Emergency Communications Dispatcher

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Emergency Communications Dispatcher

🔹 Company: City of Largo

🔹 Location: Largo Police Department, Largo, FL

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Public Safety

🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-Site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Handling emergency and non-emergency calls for service
• Providing critical information to dispatchers and officers
• Multitasking in a fast-paced environment
• Working in a team environment to ensure public safety
• Obtaining required certifications within a specified timeframe

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a commitment to public service.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Handle emergency and non-emergency calls for service

✅ Provide critical information to dispatchers and officers

✅ Multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment

✅ Work in a team environment to ensure public safety

✅ Obtain required certifications within a specified timeframe, including Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Full Access Certification and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Level 2 – CJIS Security Awareness Certification

✅ Complete training course and pass the State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification Examination within 12 months of hire

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working in a high-pressure environment, handling sensitive information, and making critical decisions under time constraints.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or general education diploma (GED)

Experience: Previous public safety dispatching experience (police, fire, EMS) is preferred but not required

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to perform recurring tasks independently, accurately, and quickly
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency, life-threatening, and stressful situations
• Ability to obtain FCIC Certification after employment

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of city and county geography, roadways, and facilities
• Knowledge of legal terminology, grammar, spelling, and math
• Knowledge of automated office equipment, practices, and procedures

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have strong communication skills, the ability to multitask, and a commitment to public service.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $22.27 hourly rate

Benefits:

• General benefits package with flexible spending accounts, leave time, etc.
• Defined Contribution Plan 401(a) with a generous 6% City match
• Twelve paid holidays and 24-hour full access to City fitness center
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• May receive $1,000 in relocation assistance for candidates outside Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, or Manatee counties

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with shift differentials for night shifts

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the company's job posting and is subject to change. Benefits are subject to the City of Largo's policies and may be subject to change.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Government Administration, specifically Public Safety

Company Size: Medium (501-1,000 employees)

Founded: 1905, with a rich history of serving the Largo community

Company Description:

• The City of Largo is the fourth largest city in Tampa Bay, offering a great quality of life for residents with affordable living and a central location
• Largo is committed to increasing the livability of the community and improving the quality of the local environment through Community Pride, Public Health and Safety, and Sustainability
• The City of Largo actively seeks ways to engage the community and improve the quality of life for its residents

Company Specialties:

• Government Administration
• Building Construction
• Public Safety
• Recreation, Parks, Arts
• Sanitation
• Fire Department
• Garbage Collection
• Planning
• Land Use
• Engineering
• Economic Development
• Recycling

Company Website: http://www.Largo.com

ASSUMPTION: The City of Largo is a well-established government agency with a diverse range of services and a strong commitment to public safety.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: Emergency Communications Dispatchers report directly to the Communications Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, with shift differentials for night shifts

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Dispatcher or Supervisor roles
• Cross-training opportunities in other public safety roles
• Professional development opportunities through tuition reimbursement and training programs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and professional development within the City of Largo's Public Safety division.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, located at the Largo Police Department

Office Location(s): 201 Highland Ave. NE, PO Box 296, Largo, Florida 33779-0296, US

Geographic Context:

• Largo is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from beautiful beaches and surrounded by Pinellas County’s natural settings
• The City of Largo boasts being the fourth largest city in Tampa Bay, offering a great quality of life for residents with affordable living and its central location

Work Schedule: Shift work, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, with shift differentials for night shifts

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced, high-pressure, and requires strong communication skills and the ability to multitask.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Review of applications for selection of those to proceed in the process
• Schedule selected applicants for Criticall Testing
• Selected applicants will be scheduled for a “sit-along” in the Communications Center to observe various elements of the position
• Selected applicants will be scheduled to interview with a hiring panel
• Schedule comprehensive criminal background check through the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS) for selected top applicant(s)
• Schedule polygraph for selected top applicant(s)
• Schedule physical for selected top applicant(s)
• Verification of three (3) personal references
• Schedule applicant(s) for onboarding with Human Resources and first day of work

Key Assessment Areas:

• Data Entry Skills (2900 keystrokes per hour)
• Non-Data Entry Skills (80% or higher)
• Criticall Categories: Keyboarding, Data Entry, Call Summarization, Memory Recall, Map Reading, Spelling, Sentence Clarity, and Reading Comprehension
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Crisis Management Skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for Criticall Testing by practicing data entry and non-data entry skills
• Demonstrate your commitment to public service and ability to work effectively in a team environment during the interview
• Arrive on time and dress appropriately for the interview

ATS Keywords: Emergency Communications, Dispatcher, Public Safety, Multitasking, Communication Skills, Crisis Management, Data Entry, Teamwork, Problem-Solving

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is thorough and competitive, with a focus on assessing critical skills and qualifications for the position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system
• Multi-key telephones
• Data entry software

• Criminal justice information systems (FCIC/NCIC)
• Radio communication equipment
• Video recording devices
• Television and radio transmitter/receiver

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in using various communication and data entry tools, as well as familiarity with criminal justice information systems.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Passion
• Creativity

Work Style:

• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Adaptable to a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Committed to public service and community engagement
• Open to feedback and continuous learning

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you handle working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to multitask effectively to handle a crisis or challenging situation?
• How do you approach working in a team environment, and how do you handle conflicts or disagreements within the team?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
• Handling sensitive and sometimes distressing information from callers
• Maintaining professionalism and composure under stress
• Adapting to shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Meeting strict performance metrics and certification requirements

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage stress effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Emergency Communications Dispatcher vs. 911 Operator: Both roles involve handling emergency calls, but 911 Operators typically handle only emergency calls, while Emergency Communications Dispatchers handle both emergency and non-emergency calls
• Emergency Communications Dispatcher vs. Police Dispatcher: Both roles involve dispatching police officers, but Emergency Communications Dispatchers handle a broader range of calls and may dispatch other emergency services as well
• Emergency Communications Dispatcher vs. Customer Service Representative: Both roles require strong communication skills and the ability to handle difficult customers, but Emergency Communications Dispatchers handle more urgent and sensitive situations

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares some similarities with other public safety and customer service roles, it is unique in its scope and the level of responsibility involved.

📝 Sample Projects

• Handling a high-volume of emergency and non-emerggency calls during a natural disaster or other crisis
• Implementing a new communication system or technology in the dispatch center
• Participating in a community outreach event to educate the public about emergency preparedness and safety

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse responsibilities and challenges faced by Emergency Communications Dispatchers in their day-to-day work.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does the department support the emotional well-being of its dispatchers?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the department?
• How does the department handle feedback and continuous improvement in its processes?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for advancement?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for Criticall Testing by practicing data entry and non-data entry skills
• Demonstrate your commitment to public service and ability to work effectively in a team environment during the interview
• Arrive on time and dress appropriately for the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after the interview to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.