Becoming a 911 operator involves preparing for employment by meeting minimum requirements, which usually involves being at least 18 years old and possessing a high school diploma or GED. Some agencies require candidates to also possess a valid driver’s license.
By clearly stating your location (or a solid address if possible), emergency/what kind of emergency responder you need, and your phone number, the 911 operator can dispatch emergency responders to your location or call you back if the call drops. You might say, “I need an ambulance.
The 911 operator job requires at least a high school diploma and relevant certifications to access. The major qualities you need to succeed on the job include communication, decision-making, and IT skills. 911 Operator Job Description Example/Template. 911 operators perform various functions to enhance public safety.
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We’ve identified five states where the typical salary for a 911 Dispatcher job is above the national average. Topping the list is New York, with New Hampshire and California close behind in second and third. California beats the national average by 6.7%, and New York furthers that trend with another $5,417 (11.2%) above the $48,232.
New Jersey has set statewide training standards for telecommunicators who work at Public Safety Answer Points, or PSAPs; these are the centers where 911 calls are first received. In some cases, these training mandates also apply to dispatchers who work at Public Safety Dispatch Points, or PSDPs.
Some mandates relate to a specific type of emergency dispatch: Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). EMDs dispatch emergency medical services and also carry out pre-arrival protocols.
Mandated training may take place over a course of days. An individual can be hired as a trainee before completing training, though some hiring agencies may state a preference for individuals who already hold certification.
Before hire, the individual will need to meet requirements set by the individual agency. In many cases, this is a governmental authority. A majority of New Jersey’s PSAPs and PSDPs operate at the county level. A majority are in law enforcement agencies, though there are various possible settings, including colleges. Some dispatchers work for the state police. Some work for health systems. In some settings, an individual will answer emergency and non-emergency calls or will perform dispatch and other security-related duties.
Higher education, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, may offer additional opportunities and status in the Emergency Dispatcher field.
Select a New Jersey 911 Dispatcher Topic:
Meeting Entry-Level Requirements
Dispatchers typically need a high school diploma or GED. Occasionally, an employer will state a preference for individuals who have had some college coursework. Occasionally, an EMD service will state a preference for individuals who have had experience as emergency medical technicians.
The public safety dispatcher will need a broad skill set, whatever his or her educational level. The New Jersey Civil Service Commission lists job titles and basic requirements for state and local civil service positions. Skills include interacting with people in difficult circumstances, applying laws and regulations, operating programs and equipment, preparing reports and data, and communicating effectively. The knowledge base includes local geography as well as police, fire, and medical terminology, communications equipment, dispatch procedures, emergency management procedures, and chains of command.
Bilingualism can be a plus. Some job codes are used only for those who are bilingual in Spanish and English.
A prospective telecommunicator may need to take a typing test and/ or aptitude test.
Telecommunicator Training Requirements
Dispatchers who work at PSAPs must complete approved telecommunicator courses. Courses cover, at minimum, the following content:
Interpersonal communication
Telecommunicator public safety role
Telecommunicator systems
Telephone techniques
Radio broadcasting
Emergency medical services function
Fire services function
Police services function
Enhanced 911 systems
Public safety record keeping
Legal issues
911 Operator Free
The Commission has provided a list of approved training programs (http://www.nj.gov/911/instructor/). As of 2015, the list includes courses by the following providers:
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED)
National Emergency Communications Institute (NECI)
All three providers are approved to offer programs at physical locations. APCO also offers an approved online telecommunicator training program. The APCO certification is termed ‘Public Safety Telecommunicator’; the IAED certification, ‘Emergency Telecommunicator’, the NECI course, ‘Basic 9-1-1’.
Courses may be offered through various sponsors, for example, Jersey Shore Safety Consultants.
A list of upcoming classes is available on the website (http://www.state.nj.us/911/home/highlights/classes.html). The list may not include all courses.
A dispatcher will need eight hours of training a year to maintain New Jersey certification.
According to state administrative code, dispatchers who staff PSDPs may be certified by or may complete local training programs specific to the type of dispatch they provide; this may be fire, police or emergency medical services (http://www.state.nj.us/911/resource/reg/index.html#3).
A basic telecommunicator program is about 40 hours, or one week.
Some agencies have their own training programs in place. These may be significantly longer. The New Jersey State Police Operational Dispatch Bureau has a five week training program (http://www.newjersey.gov/njoem/odb.html).
Additional Requirements for Emergency Medical Dispatchers
In many cases, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification will be required as well. The State of New Jersey requires employees of PSAPs to hold EMD certification. There is an exception: when a PSAP directly transfers emergency medical calls to a PDSP that does employ certified staff.
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services has approved four training vendors. Medical dispatchers may be certified by APCO, IAED, or NECI or by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services (NJOETS) itself. NECI certification is termed ‘EMD Communications Officer’. Most other certifications are termed ‘Emergency Medical Dispatcher’.
The employing agency will likely have a particular vendor that it utilizes.
An EMD will need to recertify periodically. He or she will use the vendor’s recertification program if there is one in place. Otherwise, recertification will be through NJOETS.
The emergency medical dispatcher will need to hold CPR certification through the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or the National Safety Council.
Call-takers or dispatchers who are not certified as EMDs may substitute in cases of illness or emergency. However, they will still need to meet requirements described in state administrative code (http://www.nj.gov/911/resource/reg/index.html).
Long-Term Career Opportunities
Dispatch is part of a much broader field: emergency management.
Skilled dispatchers may move into supervisory positions on the strength of experience and of skills attained on the job or through continuing education or academic coursework.
Higher level positions in emergency communications and emergency management typically require degrees. Public administration and emergency management are among the options.
Additional Information
Information about emergency dispatch requirements is available from the Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services (http://www.nj.gov/911/resource). The OETS has provided a staff directory (http://www.nj.gov/911/contact/).
The New Jersey Chapter of the National Emergency Numbers Association is an additional professional resource (http://njnena.org).
911 Dispatcher Job summary 1
Under direct supervision, the 911 Dispatcher performs radio and communications work in the Emergency Communications Center on an assigned shift. Answers Emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for service. Dispatches appropriate emergency personnel (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, Public Works, Highway Department, etc.) and equipment to citizen complaints. Employee must exercise considerable tact and firmness in obtaining information from distressed persons. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in receiving messages, responding to emergency situations, and dispatching calls. Reports to the Communications Lead Operator (Supervisor).
911 Dispatcher Duties & Responsibilities 1
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911 Dispatcher Requirements & Skills 1
911 Dispatcher Job summary 2
We are looking for a qualified applicant to fill the position of 911 Dispatcher. This position provides excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement savings programs, wellness discounts and incentives, and many other great benefits such as paid leave time. Dispatchers are responsible for the processing of emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance received on 911.
911 Dispatcher Duties & Responsibilities 2
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911 Dispatcher Requirements & Skills 2
911 Dispatcher Job summary 3
This is a skilled and technical position responsible for answering all incoming emergency and non-emergency phone calls including the Enhanced 9-1-1 System. A 911 Dispatcher provides support for dispatch peers and reports to the 911 Shift Supervisor.
911 Dispatcher Duties & Responsibilities 3
911 Dispatcher Requirements & Skills 3
911 Dispatcher Job summary 4
We are seeking individuals with outstanding customer service and communication skills for the position of 911 Dispatcher. This is a great opportunity to launch a rewarding and exciting career. 911 Dispatchers serve as Call Receivers and Dispatchers.
911 Dispatcher Duties & Responsibilities 4
911 Dispatcher Requirements & Skills 4
911 Dispatcher Job summary 5
The 911 Dispatcher is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service over the telephone and by other means, employing appropriate call screening protocols, and responding to those calls by dispatching the appropriate public safety resources. This position is responsible for interaction with other public safety dispatch centers in the answering and transferring of calls and incident information, and for maintaining communications with field personnel in law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies. This position is required to respond appropriately to requests for services and information from field personnel. The 911 Dispatcher will report directly to the Shift Supervisor.
911 Dispatcher Duties & Responsibilities 5
911 Dispatcher Requirements & Skills 5
911 Dispatcher Job summary 6
We are immediately looking to fill several 911 Dispatcher positions. 911 Dispatchers perform more routine duties of radio dispatch for law enforcement, fire and ambulance services. 911 Dispatcher candidates will demonstrate the proven ability to work in a fast paced environment while performing multiple crucial tasks simultaneously.Rarely will you ever get a chance to meet the hundreds of people who call for help, yet they'll depend on your voice, your directions, and your knowledge to get through an emergency. No day is ever routine - one call may be a minor traffic accident, while the next is a frantic voice screaming for help. Both will be depending on your calm, firm voice and direction until help can arrive. Using state-of-the-art equipment and training, you'll provide the excellent service and security.
911 Dispatcher Duties & Responsibilities 6
911 Dispatcher Requirements & Skills 6
911 Dispatcher Job summary 7
This position serves as 911 Dispatcher. The position monitors telephones and radio; enters and receives data from computer systems; maintains records, database and prepares reports; related work as required.
911 Dispatcher Duties & Responsibilities 7
911 Dispatcher Requirements & Skills 7
911 Dispatcher Job summary 8
The 911 Dispatcher is a highly technical position that answers 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, the interdepartmental calls from police, fire and ambulance services, and calls from other public safety agencies. Monitors computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment and interpretation and is performed under general supervision with periodic review for accuracy and adherence to standards.The 911 Dispatcher provides callers with the appropriate advice or referral, or initiate police, fire, and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller. Dispatches law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel by Operating Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), two-way radio, and other sophisticated communications equipment systems.