Emergency Dispatcher

Salary : $50,195.14 - $59,616.08 Annually
Location : Town Center: 211 East Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto, TX
Job Type: Regular Fulltime
Job Number: 01199
Department: Southwest Regional Dispatch Center
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Description
This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.
Our Core Values
We LOVE DeSoto
• L- We lift up our community
• O- We take ownership of our collective performance
• V- We value and respect all employees
• E- We empower employees to grow


The purpose of the position is to process emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and to coordinate the response of emergency services. This is accomplished by answering calls and requesting information, determining appropriate response type, and dispatching services from the appropriate entity. Other duties include maintaining call records, completing general office duties, and verifying and updating dispatch maps.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes incoming calls for service by gathering information; requesting emergency type; evaluating needs; determining emergency or non-emergency status; contacting the appropriate responder; dispatching services; monitoring activities; and receiving and transmitting updated information.
• Prioritizes calls for service by evaluating information; processing requests; prioritizing calls; contacting the appropriate agency; coordinating response of primary, back-up and support units; and providing other agency assistance as required.
• Maintains records of work performed by creating and filing information.
• Responds to requests from agency personnel by monitoring units and calls; entering information into local, state and national systems; confirming warrants; and processing miscellaneous service requests.
• Assists with training activities by answering questions; instructing new employees on processes, priorities and systems; evaluating trainees; and submitting progress reports.

Qualifications

• High School graduation or equivalent

Supplemental Information

• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, the public, and elected and appointed officials
• Ability to alphabetize and numerically sequence materials
• Ability to hear and understand callers through each ear while wearing a headset
• Ability to distinguish colors
• Ability to enter information into systems while conversing with callers
• Skill in the operation and use of standard office software which includes databases and presentation programs, along with standard Microsoft products

Employee Benefit Information

Health Insurance- BCBS

Dental Insurance- BCBS

Vision Insurance - EyeMed Insight

Flexible Spending - Payflex
Employees can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for yearly out of pocket medical expenses. Subject to IRS annual limits and restrictions.

Life Insurance- Dearborn National
The City provides each employee with a life insurance policy of 3 times their annual salary up to a maximum of $150,000.

Voluntary Term Life Option- Dearborn National
This is additional low cost life insurance available to employees and their dependents.

Employee Assistance Program- Deer Oaks
Assists in recommending counselors for any city employee experiencing personal problems.

Education Pay
Employees can receive a monthly additional pay for Associates, Bachelors, Masters and PHD degrees.

Social Security
Employee participates at 7.65% contribution with matching city funds.

Texas Municipal Retirement System
Employees participate in a statewide retirement program at 7% contribution with a city match of 2:1.
Five years vesting, 20 years retirement at any age.

Vacation
Non-civil service employees accrue 6.67 hours per month (2 weeks per year).
All police employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year).
All Fire employees accrue 15 hours per month (7.5 - 24 hour shifts a year).

Sick Leave
Non-civil service employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year).
All police employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year).
All Fire employees accrue 15 hours per month (7.5 - 24 hour shifts a year).

Holidays
Non-civil service employees receive 13 paid holidays per year including one personal or "floating" day.

Longevity Pay
Earned at a rate of $4 per month.
This is calculated on number of years of service up to and including 25 years (maximum $1200).

Worker's Compensation
Worker's compensation coverage is provided for all employees.

Fire/Police
Eligible for Education/Certification pay.

Deferred Compensation Plans- Mass Mutual/Empower
Payroll deduction for employee participation. City does not contribute.
01


1. Do you have at least two (2) years of related work experience as an emergency call taker or dispatcher?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a valid Driver's License with a good driving record and the ability to maintain it while employed?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you understand that you must obtain APCO, EMD, and TCOLE certifications within six (6) months of hire, and that failure to do so may result in termination of employment?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you understand this position requires the ability to work shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

Required Question