Public Safety Dispatcher I

Salary : $83,012.80 - $98,051.20 Annually
Location : 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare
Division: Emer.Comm. 911
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: UAW


JOB SUMMARY


Under the direct supervision of a Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor, uses radio, computer terminal, or telephone to: receive and record reports of emergency and non-emergency information, complaints, messages, and requests for service, assistance, or coverage; transmit reports and messages to mobile units, persons or departments; and dispatch equipment and personnel to location where service, assistance or coverage is needed. Functions as call-taker and/or radio dispatch operator for fire, police, or emergency medical service, as assigned. Is required to work evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends as assigned; does related work as directed.

Supervision Received: Under the direct supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor.
Supervision Exercised: None

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Performs related duties as required.
• Receives emergency and non-emergency complaints, messages, information, and requests for service by radio or telephone.
• Questions callers to obtain further information as required.
• Utilize several programs for emergency verification including Carbyne, Rapid SOS, and What 3 Words.
• Set priorities among incoming calls to determine which should be transmitted first.
• Determines appropriate course of action based on departmental procedures and information from the computer-aided dispatch system and/or Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols.
• Explain to the caller steps to be taken or a third party at the scene to assist the individual requiring emergency medical response.
• Transmits messages by radio to mobile units or by telephone to the appropriate person, department, or agency.
• Dispatches proper equipment and personnel to locations where service, assistance, or coverage is needed.
• Monitors various radio frequencies, computer terminals, or other systems for information or requests for assistance.
• Obtains information from reference books and manuals or computer files and appropriate language references.
• Maintains various logs and files manually or on the computer.
• Assists in on-the-job training of new personnel.
• Operates recording equipment.
• Checks equipment, requesting repair service as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation of radio and communications equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of dispatching terminology, procedure, and equipment.
• Ability to effectively utilize departmental radio, telephone, and computer systems.
• Ability to remain calm and maintain composure under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to deal effectively with others and maintain positive working relationships.
• Knowledge of, and ability to effectively utilize, all components of Emergency Medical Dispatch.
• Knowledge of the City of Stamford geography, including, but not limited to, streets, landmarks, and other prominent locations.
• Ability to find information in directories, manuals, and computer files.
• Ability to maintain logs and files.
• Ability to receive, clarify records, and input oral and written communications accurately and in a timely fashion.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Proficiency in keyboarding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited high school and a minimum of three (3) years of general work experience which includes using computer technology and interacting with customers and/or co-workers.

SPECIAL MANDATORY REQUIREMENT : Within one year of hire must obtain the following certifications: State of Connecticut Public Safety Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Enhanced 911, and COLLECT/NCIC. As a condition of continued employment, all listed certifications must be maintained.

Note: As a condition of employment, the employee is responsible for maintaining all required certifications. Any lapse in a required certification shall be immediately reported to the employee's supervisor.

SCOPE OF EXAMINATION: Qualified applicants must participate in a comprehensive, competitive examination process designed to test for required skills and abilities. See below for exam description.
Attachment to Examination Announcement for

Public Safety Dispatcher I


EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION AND SCHEDULE
The test process for Public Safety Dispatcher consists of a series of assessments. Candidates must pass each and all tests in order to obtain, and maintain, final placement on the Eligible List.

Part I - Computer Test

The keyboard performance tests, are scored on a "pass or fail" basis, and will assess the ability to:
A. Type at a minimum speed of 30 WPM with an error rate no higher than 5%; and
B. Enter alphabetic and numeric data with speed and accuracy.
Candidates must pass Part I of above to move on to Part II.
Part II - Written Test
1. Oral Communication

2. Vocabulary

3. Analytical Ability and Map Reading

4. Ability to perform dispatch work

5. Reading Comprehension

6. Interpreting codes and Information
Part III
1. Oral assessment to evaluate oral communication skills will be conducted during the course of the employment interview.

2. A recorded speech clarity performance test.
Part III will be scored, candidates who fail will be removed from eligibility.
The City of Stamford offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes; health, vision, dental, defined benefit and/or defined contribution pension plans, free term life insurance, flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care and commuter benefits. Sick bank and tuition reimbursement as well as training from the City of Stamford Training Institute.

Specific information regarding benefits are outlined in each Collective Bargaining Agreement or in the Pay Plan Document for pay plan employees.

Please click here for Union Contracts:


If the position is a seasonal/temporary position, it is not eligible for union benefits.
01


Do you have any of the degrees listed?

• High School or GED
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• N/A

02


What was your Major or Course of Study?
03


List all specialized training (seminars, special courses, advanced training, etc.) that you have successfully completed within the past five years pertaining to computers
04


Briefly describe how you have used computer technology in your professional work. Please include a list of the computer programs and software you have experience with.
Required Question