Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee or Lateral

Salary : $45,385.60 - $63,086.40 Annually
Location : Idaho Falls, ID
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-0209
Department: Police Department
Division: Police 911 Communication
Opening Date: 02/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


General Purpose
The City of Idaho Falls is currently accepting applications for the position of Emergency Communications Officer . This posting is intended to fill either an entry-level Trainee position or a Lateral position , depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant.
This is a civilian position within the Police Department and candidates are subject to the same standards as all law enforcement personnel as set by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Emergency Communications Officers are responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical personnel using radio and computer-aided dispatch systems. This position plays a critical role in public safety by accurately gathering information, prioritizing calls, and coordinating appropriate emergency responses.


Trainee Emergency Communications Officer (Entry-Level)
The Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee position is an entry-level role intended for applicants without prior emergency communications experience .
General Purpose
While in the training phase, the Trainee participates in a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform emergency communications duties. Upon successful completion of the training program, the Trainee advances to perform entry-level technical duties involving the use of radio and communications equipment to dispatch police, fire, and emergency personnel in response to community emergency and assistance calls.
A Trainee applicant is an individual who may:

• Have no prior professional 911 or emergency dispatch experience
• Are interested in starting a career in emergency communications
• Are able to successfully complete a formal training program

Applicants without prior emergency communications experience should apply under the Trainee designation.
Please review the to gain a more detailed understanding of the duties, requirements, and expectations of this position
A. Graduation from high school or GED; AND B. One (1) year experience in a responsible work environment sufficient to demonstrate an aptitude or ability to perform above duties; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Please see below for essential functions and additional qualifications.


Lateral Emergency Communications Officer (Experienced)
The Lateral Emergency Communications Officer position is intended for experienced emergency communications professionals seeking a lateral transfer to the Idaho Falls Police Department.
General Purpose
A lateral Emergency Communications Officer performs the full scope of emergency communications duties, including receiving and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, and EMS units, and coordinating emergency responses using established policies and procedures. Lateral Qualification Clarification
A lateral applicant is an individual who:

• Is currently employed or has prior experience as a 911 Dispatcher or Emergency Communications Officer with another agency, and
• Has completed a recognized emergency communications training program

Idaho Falls Police Department will use the following criteria when selecting lateral applicants:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who is legally authorized to work in the United States.
• High School graduation or possession of a GED or equivalent
• Not less than 21 years of age at the time appointments
• Must possess a obtain a valid Idaho Drivers License by date of appointment

Lateral Emergency Communications Officer:

• Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center in the State of Idaho.
• Cumulative related service in Idaho must include a minimum of three (3) years of Public Safety or Emergency Communication dispatching.
• Must have an Idaho POST Basic Certification as an emergency Communications Officer.

Outside Lateral Applicants

• Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center or in a center that routinely:
  1. Receives and prioritizes emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone calls from the public
  2. Processes information using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system
  3. Dispatches appropriate emergency services agencies such as police, fire and emergency medical units
  4. Retrieves and enters computer data for emergency response personnel within a service area and monitors public safety units in the field
• Cumulative related service must include a minimum of three (3) years of Public Safety or emergency Communication dispatching. (POST Basic Certification)
• Must pass the Idaho POST Basic Certification Test within 18 months after hire.
• Validate evidence of successful completion of a related training academy certified by the appropriate state, federal or local regulatory or oversight agency.

Dispatching in non-emergency transportation services such as, trucking, bus, taxi, tow-truck, gas and water services, railroads, airlines or commercial or private couriers with NOT be considered as previous related experience.

Lateral applicants may be eligible for modified training based on experience and departmental assessment.
Lateral Hiring Process:
Applicants applying under the Lateral designation who meet the minimum qualifications will participate in the following process:

• Application and resume review to ensure minimum qualifications are met
• Administrative interview
• Background process, including:
  • Detailed background investigation
  • Polygraph examination
  • Psychological examination
  • Medical screening

The starting rate of pay for the Lateral position may be higher and will be determined based on the applicant's relevant experience, training, and qualifications.

Important Information for Applicants

• This is a civilian position within the Police Department
• All applicants must meet Idaho POST standards
• Candidates must indicate whether they are applying as a Trainee or a Lateral applicant within the supplemental questionnaire during the application process.

Applicants without prior emergency communications experience should select the Trainee option. Applicants with prior professional 911 or emergency communications experience should select the Lateral option and submit a resume.
Essential Functions


Emergency Communications Officer Trainee:

Receives and coordinates all 911, police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue, and other emergency requests; receives and coordinates all non-emergency requests; relays instructions to radio units concerned; logs and types all citizen complaints.


Dispatches patrol cars and emergency vehicles and equipment as necessary; informs involved officers of the nature of call and provides follow up service to officers requesting additional service or information; provides ongoing communication to assure the safety of officers and emergency personnel.


Handles requests from officers on call for special or specific information, i.e., NCIC reports (criminal histories); follows up with appropriate department units for necessary information and relays same back to officer.


Keeps informed of whereabouts of officers and emergency personnel at all times; maintains records of location of each officer and time spent on call scene.


Broadcasts pick-up notices for wanted persons and stolen and suspect cars to officers; receives and checks inquiries for criminal record checks by using a video terminal; receives and transmits information over Teletype.


Conducts preliminary investigations and searches via NCIC, in-house files, FBI files, etc. and supplies requesting officer or official with results; follows up on inquires for criminal history reports and current criminal status.


Operates computer to maintain continuous record of communications activity, actions and disposition of emergency requests; keeps necessary logs, records and reports including incoming and outgoing calls; initiates "AlertSense" emergency calls to warn citizens and activate emergency personnel.


Maintains radio communications logs, and NCIC/NLETS/ILETS/ISTARS Teletype system; operates computer as needed to access and retrieve records and information; performs technical maintenance on equipment; coordinates complex repairs with system vendors and contract maintenance agency.


Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or GED; AND B. One (1) year experience in a responsible work environment sufficient to demonstrate an aptitude or ability to perform above duties; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.


2. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Some knowledge of communication equipment; legal and liability issues common to emergency dispatch; local geography; radio dispatch procedures and radio codes; proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation; standard office practices and procedures related to records filing and office maintenance; interpersonal communication skills; modern filing systems related to alphabetical and numeric files; telephone systems; telephone etiquette; operation of a variety of types of standard office machines including computer, fax machine, copy machine, etc.


Skill in Word Processing, proficient typing with an emphasis on accuracy over speed. Must have proof of ability to type at least 45 words per minute.


Ability to effectively multi-task, understand and operate a variety of radio communication equipment; think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations; deliver understandable and complex verbal instructions; perform work requiring good hearing, good diction and a clear voice; exercise initiative, independent judgment and to act resourcefully under varying conditions; maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive administrative and legal information; develop effective working relationships with department heads, senior officers, fellow employees, and the public; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; work under time pressures and work deadlines; work in an environment requiring continuous setting; ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions; learn and comprehend state criminal codes and penalties associated with various offenses; police records management requirements; UCR codes.


3. Special Qualifications:


Must be able to pass a Law Enforcement Background check.


Must be able to pass a polygraph examination.

Must be able to pass a medical and psychological evaluation.
Must be eligible to be POST certified with a Basic Certification within 18 months of hire date.
Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho Driver's License.
Must be 18 years of age.
Upon completion of required training, must be certified as an Emergency Dispatcher (EMD, EFD) and ILETS certified.
Must work varying shifts. Including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Hiring Process:

• CritiCall testing: This is a computerized technical test that measures the following skills and abilities: typing speed, data entry, memory recall, map reading, spelling, multitasking and reading comprehension. We recommend you practice typing to prepare, including using the number pad. There are several free practice tests offered online that are similar to what you will be taking.
• Job Shadow or "sit along"
• Panel Interview
• Complete Background Investigation
• Pass a polygraph examination
• Medical exam and drug screening
• Psychological evaluation

Process time on average is 2-3 months.
Work Environment
Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, generally involving minor muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, and reaching. Talking, hearing and seeing are necessary to performance of essential functions. Rapid work speed required to perform keyboard operations. Common eye, hand, finger, dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and some creative problem solving in a high stress, potentially, fast pace communications, critical incident management environment.
The City of Idaho Falls offers a highly competitive benefits package including membership in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision and life insurance. For further information regarding City of Idaho Falls benefits, visit the Benefits section of our web page.

Temporary jobs and part-time positions that regularly work less than 20 hours per week typically do not qualify for benefits.
01


Please check the box that best describes your level of education.

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College/Vocational Training
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher

02


For P.O.S.T Certification purposes, are you at least 18 years old?

• Yes
• No

03


Briefly describe your experience and how it relates to the requirements for this position.
04


A major requirement of this position requires employees to staff a 24/7/365 operations center working a variety of day, swing, and night shifts and overtime, sometimes on short notice. Employees frequently work weekends and holidays. Are you able and willing to work a schedule such as this?

• Yes
• No

05


This position requires the ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations. What best describes how you have gained this ability?
06


Are you verbally fluent in Spanish? This is not a job requirement, but is beneficial.

• Yes
• No

07


What is your typing speed?

• Less than 45 wpm
• Between 45 wpm and 55 wpm
• Between 55 and 60 wpm
• Over 60 wpm

08


Do you have prior professional experience as a 911 Dispatcher or Emergency Communications Officer with a law enforcement, fire, or emergency services agency?

• Yes
• No

09


Are you applying for the Trainee position or the Lateral position?

• Trainee - I am applying for the entry-level trainee position and do not have prior professional emergency communications experience.
• Lateral - I am applying for the lateral position and have prior professional emergecy communications experience.

Required Question