Telecommunicator 1

Salary: $23.40 Hourly
Location : Courthouse: 227 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-037
Department: Communications (911)
Opening Date: 04/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/7/2026 11:59 PM Central


ANNOUNCEMENT & PURPOSE OF POSITION


The 911 Telecommunicator I serves as the first point of contact between the public and emergency service response personnel (law enforcement, fire, and medical). This critical communications role is responsible for receiving and providing vital information/instructions, evaluating and prioritizing emergency/non-emergency requests, coordinating appropriate resources and multi-agency responses to ensure public safety. This position requires the ability to work independently, remain composed, make sound decisions, and perform quickly and effectively in high-stress situations.

Pottawattamie County offers employees a strong benefit plan at a reasonable cost. Our benefit offerings include health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and other voluntary benefits.

To highlight some of our amazing benefits:

• We offer a family plan at $233.82/individual plan at $98.94 per month cost to the employee, with an additional $30 savings if the employee participates in the wellness program.
• $1500 family deductible
• 100% employer paid long-term disability coverage
• Premium free dental coverage
• Generous paid time off; sick leave and vacation leave
• IPERS retirement; Unlike benefits from other retirement plans, IPERS benefits aren't tied to the performance of the stock market. With IPERS, you don't need to make complicated investment decisions for your retirement dreams to become a reality.

For full details on Pottawattamie County's extensive benefits, view the

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receive, evaluate, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls via telephone, text, video, or data feeds, using established protocols and technology to determine the appropriate response.
• Communicate effectively and empathetically with callers in crisis, providing pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions (e.g., CPR, active shooter, medical emergencies) while maintaining composure under pressure.
• Interpret and verify caller location and incident data using mapping software, GIS tools, and automated location systems to ensure precise response coordination.
• Manage multiple incidents simultaneously, demonstrating strong critical thinking, prioritization, and decision-making skills in high-stress situations.
• Document incident details accurately and efficiently while maintaining situational awareness and ensuring responder safety.
• Utilize specialized communication resources, including TDD/relay services, language interpretation, and text-to-911, to assist callers with disabilities or language barriers.
• Adhere to all operational policies, legal standards, and confidentiality requirements while maintaining ongoing training, certifications, and professional development.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY

• Required completion of I.L.E.A. 40-hour or equivalent Basic Telecommunicator course provided by agency and the following certifications:
  • CPR
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
  • NCIC/I.O.W.A. System - Must obtain this certification within 6 months of hire date to retain employment
• Proficiency with Windows-based, various other software applications, and telecommunications equipment.
• Quickly learn, retain, and apply knowledge of the policies, procedures, laws, ordinances, regulations, and geographical data affecting public safety call-taking and the ability to apply them appropriately as a Telecommunicator 1.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure.
• Utilize logic, critical thinking, and sound judgment to analyze data, problem solve, and make rapid decisions from information that may be confusing, hostile, disjointed and/or incomplete.
• Build cooperative, professional relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, teams, and external agencies.
• Compile, prepare, and maintain clear and accurate records.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate tact and trustworthiness with sensitive information.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license and authorization to work in the U.S. (citizen or legal resident)
• Ability to pass a drug screening and background investigation that meets all local, state, and federal requirements (no felony or serious/aggravated misdemeanor convictions)
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, patience and empathy
• Willing and able to work rotating 12 hour shifts - including nights, weekends, holidays - and report during inclement weather or emergency call-backs to maintain 24/7 coverage
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance

Pottawattamie County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health and well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits can vary depending on collective bargaining agreements. Pottawattamie County's competitive benefit package includes:

• Health, Dental, Life & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Vision Plan
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement System (IPERS)
• Paid vacation days
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Worker's Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program