits:
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account
NCPERS Decreasing Term Life Insurance
Supplemental Employee, Spouse, Child Life Insurance
Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance
AFLAC
01
Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of recent experience working in a public safety emergency communications center that provides law enforcement, medical, and fire dispatch services, and must hold a STATE POST Dispatcher Certification to qualify as a lateral transfer. College POST certifications do not meet this requirement. Do you meet this criteria? If so, you must attach a copy of your STATE POST DISPATCHER Certificate & POST Profile Transcript Report with this application. (Please submit your STATE POST Dispatcher transcripts with your application.) IF YOUR ANSWER IS "NO" TO THIS QUESTION, YOU DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.
Yes
No
02
To become a 911 Dispatcher in Idaho, you must be at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States. Are you at least 18 years of age at time of application and a United States Citizen?
Yes
No
03
Please describe your recent law enforcement dispatch experience to include fire and EMS. (Please include when, where & any specific job duties)
04
Please describe your experience working in a 911 emergency law enforcement dispatch center, including the software and systems you are proficient with.
05
Our dispatchers work a variety of shifts including days, swings, nights, weekends, and holidays. This means that as a dispatcher, you may miss family holidays, birthdays, children's activities, to name a few. We need all our applicants to be flexible for any shift. Shift picks are done every 4 months. Given this information, are you willing to work all shifts required for the dispatcher position?
Yes
No
06
The posted hiring wage for this position is acceptable to me and reflects my years of experience as a 911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher with POST certification. I understand that the wage is fixed and not subject to negotiation.
Yes
No
07
Please indicate your total years of experience (include dates) as a 911 Public Safety Communications Dispatcher. This must be experience supported by a Law Enforcement POST-accredited dispatcher certification, which will be verified through your transcripts and academy completion certificate. Only experience that includes Law Enforcement, Medical, and Fire dispatching qualifies; call-taking or other dispatch roles do not.
Required Question
Employer
Ada County
Department
Sheriff
Address
7200 Barrister Dr. Boise, Idaho, 83704
Website
www.adacounty.id.gov/sheriff
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