Position Number: 22134097
County: Benton
Posting End Date: 07/08/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: 47397
The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state’s premier public safety agency.
This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug screenings.
If you are requesting veteran’s preference, please include your DD214.
Preferred
- The formal education equivalent of a High School Diploma or GED.
- Minimum 2 years' experience of emergency communications and/or dispatch training in
receiving, evaluating, transmitting, and monitoring emergency and/or non-emergency requests via telephone and/or radio for police, fire and/or medical services
- Experience or other qualifications that demonstrate strong decision-making skills, excellent interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution skills
Roles:
- The Dispatcher is responsible for performing emergency and non-emergency dispatch and/or communication service.
Responsibilities:
- Answers and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls
- Monitoring, responding to and logging communications via phone, radio and terminal
- Obtaining the appropriate information needed to ensure an effective response while providing real time updates as needed to responders
- Maintaining records and logs relations to telecommunication operations on computer database
- Communicating with other agencies or services as needed and providing details of the situation for the appropriate response
- Interacting with the public, coworker, and other agencies in a professional and respectful manner in person as well as via telephone, radio, or terminal.
- Gathers and prepares information for requested reports by researching records and ensures the integrit of data while correcting and updating as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Position Information
Job Series: Internal Affairs – Career Path
Classification: Dispatcher
Class Code: SIA12P
Pay Grade: SGS05
Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148
Job Summary
The Dispatcher is responsible for receiving, processing, and relaying emergency and non-emergency calls for service. This position plays a critical role in public safety by ensuring timely and accurate dispatching of law enforcement, fire, medical, and other emergency services.
Primary Responsibilities
Answer and process 911 emergency and non-emergency calls, determining the nature and urgency of the situation.
Gather critical information from callers and relay it to the appropriate emergency responders.
Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers, including CPR guidance and other life-saving measures as needed.
Maintain composure under pressure and assist distressed or panicked callers with clear and reassuring communication.
Assign and dispatch law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and other personnel based on priority and availability.
Utilize computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communications, and other technology to track and manage response efforts.
Monitor real-time status of field personnel to ensure proper coverage and safety.
Coordinate mutual aid requests and relay crucial information between multiple agencies.
Accurately record and maintain detailed call logs, reports, and incident documentation.
Operate and maintain dispatch equipment, radio consoles, and telephone systems.
Follow state and agency protocols, policies, and procedures regarding emergency response and record-keeping.
Assist in coordinating large-scale emergency response efforts during disasters, severe weather, or critical incidents.
Provide ongoing situational awareness to emergency responders and update them with critical details in real time.
Activate emergency alert systems when necessary to inform the public of hazards or emergency situations.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver clear and concise instructions.
Ability to remain calm and professional under high-stress conditions.
Active listening skills to accurately gather and relay essential information.
Strong written skills for accurate documentation and report writing.
Quick analytical thinking to assess emergency situations and determine proper response protocols.
Ability to prioritize multiple calls and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
High attention to detail for accurate data entry and call documentation.
Proficiency in computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication protocols, and emergency response procedures.
Familiarity with geographic areas, streets, and landmarks within assigned jurisdictions.
Strong ability to handle emotionally charged situations with professionalism and discretion.
Resilient in managing exposure to traumatic or high-intensity emergency calls.
Minimum Qualifications
At least six months of experience in emergency dispatch, public safety communications, law enforcement, or a related field.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
