Dispatcher- Police, Information & Technology Management Bureau, Communications Division

Salary : $55,183.00 - $99,970.00 Annually
Location : Ligon Building, 3450 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00399
Department: Police
Division: Police - Communications
Opening Date: 05/14/2026



POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION

Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Operates communications equipment to receive incoming calls, text messages and pictures/videos for assistance, dispatches personnel and equipment to the scene of emergencies and operates Police Teletype.

STARTING SALARY IS $26.53 HOURLY/$55,183 ANNUALLY
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs technical level through intermediate technical level dispatching operations work under general supervision from a technical superior. The one-year probationary period consists of learning and becoming proficient at the below listed functions while assigned a training officer and ends upon consistently displayed competency and supervisory sign-off. At the intermediate technical level, work includes receiving, routing and transmitting information on both an emergency and non-emergency basis via telephone, radio, teletype, computer terminal and other communications equipment and dispatching emergency equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.

Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.

Emergency Dispatchers follow established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures in carrying out all duties and responsibilities. These include the ability to operate a variety of equipment, including telephones, radios, teletype, TTD's, computer equipment, office machines and other communications equipment. Other duties may also be assigned.


CALL-TAKING:
Emergency Dispatchers:
Operate telephone consoles to receive incoming calls and text messages for assistance.
Speak clearly and distinctly.
Obtain required information from callers who may be under stress.
React quickly and calmly when processing routine and emergency calls.
Deal courteously, cooperatively and effectively with all callers.
Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers.
Answer calls promptly.
Process calls accurately and timely.
Operate call-taking sessions in the CAD system.
Operate effectively in a manual mode.
Monitor alarm system signals that indicate location of fire or other emergency.
Type commands on computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.
Tests communications and alarm equipment and backup systems to ensure serviceability.
Recognize and process all Deaf TTD calls with speed and accuracy following all established guidelines.
Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with call-taking.


METERS/NCIC:
Emergency Dispatchers:
Enter all required METERS/NCIC information into the computer and on paper with speed and accuracy.
Follow all rules and regulations associated with the METERS/NCIC system.
Properly operate FAX machine to obtain information and forward responses to properly process requests.
Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with METERS/NCIC data entry.


DISPATCH:
Emergency Dispatchers:
Properly operate appropriate dispatch sessions in the CAD system.
Handle multiple tasks associated with dispatching.
Organize thoughts and speak clearly and distinctly.
Operate radio equipment for dispatch purposes and to relay instructions or information to field units.
React quickly and calmly to both routine and emergency situations.
Recognize and prioritize calls to be dispatched.
Scans status charts and computer screen to determine available units.
Update and maintain accurate unit status
Deal courteously, cooperatively and effectively with field personnel.
Maintain familiarity with Howard County geography, including all major thoroughfares, buildings and communities.
Operate effectively in a manual mode.
Maintain familiarity with the general policies and procedures of the other Howard County agencies that are served by the Bureau of Communications.
Types commands on computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.
Follow all established Agency guidelines, policies and procedures associated with dispatching.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma or GED. Must pass a criminal background investigation, psychological and physical exam. Must pass test specified by the Appointing Authority.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Experience or training in a consolidated 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center. Certification in Protocols for processing Police, Fire and EMS.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Shift work (rotating day/night) is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.


Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.


Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Must pass and/or qualify for and/or maintain the following training courses, certificates, licenses and registrations: Howard County Basic Telecommunicator Course, MILES/CJIS, Call-taking Protocols (Medical, Fire, Police), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Awareness, and State of Maryland Emergency Telecommunications Specialist.

Possession of a valid driver's license.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.


Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.


At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at


FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.

ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.

PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.

HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.


OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.


SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.


EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE : Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.


LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.


DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.


VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.

CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
01


Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.I have read and understand the language outlined above.

• Yes
• No

02



Are you willing to accept a salary offer of $26.53 Hourly and $55,183 Annually?

• Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
• No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.

03


Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED or higher?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess experience or training in a consolidated 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center and certifications in protocols for processing Police, Fire, and EMS?

• Yes
• No

05


If you possess experience or training in a consolidated 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center and certifications in protocols for processing Police, Fire, and EMS, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
06


Do you possess customer service and public contact experience?

• Yes
• No

07


If you possess customer service and public contact experience, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
08


Please describe any experience you possess obtaining required information from callers or members of the public who may be under duress or stress in the space provided below. If you do not possess any experience, please state "Not/Applicable" or "N/A" Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
09


Do you possess experience reacting quickly and calmly to both routine and emergency situations?

• Yes
• No

10


If you possess experience reacting quickly and calmly to both routine and emergency situations, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
11


Please select the equipment you have experience using.

• Telephone
• Radios
• Teletype
• TTD's
• Computer
• None

12


Please describe any experience you possess entering required METERS/NCIC information into the computer and on paper with speed and accuracy. If you do not possess any experience, please state "Not Applicable" or "N/A" in the space provide below. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
13


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

14


I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

15


I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Required Question