Emergency Communications Dispatcher

Vacancy Announcement 

We are accepting applications for: Emergency Communications Dispatcher
Date Posted: March 31, 2025
Closing Date: April 21, 2025 

About the Position and Department:  An Emergency Communications Dispatcher is part of our 24-hour Dispatch facility and works under the supervision of our Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor. This is a full-time, forty (40) hours a week, permanent position.

Position Overview:  Using a computer-aided dispatch system, this position receives emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, or medical emergency services in a 24-hour facility. Prioritize and determine the nature and location of the emergency, dispatches police, fire, or ambulance as necessary.

Required Education and Experience: Employment with Fallon County requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have not been convicted of a crime resulting in imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary. Must reside close enough to Baker, Montana to allow an emergency response to the Fallon County Dispatch Center.

Preferred Education and Experience: Previous experience as an emergency communications dispatcher or other types of dispatch work is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Must possess or obtain a Montana driver license within thirty (30) days of employment. This position is privy to confidential criminal justice information and may have unsupervised contact with incarcerated individuals and is therefore subject to pre-employment criminal background check. May utilize a County vehicle and is subject to a motor vehicle driving history review.

Benefits: We are proud to offer an excellent benefit package to our employees including health insurance, ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year, sick leave, vacation leave, and an Employee Assistance Program. This position requires enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System with an established contribution rate for both the employee and the County.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

How to Apply: Applications and a complete job description are available at the Human Resources office, 10 W. Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana or online at www.falloncountymt.gov. You may submit your application online on our website; or via mail to: Human Resources Manager, PO Box 846, Baker, Montana, 59313; or email to [email protected]; or stop by the Human Resources office in the Courthouse. Questions may be directed to Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor 406-778-8139 or to Julie Straub, HR Manager 406-778-8164.

Fallon County Job Description

Fallon County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetic information, pregnancy, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Human Resources.

Job Overview
Using a computer-aided dispatch system, receives emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, or medical emergency services in a 24-hour facility. Prioritizes and determines the nature and location of the emergency, dispatches police, fire, or ambulance as necessary. Provides information as requested by law enforcement. In conjunction with the Fallon County Sheriff’s Office, this position provides a secondary means of visual supervision of inmates incarcerated at the Fallon County Detention Center to ensure the safe and orderly operation of the facility. Eligible for health insurance, sick leave, vacation leave, holiday pay, and retirement benefits.

The following essential functions are representative of typical work performed but are not necessarily limited to these specific tasks/areas.

Essential Functions
Process and prioritize calls for police, fire, and emergency medical assistance – Receives and processes 911 emergency calls, maintains contact with all units on assignment, maintains status and location of police and fire units. Coordinates dispatching of emergency police, fire, and other public safety equipment by receiving and transmitting radio calls. Inputs and retrieves computer data quickly. Monitors direct emergency alarms, answers non-emergency calls for assistance. Operates a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones, and computer systems. Will enter, update, and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems. Receives requests for information regarding vehicle registration, driving records and warrants; provides pertinent data. Inputs and accesses information in automated law enforcement systems. Maintains accurate, up-to-date files and logs. Prepares reports as required.

 Supervision of Inmates – Supervises, monitors, and maintains awareness of the movement and location of adult male and female inmates housed in the Fallon County Detention Center via video camera system.  Employs cameras, video monitors, intercom system, and radios as secondary means of visual supervision and communication with inmates and other staff members. Ensures prompt and appropriate assistance to inmates in the event of injury, illness, or trauma. May be called upon to provide court testimony based on knowledge, observation of or engagement with inmates.  

Competencies
The knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics to perform this work include but are not necessarily limited to:  Active Listening, Assertiveness, Attention to Detail, Commitment, Dependable, Computer Skills, Critical Thinking, Customer Service, Flexibility, Foresight, Geography, Integrity, Interpersonal Skills, Multi-Task, Oral Comprehension, Oral & Written Expression, Professionalism, Sensitivity, Speech Clarity, Speech Recognition, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork.
This position requires the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Must be able to communicate information and ideas when speaking so others will understand; speak clearly so others can understand you. Identify and understand the speech of another person. 

Requires strong communication skills and the ability to listen actively to ensure effective and correct exchange of information. Must be able to express oneself verbally and clarify information received during periods of high stress when taking emergency calls. Ability to effectively cope with stressful circumstances involving potential life and death situations. Use sound judgment in making decisions related to directly to emergency and routine situations Attention to detail and accuracy in all interactions is required.

Requires the ability to exhibit patience, remaining calm and professional while questioning callers for whom English may be an additional language, callers who may be verbally abusive, emotionally upset, uncooperative or frightened. Must be able to interact with variety of personalities. Ability to resolve questions or concerns with courtesy and respect. Possess a knowledge of the geography of Fallon, Carter, and Wibaux Counties. Be able to multi-task in response to variety of emergency situations, utilizing multiple phone lines, radios, and computer programs. 

Possess computer experience with Word, including strong and accurate keyboarding skills. Accurate and effective writing skills, utilizing appropriate grammar and spelling; accurately hear and simultaneously document verbal information. Must be able to discern sensitive information and maintain confidentiality of criminal justice information. Act with common sense, and good judgment. Ability to offer sworn testimony in court proceedings. As part of our workforce, maintains consistent communication with all County employees, our customers/patrons, and the public via County owned communication systems including but not limited to email, office phone, work cell phone, text, and SMS/IM. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Fallon County employees and staff from outside agencies. Must be mature, flexible, and able to command respect and confidence of inmates, co-workers, and the public.  Must work as team member for the betterment of the dispatch center and public served. 

Safety
Safety is a primary duty and a personal responsibility. County employees are responsible for reading, understanding, and following safety rules and procedures as identified within County Policy, our Safety Program as well as at each department/work location/JSA. This position is responsible for wearing PPE as identified in the JSA or when working in areas where there is danger of injury.  Responsible for wearing suitable work clothes as determined by the Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor. Reports all injuries, hazards and/or near misses utilizing established reporting forms and procedures. Knows the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and other safety devices. Attends all safety meetings including annual training. This position will not perform potentially hazardous tasks or use any hazardous material until properly trained.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
This position performs work within the Dispatch Center. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines as well as radio consoles.

Required Education and Experience
Employment with Fallon County requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have not been convicted of a crime resulting in imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary.

Must reside close enough to Baker, Montana to allow an emergency response to the Fallon County Dispatch Center.

Successful applicants will be required to attend a two (2) week Public Safety Communications Officer training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena, Montana.

Preferred Education and Experience
Previous experience as an emergency communications dispatcher or other types of dispatch work is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Must possess or obtain a Montana driver license within thirty (30) days of employment.

This position is privy to confidential criminal justice information and may have unsupervised contact with incarcerated individuals and is therefore subject to pre-employment criminal background check. May utilize a County vehicle and is subject to a motor vehicle driving history review.

Compensation
Our Fiscal Year 2024-2025 compensation schedule for an Emergency Communications Dispatcher is as follows:
Emergency Communications Dispatcher    $25.78
Emergency Communications Dispatcher 1 $26.35
Emergency Communications Dispatcher 2 $26.92
Emergency Communications Dispatcher 3 $27.49
Emergency Communications Dispatcher 4 $28.07
Emergency Communications Dispatcher 5 $28.64

This schedule is reflective of and will be adjusted for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment as approved by the Fallon County Commission.

After completion of the first year of employment, an employee becomes eligible to receive Longevity. Longevity is $0.15 per hour every year, with $0.25 per hour every five years.

Benefits
We are proud to offer an excellent benefit package to our employees including health insurance, ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year, sick leave, vacation leave, and an Employee Assistance Program.

This position requires enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System with an established contribution rate for both the employee and the County.

Position Type/Hours of Work
This is a full-time, forty (4) hours per week position that will generally work the overnight shift, typically 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and a four (4) hour shift. Will occasionally work a day shift. Shifts may vary to meet the needs of the Department and will include regular daytime business hours, nights, weekends, and holidays; may include emergency call-in.

This position will undergo an intensive training period for four (4) to eight (8) weeks.

Physical and Environmental Demands
While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is required to speak or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit for long periods with occasional walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting. This work requires periods of extended computer use. Must be able to reach with hands and arms. May be required to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds.