911 Dispatcher
Job Requirements

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Cowlitz County 911 Dispatchers are responsible for receiving and dispatching calls for service from the Communication Center to law enforcement, fire, and medical units throughout Cowlitz County.  Work is fast paced, exciting, but can be stressful during calls and emergencies.  It requires the ability to multi-task and staying focused while coordinating and handling communication tasks using several radio frequencies, telephone, and computer equipment.  This position requires attention to detail, stress management and customer service skills.

MINIMUM Requirements: 

1.   High School diploma or equivalent. Provide proof of age 18 or older and citizenship. Knowledge and ability to use personal computers.   Experience or education in any one or combination of the following areas:  customer service to the general public and diverse customers, data entry or transcription, law enforcement, security, medical services, rescue/safety, or any other related field.
 

2.    Be a proficient typist.  Pass a typing test (minimum of 40 wpm), which will be administered by the County.
 

3.   Must be or become familiar with (within training period) the policies and procedures used by the various agencies the 911 Center deals with, including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC), the Washington State Patrol ACCESS (A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System), the Washington State Department of Licensing and the Federal Communications Commission.
 

4.   Pass a full background check, which includes a personality profile test for emergency dispatching, a personal and criminal background check, a polygraph or voice stress test (CVSA), a psychological profile interview and a physical examination including a drug screening.

Salary:

During the training period (6 to 10 months), the current salary is $2,900 per month.  After completion of the training program, employees advance to the Step One, base salary rate of $3,081 per month, with annual step increases thereafter.  Step five is considered the top step of this position and the base salary rate for this level is $3,851 per month.  Shift differential is paid at the rate of $.30 per hour for all hours worked between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM and $.50 per hour for all hours worked between 7:00 PM and 3:00 AM. 

Application INFORMATION:

When applications are being accepted advertisement is usually made in The Daily News classifieds as well as the The Oregonian classifieds.  Applicants must complete and submit an employment application, the self-evaluation questionnaire and a resume. 

The application and self-evaluation questionnaire forms can be obtained several ways:

IMPORTANT:  In order to be considered, the applicant MUST include a cover letter explaining your interest in this position as well as your experience and skills relevant to this position.  Applications must be returned to the Cowlitz County Administrative Services/Personnel Department by the date specified in the announcement.

Application & RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

  • Return completed application and required attachments by the due date.
     

  • Top candidates will be invited to a typing test to assess typing proficiency (40 wpm).  Applicants will be given the option to provide a typing certificate (within the last 6 months) from an accredited educational institution in lieu of attending the typing test.  Successful candidates move on to the next step.
     

  • Tour of the 911 Comm. Center and job discussion.  At this meeting applicants will take a personality profile test (multiple-choice).  Successful candidates move on to the next step.
     

  • Panel interview.  Successful candidates will be invited to do a sit-down visit, interact with working staff and observe the center in operation.  Applicants will receive the background check packet to complete and return it to the 911 Comm. Center by the due date.
     

  • A full background investigation will be conducted.  Successful candidates move on to the next step.
     

  • Meeting with 911 Comm. Center management, which may result in a conditional job offer.
     

  • Candidates with conditional job offers will be invited to a polygraph test or a voice stress test (CVSA).  Successful candidates move on to the next step.  Attend a psychological profile interview and medical evaluation including a drug test.
     

  • Eligible candidates who pass all steps may receive a job offer confirmation or be placed in the hiring pool for current or upcoming openings.

 Cowlitz County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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