Public Safety Dispatcher

DispatcherPerforms highly responsible communications work in receiving and dispatching police and emergency calls and messages to the appropriate authorities and personnel. Maintains and retrieves records and file information for dissemination to patrol units and other department personnel.Examples of Duties(Any position may not include all duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all duties, which may be found in positions of this class.)Operates and monitors a variety of communication and alarm system equipment including telephones, radios, computer terminals, closed circuit video system and SPOTS.Receives requests for police and other emergency assistance. Ascertains the nature of requests and dispatches the appropriate service units in accordance with established protocol. Determines the urgency of the call and elicits the necessary information from the caller. Exercises tact and judgment in dealing with emergency situations. Relays and receives further instructions from police, fire or ambulance personnel at an emergency scene.Maintains a record via the in-house computer system of all calls for service requested as well as the units sent, arrival time and cleared time.Monitors then closed circuit television system in order to ensure station security and the proper supervision of confined persons.Disseminates information concerning wanted persons, stolen vehicles, missing persons, and other police information as may be received by SPOTS, telephone or other means.Performs other related duties as required.Dispatchers work in the headquarters building under a rotating shift schedule. Must work nights, weekends, and holidays as required. Dispatchers work under extremely stressful situations, which vary greatly and change at a moment's notice. Must be required to work under such diverse situations as complete boredom with no activity occurring, to handling as many as three or four emergencies requiring handling by several departments for each emergency at any given time. Dispatchers must be able to handle these varied situations with efficiency, dedication to documentation and compassion towards the public.PAY SCALE: 2026-27Position Title - I - II - III - III -5yr - III -10yrDispatcher - $26.21 - $27.99 - $30.77 - $31.57 - $32.63Dispatcher I - is an entry-level position.Dispatcher II - After one consecutive year of service as a Dispatcher I, an employee must meet the following requirements to attain Dispatcher II status:Enjoy successful performance evaluations.Be certified as a SPOTS operator (State Police On Line Telecommunications System).Be Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certified.Dispatcher III - After two (2) years of consecutive service, including Dispatcher II status, an employee must meet the following requirements to attain Dispatcher III status:Complete appropriate training for, and has been certified as a "Public Safety Dispatcher", as provided for through the "New Hampshire Emergency Dispatch Association", -or- "The New Hampshire Dispatch Academy", -or The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials"; or another equivalent "Public Safety Dispatcher" certification program as determined by the Chief of Police.Has been approved by the Assistant Communications Supervisor to administer the "Communications Field Training Guide" to probationary employees;Is not currently on "probation";Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesWorking knowledge of the principles involved in the operation of the radio, telephone, and related communications equipment; Knowledgeable of the street system and geography of the town; Ability to speak clearly and concisely. Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, accurately in emergency situations; Ability to develop within a reasonable period of time, skill and speed in the operation of the communications equipment and to demonstrate as knowledge of public safety practices and procedures; Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.Minimum QualificationsMust have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with Computers, office equipment and communications equipment is desirable.The Town of Merrimack is an at-will, Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Merrimack does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law, nor does it tolerate discrimination or harassment based on these protected statuses. Inquiries regarding discrimination, including matters related to physical or mental disability, may be directed to the Human Resources Director at View phone number on click.appcast.io.