Emergency Communications Officer

Answer the Call. Join the Thin Gold Line.

Emergency Communications Officer

Every emergency begins with a voice on the other end of the line.

As an Emergency Communications Officer (ECO), you are the critical link between the public and first responders. You will answer emergency and non-emergency calls, coordinate police, fire, and EMS responses, and provide life‑saving instructions when people need help most.

If you can stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and make a difference in your community, we invite you to join our team!

Starting Pay & Amazing Benefits

$29.23–$38.45 per hour DOE
Includes $0.50 shift differential

• PERSI retirement with five-year vesting, 11.96% employer contribution, and lifetime retirement benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Free employee and dependent access to a county medical clinic offering primary care, select medications, laboratory services, and more
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for qualifying employees
• Paid training and certification opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities

What You'll Do

• Answer emergency and non‑emergency calls for service
• Dispatch law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency resources
• Assess situations and prioritize responses
• Provide CPR and emergency medical instructions over the phone
• Monitor responder status and officer safety
• Operate computer‑aided dispatch systems and multiple databases
• Maintain accurate records and documentation

Paid Training & Certification

No prior dispatch experience is required. Our Emergency Communications Center provides extensive training and certification opportunities, including public safety dispatch, emergency medical dispatch, Idaho POST Basic Dispatch Academy, ILETS, CPR, and emergency alert systems.

Employees must successfully complete the required Emergency Communications Officer Course within 18 months of hire.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have at least three months of work experience
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid driver's license
• Be insurable
• Demonstrate keyboarding proficiency of 3,321 keystrokes per hour

Schedule Requirements

Our Emergency Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Shift work is mandatory. Applicants must be available to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, and other assigned shifts.

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates demonstrate:

• Integrity and honesty
• Professionalism and strong communication skills
• Sound judgment under pressure
• Teamwork and adaptability
• Attention to detail
• A commitment to public service

Our Community

Located in beautiful North Idaho, Kootenai County offers an exceptional quality of life, with mountains, forests, more than twenty lakes, and year‑round recreational opportunities. Join a team dedicated to protecting and serving our growing community.

Hiring Process

Applicants must successfully complete the applicable steps of our selection process:

• Application review
• Skills assessment
• Oral board interview
• Sheriff's Office background investigation
• Polygraph examination
• Psychological evaluation
• Medical examination, when applicable
• Pre‑employment drug testing

Contact Us

KCSO Recruiting Team
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Marcia Heglie | Personnel Administrator
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Answer the call and join the thin Gold Line.