How to hire an emergency telecommunications dispatcher

How to hire an emergency telecommunications dispatcher, step by step

Here's a step-by-step emergency telecommunications dispatcher hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an emergency telecommunications dispatcher job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new emergency telecommunications dispatcher
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The emergency telecommunications dispatcher hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an emergency telecommunications dispatcher to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an emergency telecommunications dispatcher that fits the bill.

   This list presents emergency telecommunications dispatcher salaries for various positions.

   Type of Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher	Description	Hourly rate
   Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher	Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers, also called public safety telecommunicators, answer emergency and nonemergency calls.	$13-24
   Call Taker	A call taker works at a call or dispatch center, where they are primarily in charge of answering calls, identifying the callers' needs, and coordinating services to assist them right away. Although their responsibilities depend on their company or industry of employment, it usually involves answering inquiries, processing requests, arranging appointments or reservations, and handling issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently... Show more	$13-24
   Dispatcher	Dispatchers are generally responsible for coordinating with the customers regarding the delivery status of the products and providing precise logistics and the fastest transportation routes to the professional drivers to ensure smooth and timely deliveries. A dispatcher is required to monitor the driver's location, strictly track road situations at all times to provide real-time updates for the customers, and advise the driver for alternative routes... Show more	$12-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • EMS
   • Computer Aided Dispatch
   • CPR
   • Public Safety Agencies
   • CAD
   • NCIC
   • Law Enforcement Agencies
   • Criminal Justice
   • Two-Way Radio
   • EMD
   • Criminal History
   • Radio Traffic
   • Computer System
   • Dispatch System

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform EMD protocols for injure subscribers.
   • Provide assistance in accordance with state mandates of EMD.
   • Provide medical instruction to those on the scene of the emergency until the EMT's arrive.
   • Display patience, caring, and understanding until police, fire, or ems arrive on the scene.
   • Help the caller stay calm if need and give verbal directions such as CPR, gunshot victim, seizures, etc.
   • Operate NC DCI system within DCI and agency protocols, disseminate information to appropriate officers, and effect entries into NCIC.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your emergency telecommunications dispatcher job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An emergency telecommunications dispatcher salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, emergency telecommunications dispatchers' average salary in arkansas is 60% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level emergency telecommunications dispatchers earn 45% less than senior-level emergency telecommunications dispatchers.
   • Certifications. An emergency telecommunications dispatcher with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an emergency telecommunications dispatcher's salary.

   Average emergency telecommunications dispatcher salary

   $38,561yearly

   $18.54 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level emergency telecommunications dispatcher salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

4. Writing an emergency telecommunications dispatcher job description

   A job description for an emergency telecommunications dispatcher role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an emergency telecommunications dispatcher job description:

   Emergency telecommunications dispatcher job description example

   Assumes responsibility for switchboard operation, alarm monitoring, after hours Doctors answering service, Hospice and Home Care of Reno Co. answering service, functions as the communications hub for the facility, disseminates information and maintains departmental records.
   
   Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
   Monitors and dispatches internal emergency response to all Kansas Standardized Emergency Codes integrated with Life and Facility Safety alarms. Provides and disseminates information and maintains departmental records. Works closely with 911 dispatches during emergency situation. Performs as Communication Center during Hospital Incident Command System activation for internal or external disasters such as Mass Casualty or Severe Weather situations Helpdesk after hours calls, urgent calls EverBridge page for tech support, non-urgent email sent to helpdesk for next day follow up Operates as an after-hours messaging center for Hutchinson Clinic and Hutchinson hospital doctors. Demonstrates proficient and efficient receipt and relay of communications via mastery of Lucent switchboard, public address systems, written, oral, and electronic communications. Utilizes Hutchinson Regional on-call systems in an efficient and accurate manner including the interpretation of practice and departmental schedules, demonstrating conformity with Telecommunications protocols for contacting staff. Abides by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability privacy and security regulations regarding all aspects of Protected Health Information (PHI).
   
   MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED :
   Active listener of transmissions of various types of communication messages (written, oral, and electronic communications). Strong background in customer service. Moderate computer level skill. Keyboarding skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
   
   PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
   Knowledge of medical terminology. Microsoft Office software program utilization (Excel, Word) Previous exposure to a medical environment.
   
   REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL SKILLS :
   Integrity: A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of honesty and the willingness to do the right thing. The ability to role model, inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Compassion: A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of caring that is reflected in a high level of empathy and customer service with all that we come in contact. Ability to manage conflict, consider other points of view, and offer alternative solutions without jeopardizing overall project direction and the ability to manage customer expectations. Accountability: Demonstrated track record of ownership of situations, projects and issues. Able to work autonomously and have a high degree of flexibility to adapt to changing projects, priorities and work volumes. Respect: Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse population. Treat all internal and external customers with a positive, proactive service orientation. Excellence: Strong communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to influence and lead teams to conclusion/decision making. Proven ability to think strategically but also must be able to lead day-to-day tactical processes. Demonstrated ability to manage and provide coaching and leadership on complex projects. Must be able to lead and/or facilitate process improvement.
   
   MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
   N/A
   
   PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
   Associate's Degree or higher in communications or related field. Previous switchboard or dispatching experience. One-year office or medical office employment.
   
   REQUIRED LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:
   N/A
   
   PREFERRED LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:
   N/A
   We offer competitive pay, a generous benefit package and a reason to be proud of what you do, every day.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right emergency telecommunications dispatcher for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with emergency telecommunications dispatchers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit emergency telecommunications dispatchers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your emergency telecommunications dispatcher job on Zippia to find and recruit emergency telecommunications dispatcher candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit emergency telecommunications dispatchers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new emergency telecommunications dispatcher

   Once you've decided on a perfect emergency telecommunications dispatcher candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new emergency telecommunications dispatcher. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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