911 Dispatcher

Salary: $23.81 Hourly
Location : Mount Vernon, OH
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 220000106
Department: 911
Division: 911
Opening Date: 12/04/2025

Objectives

Under general supervision, the Communications Technician performs a variety of communication-related functions providing dispatch and other communication support services involving police, fire, emergency medical and other city public safety responders.
Essential Functions

• Under direct supervision of a Dispatch Supervisor, operates two-way radio to receive and transmit messages to appropriate personnel regarding Fire, EMS, and law enforcement to various locations in the Knox County
• Dispatches appropriate personnel to calls for service
• Maintains contact and provides information to coordinate on-site activities of personnel
• Operates 9-1-1, L.E.A.D.S./N.C.I.C. and/or Telephone Device System for the Deaf to send andreceive messages and/or request and receive law enforcement data
• Receives and transmits calls for support services (e.g., hospital notification, wrecker services, utility/maintenance personnel, etc.)
• Collects information regarding crimes, accidents or other emergency situations in progress and relays information to appropriate personnel
• Understands state and local laws and prepares relevant documentation
• Receives and screens emergency telephone calls
• Provides medical, fire and law enforcement advisement to callers
• Enters and retrieves information into and from computer
• Receives and understands location-based information to assist in dispatch
• Receives and understands GIS, mapping and aerial photographic information
• Monitors businesses and residential premises burglar and fire alarm systems
• Monitors modern CCTV and video surveillance systems; and reviews, interprets and follows department directives
• Performs record-keeping functions including preparing and maintaining information of a sensitive or confidential nature
• Maintains record of communications; keeps logs of daily events; and processes daily report
• Assists with the training and development of new employees and/or co-workers
• Attend required trainings or organizational meetings as scheduled
• Assists/greets public (e.g., answers general inquiries, provides general information, and directs public to proper authority) and other associated organizations (e.g., government departments/personnel, public safety departments/personnel, and local businesses/personnel) in person, via telephone, via email, via computerized instant message system, and via computerized intercom system
• Maintains required licensure and certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Telecommunications, and Incident Management; attends training as required
• Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable safety standards that pertain to essential functions
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Job Standards

Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
Must possess or have ability to obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch certification; must possess or have ability to obtain American Heart Association CPR certification; must possess or have ability to obtain Telecommunicator I certification (APCO); must possess or have ability to obtain L.E.A.D.S. Basic Operator certification (ODPS); must possess or have ability to obtain NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 certifications (FEMA).
Must have reliable transportation to work and off-site trainings as required.
Must meet and maintain all required licenses and certifications as a condition of employment. Pursuant to the employee contract, all non-probationary employees must reside within Knox County, any county contiguous to Knox County, or within a fifty (50) mile radius from the Knox County Courthouse.
Supplemental Information

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS
Equipment:
Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as, but not limited to, various microcomputers and components, printers, scanners, digital cameras, video projectors, hubs, switches, and modems. Ability to competently utilize a wide variety of computer and networking tools, software, and hardware. Individual uses appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary. Ability to operate video/CCTV and intercom; two-way radio, advanced telephone equipment and other dispatching equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form; interpret extensive variety of technical material in books, journals, and manuals;
• Read maps and other GIS data systems;
• Deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; deal with many variables and determine specific action; recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action;
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; exhibit excellent decision making and critical thinking skills, especially under high-stress; work effectively in a team environment; exercise independent judgment and discretion;
• Complete routine forms; prepare routine correspondence; prepare accurate documentation; compile and prepare reports; respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials; communicate effectively; *train or instruct others; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications;
• *Maintain records according to established procedures; work alone on most tasks; cooperate with coworkers on group projects; answer routine telephone inquiries; handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials and general public; *develop and maintain effective working relationships; demonstrate manual dexterity;
• Move quickly and effectively from one task to another; *operate dispatch and radio equipment;
• Communicates professionally and effectively with internal and external customers, both orally and in writing;
• Organizes and prioritizes work assignments, multi task with accurate focus and refocus in a fast paced environment;
• Delivers excellent customer service, externally and internally;
• Efficiently operate computer programs such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and agency specific programs;
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills, define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions using judgment, and analytical skills;
• Proficiency in grammar, writing, mathematical skills, spelling, and punctuation;
• Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow safety policies, procedures and practices; and
• Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow federal, state, county, and department policies and procedures, laws and regulations.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK
Work consisting of complex, varied, standardized and non-standardized tasks requiring application of numerous laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Individual must be able to function under high stress levels and extremely complex, time sensitive, complicated situations working with mobility constraints.

III. RESPONSIBILITY
Individual must demonstrate superior multi-tasking skills. Individual must adhere to departmental rules and procedures regarding confidentiality due to the nature of information that is accessed. Individual makes choices or decisions without supervisory input on most daily activities, such as establishing priorities or making referrals to other agencies. Supervisor does provide general guidance, but allows the individual the ability to plan the procedures and methods to accomplish objectives. Individual must perform as a team player. Errors in work may cause inaccuracies in reports, records, or technical data resulting in inaccurate or incomplete information, and may cause loss of efficiency of response of emergency services, and possible loss of property and life.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS
Contact is with co-workers, employees from public and private sector organizations and the public. The purpose of these contacts is to guide and direct, check on progress of work assigned, coordinating services, and job development/referrals, make recommendations and handle questions about department, programs and client concerns.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Physical Requirements: Individual performs light work, which may require lifting to twenty-five (25) pounds occasionally. Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Physical Activity:Individual performs the following physical activities: standing, walking, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, and listening.
• Visual Activity: Individual performs computer/dispatch work for long periods of time, where the seeing job is close to the eyes.

Job Location: The minimum work conditions for the position indicate that the individual is exposed to both inside and outside. Individual is also exposed to noise.
Knox County offers a complete package to full-time employees including: health care, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and deferred compensation plans.

To learn more, visit our Benefits Page.
01

Have you completed secondary education and/or possess equivalent training/experience which evidences knowledge of public safety?
02

I understand that pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, all non-probationary employees must reside within Knox County, any county contiguous to Knox County, or within a fifty (50) mile radius from the Knox County Courthouse.

• Yes
• No

03

I understand and accept that, depending upon the position for which I am applying, if I am employed by Knox County, my employment may be for no definite period of time and I may be terminated, with or without cause or notice at any time, at the opinion of either Knox County, or myself. I understand that no representative of Knox County, other than an Appointing Authority, has any authority to enter into any agreement or to make any agreement with me contrary to the foregoing, except that an Appointing Authority of Knox County may do so in writing under specific limited circumstances.

• Yes
• No

04

I understand and accept that, if I am selected for employment, my initial and continued employment may be conditioned upon my passing any medical examination that the employer deems necessary to determine whether I can physically perform the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation when necessary. I understand and accept that this will include drug, alcohol, or substance abuse testing.

• Yes
• No

05

If employed, I understand and accept that, depending on the department in which I am applying for employment, I may be required to work evening or night shifts including weekends, be on call, and/or work mandatory overtime hours. I also understand and accept that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the Knox County Appointing Authority.

• Yes
• No

06

I understand and accept that if any information required in this application is found to be falsified or intentionally excluded, my application may be disqualified from further consideration. I further understand and accept that if I am employed by a Knox County Appointing Authority, I may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, if any information required by this application has been falsified or intentionally excluded.

• Yes
• No

07

I understand and accept that the employer requires a high degree of integrity and confidentiality of its employees. I understand that the employer will use screening procedures to evaluate my qualifications and suitability for employment, including but not limited to interviews, criminal record checks, driving record checks, written testing, reference checks, background investigations, psychological evaluations, and drug testing. I also acknowledge that I may be subject to other screening procedures not specifically listed above, and that may be a prerequisite to my appointment.

• Yes
• No

08

I hereby authorize the employers, schools, and personal references named in this application to provide information regarding me to the employer. I further authorize the release of personal, academic, and other records to the employer.

• Yes
• No

09

I solemnly swear that all of the information furnished in this employment application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application. I understand that any misrepresentation or falsification of the information provided may lead to withdrawal of an employment offer or termination following employment. I recognize that my future employment with the employer will be jeopardized if I engage in substance abuse, illegal drug abuse, or alcohol abuse. Any background check conducted as part of the hiring process shall be in compliance with State and Federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and EEOC Enforcement guidelines and Knox County policies. Applicants are hereby advised that State and Federal law may disqualify an individual with a particular criminal history from employment in certain positions. Reference the following link to view a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act: .pdf Therefore, in consideration of my employment application being reviewed and considered by a Knox County, Ohio, Appointing Authority, I, being at least 18 years of age and under no legal disability on behalf of my heirs and assigns, hereby release and hold harmless Knox County, Ohio and any of its agents, employees, Appointing Authorities, related officials from any and all liability, whatever type and nature, resulting from the administration of any such screening procedures and/or release of the results there from.By typing your name - you are effectively agreeing and signing this application.
10

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Required Question