Public Safety Call Taker

Salary : $56,638.40 - $66,393.60 Annually
Location : Prineville Police Department, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-007
Department: 9-1-1-Emergency Dispatch
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PPOA
Salary Grade: PPOAFY27


GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS
CROOK COUNTY 911 OVERVIEW
Crook County 911 processes emergency and non-emergency calls for Crook County, Oregon.

We also provide dispatch services for Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff's Office, and Crook County Fire and Rescue in addition to coordinating with other local public entities and surrounding jurisdictions.


HIRING PROCESS*:

• Application screening. Next review on or about August 11, 2026.
• CritiCall skills testing. Qualified applicants from the next review will be offered CritiCall testing August 13 - 16, 2026. (More information about CritiCall TestGenius can be found here: )
• Oral board interview.
• Dispatch center sit-in.
• Background investigation.
• Executive interview.
• Psychological evaluation.
• Physical and drug screening.

*Notification and other communication during the hiring process is done via email. Applicants should monitor their junk, spam, and/or trash folders for correspondence.
NATURE OF WORK:

Public Safety Call Takers must be able to independently answer and process 911 calls and non-emergency calls related to requests for public safety services. Duties often involve giving safety admonishments, medical instructions, and making determinations that may have a high degree of liability. Call Takers are responsible for documenting information related to calls for service as well as accounting for responder safety.


This position works under the general supervision of the Communications Director. This is a non-supervisory position that starts at step A on the wage schedule within the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES


The duties listed are intended only as Illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.

• Handles emergency and non-emergency phone calls with a high sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Occasionally handles requests for service via text to 911, email, or other methods of communication.
• Manages callers and quickly gathers pertinent information while providing professional, high-quality service.
• Provides instructions to callers to help guard their safety as well as the safety of others.
• Remains on the phone with callers as situations require.
• Communicates with responders via phone, mobile data terminal, and other methods.
• Appropriately routes calls for service in outside jurisdictions to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
• Places outbound calls as needed.
• Comply with regulations and requirements for the use of any data systems accessible through local, state, regional, federal or international networks (e.g. RMS, DMV, LEDS, NCIC, Interpol, etc.)
• Enters accurate and orderly information into computer systems to generate and update calls for service while talking on the phone; promptly notifies dispatcher(s) on duty of any new or developing information.
• Maintain awareness of activity in the field and within the dispatch center; gather and relay any and all information related to responder safety.
• Maintains working knowledge of geography of 911 service area and surrounding area; utilizes various mapping resources to determine appropriate response.
• Handles sensitive information and maintains confidentiality.
• Obtains and retains necessary licensing and training within specified timeframes.
• Adheres to all City and Department policies; follows state and federal laws.
• Other duties as necessary or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to keyboard accurately by touch at 35 wpm or faster. Ability to learn to use required computer systems, software, and other equipment necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve simple computer and equipment issues.
• Ability to monitor 5 or more computer screens.
• Ability to learn the geographic area, community, agency resources, standard operating procedures, and mutual aid agreements; ability to use maps and related location software.
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to communicate clearly and elicit needed information from emotionally stressed and otherwise challenging callers.
• Ability to multitask and change quickly between essential tasks.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with co-workers, all 911 Users Agency members and the public.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations and make accurate, logical decisions quickly while processing large amounts of information.
• Ability to manage stress, exercise discretion, and demonstrate sound judgement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Ability to obtain and maintain all required state certifications and licenses by the end of the 12-month probationary period including:

• Certification as Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) Basic Telecommunicator.
• Certifications as DPSST-Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD).
• LEDS Entry/Inquiry level certification
• CPR and First Aid certification

Ability to pass a medical examination that includes vision, hearing, and drug tests.

Ability to pass a psychological evaluation.


Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal history check and obtain an Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Systems clearance.


Possess and maintain an Oregon Driver's License (or obtain within 30 days if from out of state) with an acceptable driving record.


US citizen or be able to obtain citizenship within 12 months after date of appointment.


Must be at least 19 years of age.


Ability to work rotating shift work and/or compressed work schedule, including days, nights, swing, weekends and holidays.


Ability to work mandatory overtime with little to no notice and/or respond to the workplace from home when emergency situations warrant.

SUPERVISION/LEAD WORK EXERCISED


This is a non-supervisory position. Lead work/coordination of the work of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. Incumbents in this position may provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel.
The City of Prineville offers a generous benefit package for employees and eligible dependents.


This position is represented by City of Prineville Police Association (PPOA) employees. For a complete and detailed overview of the PPOA benefits package


Salary and benefits are subject to negotiation and, therefore, may change as a result of negotiations.
01


Are you at least nineteen (19) years of age?

• Yes
• No

02


Can you work an 8-hour, 10-hour, or 12-hour shift?

• Yes
• No

03


Can you work all required shifts; day, swing, and night shifts?

• Yes
• No

04


Can you adjust to routine rotations in your work schedule from days, swing, and night shifts?

• Yes
• No

05


Can you work all days of the week, which will include weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

06


Can you accept last minute changes in your work schedule?

• Yes
• No

07


Can you be subject to abusive and profane language on the phone and deal with it indifferently?

• Yes
• No

08


Can you be stationary for long periods of time at a console throughout your shift?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you comprehend that if you process a call incorrectly, it may contribute to loss/damage of property, or someone being seriously injured or dying?

• Yes
• No

10


Are you willing to be closely supervised and questioned about why you followed a certain course of action without taking it personally?

• Yes
• No

11


Can you copy information as it is being received, simultaneously assess what you heard, and respond immediately?

• Yes
• No

12


Can you deal calmly and respectfully with angry people when the issue at hand is not your fault?

• Yes
• No

13


Can you handle a crisis call where, for example, a child has died, and officer was injured, or a woman was assaulted; and then continue to calmly deal with the next call where an irate citizen complains of a barking dog?

• Yes
• No

14


Are you willing to work under constant electronic surveillance that records all telephone and radio communications?

• Yes
• No

15


Do you understand before being offered employment you must successfully complete an extensive process which may include; however, is not limited to skills testing, oral interviews, and a complete background investigation including criminal history check, fingerprinting, credit check, and may take several months to complete?

• Yes
• No

16


Do you possess a current (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced) Certification in Oregon through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training?

• Yes
• No

17


Do you possess any type of dispatch certification through any other state than Oregon?

• Yes
• No

18


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

19


After application review you will be required to take the CritiCall exam, will you take the test?

• Yes
• No

20


Tell us why you want to become a public safety call taker with Crook County 911.
Required Question