Emergency Dispatcher/Call-Taker (Entry Level)

911 Call-Taker/Dispatcher
Central Lane 911 is recruiting 911 Call-Taker/Dispatchers! Do you have a passion for helping others, are you excited by a fast-paced working environment, and do you want to make a difference in the community? Our successful candidates will have the ability to respond quickly and appropriately to emergency and non-emergency situations, will have great attention to detail, and will provide unmatched customer service.
When hired as a Communications Specialist 1, new hires are required to complete an intensive training to become fully cross-trained and proficient in call-taking and dispatch positions at which they will become a Communications Specialist 2.
To learn more about this position, review our links below and come to our Career Night to engage with the 911 staff!

• Career Night will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 - The presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. in classroom 1 at the Eugene Springfield Fire Regional Training Center (1705 W Second Ave. 911 Call Taker/Dispatcher Position Information and Selection Process
• 911 Team Video

Application Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2026 at 5 p.m. Accepting Online Applications Only
Communications Specialist 1 $30.27 - $33.39 Hourly* Call takers and trainees who serve as the front line, doing general intake of emergency and non-emergency calls. Communications Specialist 2 $33.39 - $42.64 Hourly* Proficient in handling the full scope of call functions (fire, police, and other emergency medical incidents). Incumbents in the Communications Specialist 1 classification are required to progress on to dispatch training and usually advance to the second level within eighteen months. Communication Specialists may earn up to an additional 20% premium pay (depending on qualifications) after three years of employment. *Please note, these hourly rates of pay reflect the cost-of-living increase that is scheduled for July 1, 2026.
Salary Range: All Entry-Level Communications Specialist 1 will start at Step 1. Applicants with a minimum of 3 years, of full-time experience as an emergency communications call taker/dispatcher within an emergency communications center that answers 911 calls and/or dispatches police and/or fire agencies, that do not meet the definition of Lateral 911 Call Taker Dispatcher/Communications Specialist 2 will be placed in accordance with the table below.
Communications Specialist 1 Hourly Rate - $30.27 - $31.80 - $33.39
Entry Level (Communications Specialist 1) - All Entry Level - -- - --
Entry Level with Communications experience (does not meet lateral definition) - -- - -- - 3+ years
Union Representation: Eugene Police Employees' Association (EPEA) Work Location: Central Lane 911 Communications Center, 1735 W 2nd Ave. Eugene, OR 97402, USA Schedule: To accommodate the emergency services needs for such a large population, Central Lane 911 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That means working nights, weekends, and holidays. The workweek consists of four 10-hour shifts with three days off. The shifts look like this:

Early Nights 4:45 p.m. - Late Nights 9:30 p.m. - Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Operates computer terminal equipment and radio/telephone transmitting and receiving equipment
Answers 911 and non-emergency telephone calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other requests.
Evaluates information to determine jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched.
Transmits appropriate information to dispatcher or responsible jurisdiction as required.
Studies, and maintains, familiarity with major streets, roads, public buildings, industrial plants, and the general geographic location of cities and landmarks in Lane County.
Dispatches and monitors appropriate emergency public safety activities.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.
One year work experience in a fast-paced environment, which includes data entry experience.
High School diploma or GED. EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) Certification.
Basic Telecommunicator Certificate (DPSST) within 18 months of appointment.
No Class A Misdemeanor convictions within 24 months of application. Please view this list of documents that will be requested as part of the background investigation.
DRUG SCREEN, HEARING TEST and VISUAL ACUITY TEST - as required by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). To view the standards set by DPSST for certification, please visit DPSST's website and view Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008- 0011.
Bilingual Pay Benefit Per the EPEA Contract, the City shall pay an employee at 5% of base wages for a required intermediate or advanced level competency. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must have demonstrated fluency in the required language and successfully pass a fluency examination administered by the City's Employee Resource Center division.
What to Expect from our Selection Process Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training.