911 Dispatcher I (HELPS)

Salary: $55,615.00 - $71,081.00 Annually
Location : Rochester, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25ELCR2512
Department: Emergency Communications Department
Opening Date: 07/10/2025

General Description

This is a communications position in the Emergency Communications Department involving the use of a computer terminal, radio, and telephone equipment for the efficient relay of information and dispatch of personnel and equipment used in the protection of life and property. 911 Dispatcher I differs from 911 Telecommunicator in that the Telecommunicator receives the initial complaint and relays the information to the Dispatcher, who then determines the appropriate course of action to send either Police or Fire personnel. Employees of this class must exercise judgment, alertness, and responsiveness in emergency situations. Employees are expected to work on a wheel schedule, involving various shifts which cover day and night hours and to work overtime as needed. Employees are under the direct supervision of the shift supervisor and may also receive direction and guidance from higher level dispatchers. Related work is performed as required.
Typical Work Activities

• Sets priorities among incoming messages to determine which should be transmitted first;
• Keeps accurate status of exact location of equipment and personnel of mobile units by maintaining radio contact;
• Monitors radio frequencies, listens for important information, and transmits routine and emergency messages by radio or computer terminal to field units;
• Receives complaints, messages, or emergency calls by telephone, radio, or computer terminal;
• Assigns work activities to field units, especially in emergency situations or when changes from routine are required;
• Trains new employees (using on the job training) in tasks of same or lower level;
• Maintains logs either manually or on computer of radio and telephone communication;
• Retrieves information from reference books, files, maps, local, state, and national Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems to determine appropriate course of action or to obtain necessary information;
• Serves as Telecommunicator;
• Attends monthly staff meetingsscheduled training as required;
• Notifies supervisor of need for repair service on equipment;
• Testifies in court as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

I. High school diploma or Equivalent;

OR

II. Completion of the Public Safety Communications course of study offered by the Rochester City School District.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have satisfactory police record and background check including FBI fingerprinting.
2. Must undergo a medical examination that will test, but will not be limited to: vision, hearing, speech, physical ability to sit for long periods, and must pass a psychological evaluation.
3. New hires and re-hires must pass a drug test.

For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.
01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Salary: $55,615.00 - $71,081.00 Annually
Location : Rochester, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25ELCR2512
Department: Emergency Communications Department
Opening Date: 07/10/2025

General Description

This is a communications position in the Emergency Communications Department involving the use of a computer terminal, radio, and telephone equipment for the efficient relay of information and dispatch of personnel and equipment used in the protection of life and property. 911 Dispatcher I differs from 911 Telecommunicator in that the Telecommunicator receives the initial complaint and relays the information to the Dispatcher, who then determines the appropriate course of action to send either Police or Fire personnel. Employees of this class must exercise judgment, alertness, and responsiveness in emergency situations. Employees are expected to work on a wheel schedule, involving various shifts which cover day and night hours and to work overtime as needed. Employees are under the direct supervision of the shift supervisor and may also receive direction and guidance from higher level dispatchers. Related work is performed as required.
Typical Work Activities

• Sets priorities among incoming messages to determine which should be transmitted first;
• Keeps accurate status of exact location of equipment and personnel of mobile units by maintaining radio contact;
• Monitors radio frequencies, listens for important information, and transmits routine and emergency messages by radio or computer terminal to field units;
• Receives complaints, messages, or emergency calls by telephone, radio, or computer terminal;
• Assigns work activities to field units, especially in emergency situations or when changes from routine are required;
• Trains new employees (using on the job training) in tasks of same or lower level;
• Maintains logs either manually or on computer of radio and telephone communication;
• Retrieves information from reference books, files, maps, local, state, and national Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems to determine appropriate course of action or to obtain necessary information;
• Serves as Telecommunicator;
• Attends monthly staff meetingsscheduled training as required;
• Notifies supervisor of need for repair service on equipment;
• Testifies in court as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

I. High school diploma or Equivalent;

OR

II. Completion of the Public Safety Communications course of study offered by the Rochester City School District.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have satisfactory police record and background check including FBI fingerprinting.
2. Must undergo a medical examination that will test, but will not be limited to: vision, hearing, speech, physical ability to sit for long periods, and must pass a psychological evaluation.
3. New hires and re-hires must pass a drug test.

For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.
01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

• 

• Government Careers

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