Part Time & Full Time Call Taker

Job Type: Regular, full time, full benefits
Department: 9-1-1 Service District
Bargaining Unit: 9-1-1

The Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District became a consolidated public safety dispatching agency in 1988, taking all calls for police, fire, and medical service assistance in Deschutes County. The District dispatches for 15 police and fire/emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and works closely with the U.Forest Service, AirLink, Life Flight, Oregon State Police, and other State and Federal entities.

Are you interested in joining a talented team and serving your community? Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.
The 9-1-1 Call Taker is the first person that talks to a person in an emergency. They are the critical decision maker in properly assessing the situation, interviewing the caller and getting the information entered into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to be dispatched out to police, fire or medical.

The 9-1-1 Call Taker provides computer-aided emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for all local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services agencies within Deschutes County. Dispatchers operate complex communications equipment, multi-line telephone systems and computer terminals to access and input information. Apply Submit your application through the website once the job opens for recruitment. We will get to know you through the supplemental questions which we will review at the phone interview step. It is essential that you list complete and accurate information on your job history on the application. Testing We are responsible for capturing information and relaying it to our partners quickly. CritiCall Test This is an online test where we look for underlying skills and abilities important for the work. Data Entry 3895; Audio Data Entry 1893; We cannot provide specific score information beyond Pass or Fail, however, you can see your total score by viewing your application through Governmentjobs.com.
First Interviews A thirty-minute phone interview comprised of five questions with a member of our leadership team.
Sit Alongs Testing Successful candidates are invited to spend 2-3 hours at dispatch. The first hour is sitting with a telecommunicator with a focus on answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, the second hour is sitting with a telecommunicator who is dispatching for police. After the sit along, you are invited into the training room for a knowledge check of what you retained, listening to a couple of calls and following along in the computer system as well as a one-minute typing test. Panel Interview Meet our panel of experts, which includes operations and training to get to know you more.
Statement of Personal History This is our background phase. Medical Testing This includes a vision, hearing and drug screening
To ensure your application is considered, all required testing MUST be successfully completed by 8am on Monday, August 27, 2026. TRAINING PROCESS:
The majority of recruits that are hired have no experience with emergency communications. To help you be successful in this role, we provide a comprehensive paid training program before you work on your own.

Our full-time paid training includes:
Classroom learning with hands-on computer training.
Online classes completed at the center.
Daily performance feedback to track your progress.
The first four to six weeks are classroom based and either 8- or 10-hour shifts. Once you transition to a trainer, you will work various 12-hour shift schedules that align with your trainer for the on-the-job portion of training where you will be answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls with the trainer.
At some point in the first year of employment, new trainees must attend three weeks of classroom training in Salem at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). The agency provides a vehicle to attend, employee is compensated for eight hours of training a day with three meals provided and a dorm room to stay in at no cost to the employee. Receives and processes incoming telephone calls, and texts, often during high-call volume periods, from people requesting emergency and non-emergency police, fire, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) assistance in a courteous, accurate, efficient, and timely manner.
Enters information into a computer aided dispatch system in an accurate and timely manner.
Makes effective, immediate decisions regarding life-threatening situations based on highly complex rules, regulations, and procedures.
Strong emotional intelligence with a history of honest and ethical decision-making.
Coordinating computer systems to access and enhance information provided to responders.
Operation of multiple and complex telephone, radio, and computer equipment/systems.
*com account for application status.

5,316.07 to $6,784.73 per month for a 173.33 hour work month, during initial training period. $5,597.31 to $7,143.67 for a 182.5 hour work month, once released from training.

Hourly rate is increased to $32.2033 upon completion of call taking training, it will then be increased to $34.0196 upon completion of police dispatch training (about 8-12 months, Public Safety Dispatcher I). Out of State Certified applicants will receive certification pay as soon as certification is granted by DPSST.

Lateral certified applicants with 36 months or more experience begin at pay step 2 - $32.2033 per hour.

Hours will increase to 182.50 per month after the initial training period.
This position is available immediately. This is a union represented position, for additional information, please click HERE .
Attention all candidates: please make sure your application includes all job history, education, training, certifications, licenses, and other relevant experience, as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity. Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $100 per month for employee only or $121 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. High school diploma or GED equivalent;
To qualify for employment with the 9-1-1 Service District, candidates must:
Meet the requirements as outlined in Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008-0300
Certification as an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Basic Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatcher and Emergency Fire Dispatcher.
Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification.

The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). Candidates who wish to be considered for this position must include an accurate driver's license number, state of origin, date of birth, and a list of states previously lived in in the Supplemental Question portion of the application.

Must meet the physical requirements as outlined in Most work in this classification series occurs under a stressful, high activity office environment where concentration and focus are required for long periods of time. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans' Preference, please click for information.
Deschutes County offers eligible employees a comprehensive healthcare package that covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $100 for employee only and $121 per month for employee plus dependents. The DOC Pharmacy is a full service pharmacy available to employees and dependents to have their prescriptions filled at a discounted co-pay. If you are hired on the first business day of the month, your benefits will start on the first of that month (immediate benefits, either that day or back to the first of the month if the first is on a Saturday or Sunday). Life Insurance for employee and dependents
Long-term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Retirement Program through Oregon PERS
125 Flexible Spending Program
~Supplemental Life and Accident Insurance

Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
I understand that all sections of my online application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed accurately and thoroughly to quantify and qualify my ability to follow instructions, give detailed and relevant answers, and to describe my background. I also understand that an incomplete application or lack of details may disqualify me from this position.
This job is the essential first link for community to access emergency services and are essential employees. You are expected to report to duty on time and remain at work until the end of shift, regardless of weather or emergencies. You will work various 12 hour shifts, including day, swing, graveyard and relief shifts on a rotation basis. You will work weekends, holidays and overtime. Are you, or have you been, DPSST certified as a telecommunicator, or worked in an equivalent capacity to an emergency dispatcher or call taker? (If yes, please be sure to list the experience on your application).
How will your experience, education, skills, and abilities prepare you for a career as a Public Safety Dispatcher / 9-1-1 Call Taker?
We provide paid on the job training. While in training, you will follow your trainer's schedule. Requests for additional time off during the training period may not be approved. You will be paid for your training time. Once certified as a dispatcher, most dispatchers currently work two twelve-hour dayshifts (7 am - 7 pm) followed by two twelve-hour nightshifts (7 pm - 7am). During training, you will be following various trainer's schedules so your days off and hours will vary and could include swing shifts and different days off. You will have various classes being taught via an online platform. Are you able to navigate and apply what is learned online?
Are you willing to accept short notice changes to your work schedule, including mandatory overtime, which might require you to cancel personal plans?
Are you willing to work 12-hour shifts, that includes three ten-minute breaks and a 30-minute paid lunch, keeping in mind that the breaks and lunch may not be at times you prefer?
Are you able and willing to read, study, and apply different manuals, listen to lectures and take written tests on a regular basis during training and throughout your career?
In order to be considered for a position with the Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District, candidates must pass a PRE-qualifying driving record review and a criminal history background check. Deschutes County will use the driver's license information and date of birth from your application to conduct an investigation verifying your background. You must provide your driver's license number, state of issuance, date of birth and a list of previous states lived in (if applicable) in the supplemental question section of this application form. FAILURE TO LIST YOUR LICENSE NUMBER, STATE, DATE OF BIRTH and PREVIOUS STATES LIVED IN (IF APPLICABLE) or listing incorrect information, will disqualify you for submitting an incomplete application. I understand the information will be used in the selection process for the 9-1-1 Call Taker position.
Please enter your full, legal name: (last, first, middle).