Entry Dispatcher Public Safety Telecommunication Trainee

This is an entry-level position - no prior experience required!

Applications due by 6am on September 30th, 2026.

Public Safety Telecommunicators at Skagit 911 are represented positions. The 2026 trainee wage is $31.20 per hour. After completing training, wages start at $32.14 per hour and progress up to $42.98 per hour  with time and advancement  within the organization.

Skagit 911 ( is seeking dedicated and highly motivated individuals to join our team as Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST). 

If you thrive in a fast-paced customer service environment, we want to hear from you. Experience as a barista, server, bartender, restaurant or fast-food employee, retail associate, hospitality professional, call center representative, bank teller, or in another high-volume customer-facing role can provide many of the skills that transfer well to 9-1-1: rapid task-switching, prioritizing competing demands, clear communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and remaining calm and professional under pressure.

New PST Trainees receive comprehensive on-the-job training over a period of 12 months, working under the close supervision of a certified Training Supervisor. During this time, PST Trainees follow a four 10-hour day schedule (four days on, three days off) as they progress through a structured training program. Upon successful completion and demonstration of core competencies, trainees are signed off to work independently and will be assigned to either a Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS dispatch specialty.

What You'll Do

This critical role serves as the vital link between community members in crisis and the emergency services that respond. As a first responder, you will help ensure the safety and well-being of the public and field responders through skilled communication, rapid decision-making, and unwavering professionalism.

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls via phone and text, gathering vital details quickly and accurately.
• Dispatch police or fire and medical, and other emergency services using a state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Provide life-saving instructions to callers before help arrives, including Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
• Monitor and coordinate multiple radio channels, updating responder status and ensuring smooth communication.
• Support people in crisis — from distressed callers to individuals with disabilities or language barriers — with compassion and composure.
• Coordinate resources and communications between agencies during complex or high-risk incidents.
• Operate and monitor a variety of telecommunications and public safety equipment in a fast-paced, secure environment.

Schedule & Overtime

• PST Trainees: Work a four 10-hour day schedule (four on, three off) during training - subject to change with notice.
• Post-training schedule:
  • 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule:
    • Week 1 – Work 3 days, Off 4 days
    • Week 2 – Work 4 days, Off 3 days
• Schedules are bid annually for the whole following year.
• Shifts include weekends, holidays, days, nights, and overnights.
• Mandatory overtime may be assigned, up to a maximum of 8 hours on a scheduled day off, to ensure 24/7 emergency coverage.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• No felony convictions.
• No active criminal charges or warrants.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Must pass a law enforcement background investigation, polygraph screening, hearing test (with or without accommodation), drug test and other hiring criteria.

Who We're Looking For

• Team player with integrity : You show respect to others, protect confidentiality, and adhere to policies and procedures.
• Calm under pressure : You think clearly and act quickly in high-stress situations.
• Technologically adaptable : You demonstrate the ability to expertly use computerized systems, learn new platforms quickly, and thrive in an environment of ongoing technical change.
• Detail-oriented multitasker : You manage multiple conversations, prioritize tasks, and maintain focus with accuracy.
• Excellent communicato r : You listen attentively, speak clearly, and adapt your communication style for diverse callers.
• Adaptable and committed : You are flexible with scheduling and available for overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.