Entry Level Communications Technician I - 911 Dispatch

WALLOWA COUNTY JOB POSTING 26-0302

Date:                   March 2, 2026

Position:              Entry Level Communications Technician I                                               911 Dispatch

                           (On the job training provided)                  

Status:                 Full-time 40 hours per week

                           Excellent Benefits Package

Rate of Pay:         $23.07 – 29.19 per hour 

Shift:                   Variable Shifts                          

Closing Date:       Open until filled

Qualifications: 

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen, an extensive background check and the ability to obtain Oregon State Police CJIS clearance
• Ability to possess and maintain Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification, APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch certification, and DPSST Telecommunications certification
• Ability to work rotating shifts, and normal shifts that may be extended, work weekends, holidays, and work overtime as assigned; dependable and predictable employment is required
• Possess a commitment to comply with confidentiality requirements and agency policies
• Current knowledge of, or the ability to study and maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, industrial areas, public buildings and the general geographic locations and landmarks within jurisdictions of Wallowa County
• Basic to intermediate level of computer knowledge and experienc
• High level skills in listening and communication; speaking clearly and distinctly in an appropriate tone of voic
• Skill in the operation of the tools and equipment listed below.
• Documented ability of net typing speed of at least 45 words per minute
• Ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment consistent with appropriate policies, procedures, and techniques applicable to handling emergency situations
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally with a diverse range of contacts
• Ability to follow and give verbal and written instructions
• Ability to remain alert throughout an assigned shift, under varying levels of multiple simultaneous tasking and urgency
• Ability to be flexible and highly adaptable to change
• Ability to remain calm, deal with constant interruptions, and handle stressful situations; politically astute
• Ability to simultaneously answer telephone calls and dispatch emergency services units as well as listen to radio traffic
• Ability to maintain professionalism at all times, establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with City staff and others contacted in the performance of duties
• Sit at a desk for extended periods of time; occasionally walk, stand, or stoop; occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity; work for sustained periods of time maintaining concentrated attention to detail
• Must meet all physical standards as set forth by the State of Oregon DPSST to include visual acuity, hearing, speaking and basic physical health that provides the stamina to perform duties of the position for long periods of time
• Formal application, rating of education and experience; written test, oral interview reference check and background investigation; drug screen; other job related tests may be required

Responsibilities:

• Operates communications equipment to receive and process incoming emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for assistance
• Performs dispatch duties and keep accurate records of communications received and transmitted for police, fire, and emergency medical response as well as other agencies
• Works under the close supervision of the Communications Supervisor
• Operates radio and multi-line phone telephone control consoles receiving both emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire and medical emergency assistance and other public requests for help
• Effectively route other calls for service to other appropriate agencies
• Dispatches medical call in accordance with APCO procedures and gives pre-arrival instructions to callers awaiting arrival of responding units
• Questions callers with professionalism and control to determine the nature of the problem being reported and gather required information
• Accesses computer terminals to obtain, transmit and record information such as vehicle license numbers, driver’s information, warrants and stolen vehicles information; enter and record information via computer terminal; maintain status of equipment to maintain control and record the activity of the dispatched units
• Dispatches calls to appropriate units or departments; maintain information on units’ activities
• Maintains contact with emergency apparatus and personnel using two-way radio, telephone, mobile dispatch terminals and computer aided dispatch system (CAD)
• Uses cameras to monitor individuals in holding cells for proper conduct, safety, and medical or other needs; immediately alerts an on-duty officer of any concerns
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Communications Director, Communications Supervisor and Undersheriff
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed

Applications may be obtained below under "Supporting Documents" or from the Human Resource Department in Room 302 in the Court House.  bmicka [at] co.wallowa.or.us (bmicka[at]co[dot]wallowa[dot]or[dot]us).

Wallowa County is an EEOC with Veterans Preference