911 Emergency Dispatcher

Description First Review of Application will be on 9/8/2026 and every 8 days until filled. Summary Under basic supervision, answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service; takes information from callers and enters information into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) database; provides assistance and information to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, animal control area agencies and the general public

Essential Functions Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, personal assistance, and emergency medical assistance; determines appropriate call classification and priority.
• Answers incoming emergency calls: interviews and pacifies callers and gathers details; prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond; dispatches emergency responders; relays pertinent information to law enforcement and public safety personnel in a concise, organized, and understandable manner; monitors radio channels and provides immediate information and assistance.
• Follows multiple departmental policies and procedures. Provides information to law enforcement officers, emergency services personnel, and general public; notifies other state, Federal and regional agencies as directed.
• Provides detailed call information to responding personnel; maintains status and awareness of all public safety unit locations; monitors message traffic, and relays information to assure that responders' safety is top priority.
• Enters call information into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) incident logs; tracks a variety of law enforcement, fire, medical, animal control and public safety agency resources.
• Notifies key personnel on critical incidents; contacts other law enforcement and public safety agencies for additional information and resources as needed, and relays information regarding dispatch incidents.
• Searches state and national data bases at Officer's request.
• Gathers information on non-emergency calls, and responds appropriately; provides information, instructions, and assistance to the public within scope of authority and training.
• Utilizes multiple computer systems simultaneously including computer aided dispatch, telephones, and radios.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Somerton and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education, Training And Experience Guidelines

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Six (6) months of customer service or clerical experience OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must obtain ACJIS/NCIC and CPR certifications within six months of hire.
• Must be able to type 35 wpm proficiently.
• Must pass a polygraph and background check.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• State and Federal laws, regulations and statutes, governing dispatch for emergency services.
• Law enforcement and public safety agency terminology.
• Police radio, dispatch and communication protocols, procedures, hardware, and software.
• Principles and practices of confidential records management, and file maintenance.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

Skill in:

• Communicating clearly and concisely, and relaying details accurately.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Obtaining information from hostile and emotional callers.
• Communicating verbal and written instructions and maintaining security of confidential information.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software and entering information with speed and accuracy.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required.
• A variety of technical training and certifications are required within six months of hire, including Terminal Operator Certification for access to Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a fast paced, high volume call center environment.
• Incumbents must remain alert and responsive while coordinating stressful situations in a fluid and dynamic environment for uninterrupted periods of time.
• May occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects.

The City of Somerton offers the following benefits to Full-time City employees:

ARIZONA STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM (ASRS)

• City employees are automatically enrolled in the Arizona State Retirement System. Employees contribute 11.86% (pre-tax) and the City contributes 11.86% of employee gross wages through automatic deduction. Should an employee terminate City employment, the ASRS funds may be withdrawn or remain until retirement. Contributions to the ASRS are in addition to FICA (Social Security taxes).

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)

• Included through the Arizona State Retirement System. Employees contribute .14% and the City contributes .14% of employee gross wages. LTD contributions are in addition to FICA (Social Security taxes).

SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE

• Employees pay a contribution into the Social Security & Medicare System.

WORKER'S COMP.

• Insurance coverage for medical expenses and loss of income due to an on-the-job injury is provided by the City of Somerton for all employees.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, and VISION INSURANCE

• The City of Somerton is proud to provide medical, dental and vision insurance for its employees which is administered by CapFi. Employees may choose from two traditional PPO plans or a High-Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account. Dependent premiums are paid one month in advance and are pre-taxed (unless waived). Additional information regarding medical, dental and vision benefits may be requested from the City's Human Resources Department.

MEXICO MEDICAL and DENTAL INSURANCE (SIARMED) – The city offers full-time eligible employees health insurance and dental plan options through Siarmed. The city will pay a portion of the employee’s cost if the employee enrolls into the plans. The city also contributes a percentage to cover spouse and/or dependents premiums.

LIFE INSURANCE

• The City pays 100% of the cost of this MetLife Group Term Life Insurance Plan. $50,000 of Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage for each benefit eligible employee is provided by the City. Employees may elect, at their cost, additional life insurance for up to 5X their annual salary. Various voluntary insurance policies are available at your cost and may be set up as an automatic payroll deduction. Information is available from the City's Human Resources Department.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT

• If you choose to enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you will have an H.S.A. provided by HealthEquity. An H.S.A. is a tax advantaged savings and spending account that can be used to pay for qualified health care expenses. The City contributes $1,400 annually to an employee’s H.S.A. when enrolled in the HDHP. The funds will be contributed in equal monthly installments of $116.67. This contribution will be pro-rated for new hires throughout the year.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

• Provides free counseling sessions for employees and family members, as well as a 24-hour crisis line for emergencies.

PAID TIME OFF (PTO)

• This leave is available for regular full-time employees and is paid leave for an employee's personal time off. PTO can be used 90 days after your hire date. PTO accrual varies by the employees’ years of service, with increases at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service. New employees accrue 4.62 hours per pay period or 120.12 hours annually.

EXTENDED ILLNESS BANK (EIB) (SICK LEAVE)

• Employees are eligible to utilize the extended illness bank immediately following 90 calendar days from their date of hire. The extended illness bank (EIB) is to supplement income for a catastrophic event. EIB may be used in the case of illness, or injury suffered by an employee or for an employee’s immediate family member’s (spouse, child) illness, injury, or death. Two (2) hours per pay period will be credited to the employee’s EIB. A maximum of four hundred eighty (480) hours will be accrued. EIB credits may be used after forty (40) consecutive work hours of incapacitation.

HOLIDAYS

• The City recognizes 12 holidays per year. Holiday pay is eight hours per holiday.

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January)

President's Day (third Monday in February)

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day After Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve if Christmas lands on a weekday

Christmas Day

• Other days as may be set by the City Council

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

• Employees may participate in a tax-sheltered Annuity Plan (457 Plan) through payroll deduction to provide additional retirement income.

SMOKE-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The City prohibits smoking in, and within a reasonable distance of, all buildings used by the City for the conduct of City business or buildings or facilities used or occupied as workspace by City employees. This includes City owned and operated vehicles. This policy applies to all City employees, volunteers, citizens, and other persons entering or using City owned or operated facilities and/or vehicles.

01

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid State Issued Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have six (6) months of Customer Service or Clerical Experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you be able to obtain ACJIS/NCIC and CPR Certifications within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes
• No

05

Can you type thirty-five (35) words per minute?

• Yes
• No

06

Will you be able to pass a polygraph and background check?

• Yes
• No

07

By selecting “Yes,” I certify that all statements, information, and responses provided by me in this application are true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false, misleading, or incomplete information may result in disqualification from the hiring process or other administrative action. By selecting “Yes,” I further acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of this application and the recruitment process.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question