911 Dispatcher

Role overview

This position is a frontline emergency communications role responsible for connecting the public with law enforcement, fire rescue, and medical response teams. It involves being the first point of contact for people seeking urgent help and working independently in a fast-moving, high-pressure environment.

The role includes evaluating incoming emergency and non-emergency requests, deciding what type of assistance is needed, and coordinating appropriate responders while helping to keep callers and first responders safe.

Key responsibilities

Using established procedures and training, the dispatcher will handle requests received through multiple communication channels, assess the situation quickly, and dispatch the right resources. The job also requires providing calm guidance to callers, documenting information accurately, and managing radio communications with field units and partner agencies.

Skills and abilities needed

Success in this role depends on the ability to make quick decisions, stay composed during crises, work well with others, and handle stressful situations in a safe and professional manner.

Eligibility and mandatory requirements

• Applicants must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• A valid Florida driver’s license is required.
• Candidates must pass a typing assessment at 35 words per minute and complete the CritiCall pre-employment test administered by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
• Within 12 months of hire, employees must complete the Florida Department of Health Public Safety Telecommunicators exam and keep that certification active throughout employment.
• Employees must also obtain CIJS Basic Certification within six months of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment.
• The role calls for a team-focused person who is motivated to serve the community.
• Applicants must be able to respond appropriately to crisis situations and operate safely under pressure.

Work environment and schedule

Work is performed in an emergency communications center where demand can range from light activity to very busy, high-volume conditions. The standard shift is 12 hours, with schedules that may run from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, 7:00 pm to 7:00 am, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, or 8:00 pm to 8:00 am.

Employees generally receive every other weekend off, though extended days and hours may be required during emergencies or natural disasters. Mandatory scheduled and unscheduled overtime may also be required.

This is an essential position, so employees must be available for days, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency conditions, including periods when the agency is otherwise closed, to maintain 24/7 staffing.

Additional details

The dispatcher serves as a critical communications link between the public and emergency response services. The work includes triaging life-and-death situations, giving pre-arrival instructions, helping de-escalate callers, coordinating field response, monitoring radio traffic, and documenting incident activity across multiple systems and computer monitors.

Typical duties include prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls from phones, wireless devices, text messages, automated data feeds, and other communication tools; verifying caller location using system data and mapping software; identifying needed resources and scene safety concerns; dispatching field responders; coordinating with surrounding agencies; and tracking incidents in a computer-aided dispatch system.

The role also requires the ability to remain calm, alert, and effective while handling multiple high-stress tasks at once.

Hiring bonus

This position includes a $2,500 hiring bonus.