Emergency Dispatcher — 911 Call Taker, Telecommunicator and Police, Fire and EMS Dispatcher Roles, US Emergency Communications Centers

US city and county emergency communications centers hire 911 call takers, telecommunicators and dispatchers to answer emergency and non-emergency calls, work out what help is needed and send police, fire or medical responders.

Common requirements

• A high school diploma or GED
• A typing test, often 30 words per minute, and a dispatcher skills or written test
• Some employers want a year of customer service, clerical, call center or dispatch experience
• A background check, drug test and, at many centers, hearing and psychological screening
• Availability for rotating shifts, nights, weekends and holidays
• Authorization to work in the United States

Before you apply

Note: pay, hiring and training are set by each city, county or agency — not by JobGader. Read the official job announcement for the current requirements and deadline.