9-1-1 Call Taker

Salary: $5,316.07 - $6,784.73 Monthly
Location : Bend, OR
Job Type: Regular, full time, full benefits
Job Number: 2026-00010
Department: 9-1-1 Service District
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 8:00 AM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 9-1-1


Summary
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

Our mission is to provide prompt assistance in a caring, resourceful and professional manner to those we serve. The Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District became a consolidated public safety dispatching agency in 1988, taking all calls for police, fire, and medical service assistance in Deschutes County. The District dispatches for 15 police and fire/emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and works closely with the U.S. Forest Service, AirLink, Life Flight, Oregon State Police, and other State and Federal entities.


Are you interested in joining a talented team and serving your community? If so, we invite you to review additional information by


ABOUT THE COUNTY:
We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.


Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

ABOUT THE JOB:

The 9-1-1 Call Taker, is the first step of a public safety dispatch career ladder. To continue employment, incumbents in this classification are required to satisfy the minimum requirements of a Public Safety Dispatcher I by the end of their first year of employment. The Public Safety Dispatcher I performs the job duties of a 9-1-1 Call Taker, but also dispatches law enforcement or fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responders as determined by the District.

The 9-1-1 Call Taker is the first person that talks to a person in an emergency. They are the critical decision maker in properly assessing the situation, interviewing the caller and getting the information entered into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to be dispatched out to police, fire or medical.


The 9-1-1 Call Taker provides computer-aided emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for all local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services agencies within Deschutes County. Dispatchers operate complex communications equipment, multi-line telephone systems and computer terminals to access and input information. This position requires the ability to maintain accuracy and speed while performing job duties, often under stressful situations.

HIRING PROCESS:

Apply Submit your application through the website once the job opens for recruitment. No resume or cover letter are needed. We will get to know you through the supplemental questions which we will review at the phone interview step. It is essential that you list complete and accurate information on your job history on the application. Incomplete information may disqualify you.
Testing We are responsible for capturing information and relaying it to our partners quickly. To be successful, you need to type a minimum of 42 words per minute at 90% accuracy.
CritiCall Test This is an online test where we look for underlying skills and abilities important for the work. The test involves components such as memorization, map reading and reading comprehension. You can learn more here: Minimum score requirements: Keyboarding 42 WPM; Data Entry 3895; Audio Data Entry 1893; Call Summarization 62%; Memory Recall 62%; Prioritization 60%; Map reading 66%. We cannot provide specific score information beyond Pass or Fail, however, you can see your total score by viewing your application through Governmentjobs.com.
First Interviews A thirty-minute phone interview comprised of five questions with a member of our leadership team.
Sit Alongs Testing Successful candidates are invited to spend 2-3 hours at dispatch. The first hour is sitting with a telecommunicator with a focus on answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, the second hour is sitting with a telecommunicator who is dispatching for police. The goal of the two hours is to see the job you are applying for in action and get to meet the staff you could potentially be working with. After the sit along, you are invited into the training room for a knowledge check of what you retained, listening to a couple of calls and following along in the computer system as well as a one-minute typing test. It is also a chance to ask any questions you may have to that point.
Panel Interview Meet our panel of experts, which includes operations and training to get to know you more.
Statement of Personal History This is our background phase. This is a thorough dive into your qualifications, where we verify criminal history, education, employment and other life events.
Psychological Assessment A comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation by a psychologist or their designee. You can learn more here:
Medical Testing This includes a vision, hearing and drug screening.

TIMELINE:

• This recruitment is re-opened and closes on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 8 a.m. To ensure your application is considered, all required testing MUST be successfully completed by 8 am on Monday, November 2, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to plan their time, accordingly, allowing for potential retakes or technical issues before the deadline.
• Hire Date: Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and advance through the selection process may be placed on a hiring list for openings in November 2026 and January 2027 .

TRAINING PROCESS:

The majority of recruits that are hired have no experience with emergency communications. To help you be successful in this role, we provide a comprehensive paid training program before you work on your own.


Our full-time paid training includes:

• Classroom learning with hands-on computer training.
• Simulation exercises, study and practice time.
• County Tour.
• Online classes completed at the center.
• Assigned experienced coaches to guide you while taking live calls and dispatching responders.
• Daily performance feedback to track your progress.

The first four to six weeks are classroom based and either 8- or 10-hour shifts. Once you transition to a trainer, you will work various 12-hour shift schedules that align with your trainer for the on-the-job portion of training where you will be answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls with the trainer.
At some point in the first year of employment, new trainees must attend three weeks of classroom training in Salem at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). The agency provides a vehicle to attend, employee is compensated for eight hours of training a day with three meals provided and a dorm room to stay in at no cost to the employee. You can learn more:


Key Responsibilities:

• Receives and processes incoming telephone calls, and texts, often during high-call volume periods, from people requesting emergency and non-emergency police, fire, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) assistance in a courteous, accurate, efficient, and timely manner.
• Enters information into a computer aided dispatch system in an accurate and timely manner.
• Makes effective, immediate decisions regarding life-threatening situations based on highly complex rules, regulations, and procedures.

What You Will Bring:
Knowledge of or experience with:

• Strong emotional intelligence with a history of honest and ethical decision-making.
• Interpersonal skills to discern callers' situations and assure an accurate, appropriate, and timely response by responders.
• A minimum basic knowledge of geography or the ability to learn geography in a timely manner.
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to adapt and communicate effectively with diverse public.
• Ability to manage your time and assignments.

Skill in:

• Thinking quickly and independently in emergency situations that require multiple decisions for action.
• Coordinating computer systems to access and enhance information provided to responders.
• Operation of multiple and complex telephone, radio, and computer equipment/systems.

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.


Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.


Review the full job description by clicking HERE.

Compensation


$5,316.07 to $6,784.73 per month for a 173.33 hour work month, during initial training period. $5,597.31 to $7,143.67 for a 182.5 hour work month, once released from training.


Hourly rate is increased to $32.2033 upon completion of call taking training, it will then be increased to $34.0196 upon completion of police dispatch training (about 8-12 months, Public Safety Dispatcher I). Dispatchers may also earn up to an additional 6% of their base salary when they obtain their intermediate certification and 11% of their base salary when they obtain their advanced certification through DPSST. At the top step with possession of an advanced certification, a Public Safety Dispatcher II can expect to earn over $100,000 per year.
For those currently possessing DPSST Certification as a Telecommunicator, certificate pay begins upon hire date and will receive an additional:

• 6% - for Intermediate certification.
• 11% - for Advanced certification.
• Out of State Certified applicants will receive certification pay as soon as certification is granted by DPSST.

Lateral certified applicants with 36 months or more experience begin at pay step 2 - $32.2033 per hour.


Hours will increase to 182.50 per month after the initial training period.

Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This position is available immediately. This is a union represented position, for additional information, please click HERE .
Attention all candidates: please make sure your application includes all job history, education, training, certifications, licenses, and other relevant experience, as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity. Resumes will not be reviewed.
BENEFITS:

Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $100 per month for employee only or $121 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent;
• Must be 18 years of age by hire date;
• Must accurately type a minimum of 42 words per minute.

To qualify for employment with the 9-1-1 Service District, candidates must:

• Pass a drug screening; a hearing and vision exam; a thorough background, employment, and criminal history investigation; and a psychological examination.
• Meet the requirements as outlined in Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008-0300
• Possess or obtain all required state certificates and licenses within the probationary period, and maintain thereafter.
  • Certification as an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Basic Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatcher and Emergency Fire Dispatcher.
  • CPR and First Aid certification.
  • Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification.

Necessary Special Requirements


Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Must pass a driving record review and criminal history background.

• A current driver's license, state of issue, date of birth, and a list of states previously lived in (if applicable) are required . Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must include an accurate driver's license number, state of origin, date of birth, and a list of states previously lived in in the Supplemental Question portion of the application.

Physical Requirements: Must meet the physical requirements as outlined in Most work in this classification series occurs under a stressful, high activity office environment where concentration and focus are required for long periods of time. There is often little opportunity to talk to co-workers. Work is performed in an area with moderate noise and lighting fluctuations with restrictions to the workstation.
Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.
If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans' Preference, please click for information.
Excellent County benefit package when eligible.
Deschutes County offers eligible employees a comprehensive healthcare package that covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $100 for employee only and $121 per month for employee plus dependents. Included in the health care package is the Deschutes Onsite Clinic (DOC), which provides a wide range of health, wellness, and primary care services to employees and their dependents. The DOC offers convenient hours and no out-of-pocket costs to patients. The DOC Pharmacy is a full service pharmacy available to employees and dependents to have their prescriptions filled at a discounted co-pay. In addition to the health care package, Deschutes County provides a generous and comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees.


When Are you Eligible:
If you are hired on the first business day of the month, your benefits will start on the first of that month (immediate benefits, either that day or back to the first of the month if the first is on a Saturday or Sunday). If you are hired after the first business day of the month, your benefits will start on the first day of the following month.

Employer paid benefit offerings include:

• Life Insurance for employee and dependents
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Program through Oregon PERS
• Time Management Leave

Employee paid voluntary benefit offerings include:

• 125 Flexible Spending Program
• 457 Deferred Compensation Program
• Supplemental Life and Accident Insurance

To learn more about Deschutes County's generous benefit offerings, please visit our page and click on Employee Benefits or click HERE for full benefits guide.
01


I certify that I have read the information provided to me including the initial ad with its included links, the job description, OAR 259-008-0011 (click for OAR), and the posting announcement, and confirm that I qualify and am able to perform the essential functions and special requirements of this position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


I understand that all sections of my online application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed accurately and thoroughly to quantify and qualify my ability to follow instructions, give detailed and relevant answers, and to describe my background. I also understand that an incomplete application or lack of details may disqualify me from this position.

• Yes
• No

04


This job is the essential first link for community to access emergency services and are essential employees. You are expected to report to duty on time and remain at work until the end of shift, regardless of weather or emergencies. You will work various 12 hour shifts, including day, swing, graveyard and relief shifts on a rotation basis. You will work weekends, holidays and overtime. Do you confirm that you are willing and able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

05


What concerns do you have, if any, with the above requirements?
06


Are you, or have you been, DPSST certified as a telecommunicator, or worked in an equivalent capacity to an emergency dispatcher or call taker? (If yes, please be sure to list the experience on your application).

• Yes
• No

07


Please tell us why you applied for this position.
08


How will your experience, education, skills, and abilities prepare you for a career as a Public Safety Dispatcher / 9-1-1 Call Taker?
09


We provide paid on the job training. While in training, you will follow your trainer's schedule. Requests for additional time off during the training period may not be approved. What concerns do you have with this?
10


If selected, you will need to attend DPSST Basic Telecommunicator class for three weeks in Salem within the first year of employment. You will be paid for your training time. Lodging and meals are provided by DPSST. What concerns do you have with this?
11


Once certified as a dispatcher, most dispatchers currently work two twelve-hour dayshifts (7 am - 7 pm) followed by two twelve-hour nightshifts (7 pm - 7am). Four days on, four days off. During training, you will be following various trainer's schedules so your days off and hours will vary and could include swing shifts and different days off. Are you willing to work this schedule?

• Yes
• No

12


What concerns if any do you have with this?
13


You will have various classes being taught via an online platform. Are you able to navigate and apply what is learned online?

• Yes
• No

14


Although we try to prevent short notice changes to schedules, they do occur. Are you willing to accept short notice changes to your work schedule, including mandatory overtime, which might require you to cancel personal plans?

• Yes
• No

15


Are you willing to work 12-hour shifts, that includes three ten-minute breaks and a 30-minute paid lunch, keeping in mind that the breaks and lunch may not be at times you prefer?

• Yes
• No

16


Are you willing to receive and apply feedback daily from supervisors, coworkers, management?

• Yes
• No

17


Are you able and willing to read, study, and apply different manuals, listen to lectures and take written tests on a regular basis during training and throughout your career?

• Yes
• No

18


PRE-SCREENING RELEASE: In order to be considered for a position with the Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District, candidates must pass a PRE-qualifying driving record review and a criminal history background check. Deschutes County will use the driver's license information and date of birth from your application to conduct an investigation verifying your background. Results will be used for the purpose of making selection decisions. Information contained in your background check will be reviewed by those persons involved in making decisions on candidate selection or performing the background investigation. You must provide your driver's license number, state of issuance, date of birth and a list of previous states lived in (if applicable) in the supplemental question section of this application form. FAILURE TO LIST YOUR LICENSE NUMBER, STATE, DATE OF BIRTH and PREVIOUS STATES LIVED IN (IF APPLICABLE) or listing incorrect information, will disqualify you for submitting an incomplete application. By checking YES below, I give Deschutes County my consent to perform a pre-qualifying review of my driving record and criminal history background as described above. I understand the information will be used in the selection process for the 9-1-1 Call Taker position.

• Yes
• No

19


Please enter your full, legal name: (last, first, middle).
20


Date of birth: (mm, dd, yyyy).
21


Driver's license number.
22


State driver's license issued from.
23


List of previous states lived in. If none, enter N/A.
Required Question