Lateral Public Safety Telecommunication Trainee Dispatcher

Prior Experience Required — Lateral Position
Must be a current or recent (within the last two years) Public Safety Telecommunicator or equivalent.

Public Safety Telecommunicators at Skagit 911 are represented positions. The 2026 trainee wage is $31.20 per hour. After completing training, wages start at $32.14 per hour and progress up to $42.98 per hour with time and advancement within the organization. Lateral wage scale placements are negotiated with Skagit 911's union after training is complete.

Make a Difference. Save Lives. Be the Calm in the Chaos.

Skagit 911 is seeking skilled, experienced, and highly motivated Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST) to join our team. This position is not entry-level. Applicants must bring proven professional dispatching experience and the ability to immediately contribute in a fast-paced emergency communications environment.

This lateral PST role is for individuals who are currently employed as Public Safety Telecommunicators or have worked in that capacity within the last two years, and who have been signed off from training and working independently for at least two years.

Please note: Based on your previous PSAP's size, call volume, technologies, or the scope of duties performed, Skagit 911 may direct you to apply for the Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee position instead.

What You'll Do

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls via phone and text, gathering vital details quickly and accurately.
• Dispatch law enforcement, fire, medical, and other emergency services using a state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Provide pre-arrival, potentially life-saving instructions to callers using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
• Monitor and coordinate multiple radio channels while tracking responder activity and ensuring seamless communication.
• Support callers experiencing crises or barriers—including distressed individuals, persons with disabilities, and limited-English speakers—with professionalism and compassion.
• Coordinate multi-agency communications during complex or high-risk incidents.
• Operate a variety of telecommunications and public safety equipment in a fast-paced, secure, mission-critical environment.

Schedule & Overtime

• PSTs follow Skagit 911's standard 12-hour rotating schedule:
  • Week 1: Work 3 days, Off 4 days
  • Week 2: Work 4 days, Off 3 days
• Schedules are bid annually and include days, nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
• Mandatory overtime may be assigned, up to a maximum of 8 hours on a scheduled day off, to maintain 24/7 emergency coverage.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least two years of independent, signed-off experience as a Public Safety Telecommunicator (or equivalent), employment ending within the last two years.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• No felony convictions.
• No active criminal charges or warrants.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Must successfully complete a law enforcement background investigation, polygraph screening, hearing test (with or without accommodation), drug test, and all other hiring criteria.

Who We're Looking For

• Team player with integrity: You respect confidentiality, support colleagues, and follow policies and procedures.
• Calm under pressure: You make quick, sound decisions in high-stress and rapidly evolving situations.
• Technologically adept: You are proficient with CAD and related systems and adapt quickly to new platforms and workflows.
• Detail-oriented multitasker: You manage multiple inputs simultaneously with accuracy and focus.
• Excellent communicator: You listen actively, articulate clearly, and tailor your communication to diverse callers and responders.
• Adaptable and committed: You are dependable with scheduling, willing to work nights/weekends/holidays, and ready to support a 24/7 operation.