Public Safety Telecommunicator (911)

Distinguishing Features of the Class

This is highly responsible work operating an emergency service console receiving and dispatching emergency and non-emergency service calls on an assigned shift. Work requires the prompt, efficient and accurate receiving, dispatching, and processing of emergency service calls over the 911 and related emergency systems from the general public and other authorized personnel requiring emergency actions by police and fire units. Although new or unusual problems may be referred to a superior for advice and assistance, work is ordinarily performed independently following established procedures.

Public Safety Communications Center Shifts

1st Watch 2230-0630 (10:30pm-6:30am)

2nd Watch 0630-1430 (6:30am-2:30pm)

3rd Watch 1430-2230 (2:30pm-10:30pm) Anticipated openings on this shift

Performance Exam: those meeting the minimum qualifications of the position will proceed to the next step in the recruitment process, which is CritiCall testing. A description of the performance exam can be found here: Criticall Test Preparation Guide

Come work with us! The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Residency Incentive Program
• Paid Volunteer Time-Off
• Parental Leave
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance
• Wellness Programs and Activities
• Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan through IPERS
• Deferred Compensation Plan with City Match up to 2.5%
• Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options
• Employee Discount Program

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from high school or GED. Some college or prior experience as a 911 or similar type position preferred.
• Must successfully complete the Basic 40 Hour Telecommunicator Training required by the State of Iowa within the first year of employment.
• Must obtain NCIC and Emergency Medical Dispatch certifications during first year of employment and maintain throughout employment as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.
• CPR and AED training and CPR certification within the first year of employment.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen.
• Ability pass a background check.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

As a Call Taker:

• Receives calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services via 911 and other telephone lines;
• Determines the nature of the complaint by asking appropriate questions;
• Inputs information into the computer aided dispatch system (CADS) to include location, incident type and description of the incident;
• Routes non-service calls or calls for other agencies to proper local, state and federal agencies;
• On calls for emergency medical services, properly uses the protocols for questioning the caller and providing post dispatch and pre-arrival instructions;
• Sends and receives messages through a computer terminal connected to the IOWA/NCIC systems;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

As a Police Telecommunicator:

• Dispatches police units in a manner consistent with departmental policies and procedures including:
• Receives calls for service from the CADS or field personnel;
• Through the CADS, reviews the status of available units;
• Selects the unit(s) to respond to service calls and dispatches them by voice radio and/or mobile data computer;
• Enters changes in unit status into the CADS as changes occur;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

As a Fire Telecommunicator:

• Dispatches fire/rescue units in a manner consistent with departmental policies and procedures including:
• Receives calls for service from the CADS or field personnel;
• Selects the appropriate station(s) and transmits information over the fire radio;
• Enters changes in unit status into the CADS as changes occur;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Click here for Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 5/30/2025 4:00 PM Central

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• City of Des Moines

• 515-283-4213

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