Dispatch Specialist

Dispatch Specialist

Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department: Public Safety

Advertised Salary: $23.43 hourly rate pursuant to the FSU and CTA/MEA-NEA Agreement

Benefits: Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Temporary/Continuing: Continuing

Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time

Union Group: Clerical-Technical Association (MEA-NEA)

Term of Position: 12 Month

At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause

Summary of Position: Coordinate the Public Safety Department communication system and perform a variety of police records support functions, some of which require special certification. This position will be expected to work different/longer hours during times of emergency. This is a CTA-MEA/NEA position.

Position Type: Staff

Required Education: Associate's Degree

Required Work Experience: Six months work experience in dispatching, law enforcement, or as an equivalent emergency communication professional.

Required Licenses and Certifications: LEIN certified or achieve such certification within 60 days of hire.

Physical Demands: Office Environment

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Bachelor's Degree, One year of police dispatcher experience, Formal training in law enforcement and/or dispatching-related discipline.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Answer incoming calls and direct communications to the proper destination and/or assign the appropriate response service such as dispatching police officers to non-emergency complaints, referral of emergency police, fire, and EMS requests to Central Dispatch.
• Coordinate police response and services to University students, faculty, and staff as needed.
• Monitor and coordinate response to intrusion, hold-up, and fire alarm systems.
• Type, keyboard, input, record and file records according to established procedures.
• Responsible for the selection, training, scheduling, and supervision of all student dispatchers.
• Process payroll for all DPS student employees.
• Upon authorization to do so, will initiate and notify constituents via emergency mass communication system in various emergencies.
• Serve as active member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and assume responsibilities as outlined in the Emergency Response Plan and Procedures.
• Review forms and other documents to assure proper completion.
• Retrieve and input data utilizing a computer and printer.
• Collect fines and fees and issue receipts; issue guest parking permits, and assist in the administration of the parking program as directed.
• Validate and edit police reports.
• Disseminate police reports/warrant requests.
• Maintain supplemental reports.
• Certified LEIN operator.
• Process abandoned vehicle reports.
• Process traffic citations.
• Process property dispositions.
• Assist General Counsel with FOIA requests.
• Conduct background checks for other agencies.
• Process requests for police reports.
• Conduct driving records checks for Motor Pool and other University departments on an as needed basis.
• Maintain confidentiality as required by law and department procedures.
• Prepare/coordinate department/University mail/document deliveries.
• Responsible for tracking, and appropriately dispatching the Public Safety Officers.
• Selection, training and supervising student dispatchers and part-time personnel in dispatch, in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.
• Response/coordination of DPS communication in emergencies/mass casualties/disasters.
• Serve as the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) as required by the Michigan State Police and FBI CJIC.
• Serve as the Local Area Security Officer (LASO) as required by the Michigan State Police and FBI CJIC.
• Maintains the department's records system, as directed.
• Report directly to the Director of Public Safety.
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Register weapons.

Skills and Abilities:

• Maintain composure in crisis situations and be able to work under the pressure of an emergency situation.
• Communicate effectively and be able to successfully interact in unusual situations and with difficult customers.
• Use computer software such as word-processing, spreadsheets, database, and other management software.
• Successfully interact with visitors, staff, faculty, and students.
• Able to share sensitive information on a need-to-know basis only.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.

Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume, Unofficial Transcript

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Initial Application Review Date: September 14, 2026

Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes

EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.