Dispatcher 1 (Montana Highway Patrol)

Division Overview:

The Montana Highway Patrol Communications Center provides law enforcement communication services for Highway Patrol Troopers, Montana Department of Justice employees, and numerous other state agencies. The Dispatchers provide emergency communication services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, serving Montana professionally, and compassionately.

Job Overview :

We are currently recruiting for professional and reliable Dispatchers to act as our first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls. The Montana Highway Patrol Communications Professionals provide law enforcement communications services for the Highway Patrol Division troopers, MT Department of Justice employees, and numerous other state agencies. Communication system operators (dispatchers) staff the center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provide the emergency communication services required to provide public safety.

The essential functions of the job require that the incumbent must be successful in hearing and comprehending in fast paced a multi-task oriented and chaotic environment. The incumbent must also be able to provide effective public safety related services when dealing with both routine and emergency situations which are inherent to the duties of a communications systems operator.

Duties include:

• Emergency and incident dispatching: receives and documents motor vehicle crashes and other emergency incident information; dispatches crash/incident information to appropriate field units; enters information into the Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN).
• Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) Maintenance: Receives and responds to hardware and software problem reports and provides requested assistance.
• CJIN Operations: Communicates via telecommunications with user agencies to assist in message formats.
• Other duties as assigned: performs a variety of other duties as assigned in support of the agency mission and objectives.

Dispatchers speak with highly emotionally charged, mentally impaired and unstable individuals and must be able to tolerate a high degree of stress and remain calm under emotional emergency conditions. The position is sedentary in nature with long periods of sitting or standing in a confined work area; however, dispatchers are required to perform some light lifting, stooping, and bending duties in the process of working with files and performing routine office duties.

Dispatchers work varied shifts, from days to nights and work holidays and weekends.

The position requires the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

• Operate a computer terminal and peripheral equipment; multi-line phone system.
• Actively listen and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Multi-task and process information quickly.
• Document information being reported by phone, radio, in person and by other technology accurately.
• Disseminate information accurately and precisely in person, by radio, by phone and other technology.

Below is additional preferred knowledge:

• Knowledge of Telephone Device for Deaf (TDD)
• Knowledge in the use of police-two-way radio dispatching equipment
• Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (NLETS) experience
• Knowledge of Telephone Device for Deaf (TDD)
• Knowledge in the use of police-two-way radio dispatching equipment.
• Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (NLETS) experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be qualified as required by 7-31-202, MCA, including:

• Citizen of the United States.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Fingerprint check to disclose any criminal record.
• May not have been convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary.
• Good moral character as determined by a background check.
• High-school graduate or equivalency.

Successful candidates will be required to pass a panel interview, CritiCall test , background, and hearing test during the selection process.

Special Instructions:

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

• Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check
• Background Check
• Driving History

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume at the time of application .

Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a "Relevant File".

Your Resume : Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.

A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service .

To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify .

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-08-28

• 

• Montana Department of Justice

• 1 (406) 459-3741

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