Emergency Dispatcher jobs in Palmer, AK

The City of Wasilla is currently hiring Emergency Dispatchers at our MATCOM Emergency Communications Center. As a Dispatcher, you will be required to answer a variety of calls every day, determine the appropriate response to each situation, relay and coordinate information to first responders, and provide basic medical instructions over the phone. You will begin by training through active observation of current dispatchers and asking questions and obtaining feedback with progressive responsibility toward functioning as an independent and capable dispatcher. 

As a Dispatcher, you will be required to answer an average of 60 calls a day while typing on a computer, searching for information, and being aware of your surroundings in order to solve complex problems that encompass life or death situations. You will operate a schedule which consists of 12-hour shifts, rotating days off, with expected overtime. Being an excellent typist is a MUST for this role in its fast-paced environment.

In order to succeed at this role, you must be caring but not sensitive; compassionate but not take things personally. It is helpful to have communication skills that enable you to talk to a stranger like they are a friend while also remaining unaffected by strong emotions and language that individuals in danger and stressful situations can exhibit. 

• Two Reference Letters
• Five Minute Typing Test with a minimum net speed of 50 WPM. Typing test MUST be obtained from:

• Successful applicants will be invited to take the Critical Test.
• Those applicants who pass the Critical Test will be invited to the Oral Board and encouraged to “sit in” and observe in the dispatch center. 

• Pass an extensive background check
• Pass a pre-employment drug test
• Pass an audiology exam

• Effectively communicate with people by giving information, directions and instructions via telephone and radio.
• Gather information; receive complaints and/or requests for service (both routine and emergency), via a multi-line telephone system and/or through multi-channel radio equipment as prescribed by policy and procedure.
• Using highly technical equipment, develop the ability to dispatch resources in accordance with the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor mutual aid data and radio channels.
• Correctly determine department responses for varying Police/Fire/EMS emergency situations
• Provide accurate contact with and deployment of department personnel and equipment to maintain continuous situational awareness
• Prioritize actions during multiple response scenarios requiring division of attention.
• Have the ability to learn, within a reasonable period of training, the operation of dispatch communication equipment.
• Undergo a periodic audit/review of information queries
• Document each action and response from both emergency and non-emergency request for service utilizing the computer aided dispatch system as well as required logs and forms.
• Monitor direct alarms into the Communications Center, third party notifications and dispatch appropriate personnel.
• Complete special reports, projects and other administrative assignments as required.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• May require unrestricted mandatory overtime. 24 hour operations requiring shift work, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime coverage.

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent required.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation, audiological examination, and pre-employment drug testing.  
• Emergency Services, Computer knowledge, Public Safety Communications, or Military related experience is desired.  
• Applicants will be tested to determine experience, skill level, and abilities. Applicants with prior experience will be compensated accordingly. 
• Telecommunications experience is desired.  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of application.

• Be able to obtain and hold a security clearance meeting the requirements of the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN).
• Obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC), and CPR certifications.
• Home Land Security orientation tests (Incident Command Systems) will be required as a term of employment taken on-line: Entry level IS-100.b within thirty days of date hired and IS-200.b, IS-700.a, and IS-800.b within one year of date of hire.