• Job Description

  Req#: 4950146
  
  
  Do you have experience working in emergency communications?
  
  
  Job Appointment: Full-Time, Regular.
  
  
  Schedule/Work Environment: Experienced employees are required to work independently with minimal supervision and may assist in training new employees. Typical schedules for experienced employees are four 10-hour workdays. The ability to work any shift, on any day of the week, and to work overtime is an essential function of the job. Employees are not required to report to work on their days off.
  
  
  Work Location: Employees report to 9911 SE Bush St, Portland, Or 97266. This position cannot be filled in a remote status.
  
  
  Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.
  
  
  Pay Rate: Lateral employees will start at the entry rate.
  
  
  Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.
  
  
  Union Representation: This classification is represented by Portland Police Association (PPA). To view this labor agreement, please click here .
  
  
  Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to upload a resume and cover letter as well as provide answers to the Supplemental Questions.
  
  
  Position Summary:
  If you are currently working as a 9-1-1 call taker and police dispatcher now, or have experience within the last year working in those positions at a 9-1-1 center, bring your training, skills, and enthusiasm to the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC). Join our 9-1-1 call center and contribute to the community safety of the Portland metro area.
  
  
  To meet qualifications, applicants must currently hold, or have held certification in Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatch (or equivalent training to State of Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) within the last year.
  
  
  If you do not meet these qualifications, please apply HERE. There is an application limit for the Emergency Communications Dispatch Trainee position so apply immediately if you are unsure if you meet lateral qualifications.
  
  
  Emergency Communications Lateral Police Dispatch Trainees receive paid training that will prepare you to answer 9-1-1/non-emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, medical and mental health responders for our community.
  
  
  Our full-time paid training program includes:
  • Classroom learning with hands-on computer training
  • Simulation exercises, study, and practice time
  • Assigned experienced coaches to guide you while taking live calls and dispatching responders
  • Daily performance feedback to track your progress
  Emergency Communications Lateral Police Trainees who successfully complete training will promote to Senior Dispatchers. Prior to promotion, trainees must demonstrate proficiency in answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, using the radio and CAD to record requests for emergency services, dispatch responders; and monitor the status of field units.
  
  
  The work of 9-1-1 is fast-paced and rewarding but often performed under stressful demands for speed and accuracy. We routinely assess our employees’ work, providing feedback and training to ensure that we are delivering quality service to the public and to our partner agencies.
  
  
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  Virtual & In-Person Meet & Greet Opportunities
  We are offering multiple informational sessions!
  Please note: Informational sessions are not required but are a great opportunity to learn more about the position and ask questions.
  
  #1. Wednesday, May 28, 2025 6:00 PM-7:00 PM – Virtually on Microsoft Teams
  Join the meeting now
  
  #2. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 6:30PM-7:30PM In-Person at the Hollywood Library
  4040 NE Tillamook St, Portland, OR 97212
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  Contact Information:
  Karen Ehn, Senior Recruiter
  Bureau of Human Resources
  Karen.Ehn@portlandoregon.gov Applicants must provide details in their cover letter and resume that demonstrate how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications:
  
  1. Knowledge of the proper use of a public safety radio system and experience dispatching police and emergency units.
  2. Experience utilizing multiple computer monitors and a keyboard to accurately enter spoken information.
  3. Experience using street maps and computer mapping systems to locate addresses, streets, block numbers, etc.
  4. Ability to prioritize tasks, adjust priorities, and remain focused when the number and variety of tasks change or when faced with situations that may be upsetting.
  5. Ability to remember and accurately transcribe spoken information including names, addresses, sequences of letters and numbers, descriptions and directions.
  Applicants must also possess:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be at least 18 years old at time of hire.
  • Currently hold, or have held certification in Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatch (or equivalent training/certification to State of Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) within the last year at a 9-1-1 center.
  • Ability to type 40 Net Words Per Minute (wpm) with 90% accuracy.
  • Ability to pass a background investigation through the Criminal Justice Information Services System.
  The recruitment process will consist of the following steps:
  
  Step 1: Application: When you submit your application, please provide thorough details in your cover letter and resume how you have the minimum qualifications. We will use your resume and cover letter for evaluation. The answers you provide will also be evaluated in the interview process.
  
  Step 2: Typing Test: Those who pass the minimum qualifications mentioned above will be emailed a link and instructions to complete a typing test. We use an online program, Typing Test Pro, which sends us the results automatically. To pass, you must have a typing speed of at least 40 words per minute with 90% accuracy. You will get four (4) chances to pass.
  
  Step 3: CritiCall Test: Those who pass the typing test will be emailed a testing link and instructions to complete the CritiCall test. This is an online test where we look for underlying skills and abilities important for the work. The test involves components such as multitasking, memorization, and reading comprehension.
  
  
  Step 4: Eligible List Established: Those who pass the CritiCall test will be placed on an equally ranked Eligible List.
  
  Step 5: Pass/Fail Oral Interviews: Everyone who passes the CritiCall test will have a chance to meet with an interview panel which includes an emergency communications dispatcher and a supervisor. We conduct two (2) rounds of interviews. During the first interview, questions will be provided 30 minutes prior to the interview itself. The second interview is an opportunity for our training manager and training supervisor to learn more about you.
  
  Step 6: All candidates who pass first and second interviews are given a conditional offer. The final offer of employment is based on passing a background/reference check, a psychological assessment, a drug screening and vision/hearing tests.
  
  
  Recruitment Activity Schedule:
  • Recruitment Opens: May 26, 2025
  • Recruitment Closes: June 8, 2025
  • Typing Test: June 11-17, 2025
  • CritiCall Test: June 20-26, 2025
  • Eligible List Established/Notices Sent: Week of June 30, 2025
  • 1st Interview: July 7-11, 2025
  • 2nd Interview: July 21-23, 2025
  • Backgrounds begin: August 1, 2025
  • Backgrounds completed by: October 13, 2025
  • Psychological Assessments: Week of November 2, 2025
  • Start Date: December 8, 2025
  **Timeline is approximate and subject to change without notice**
  
  
  Application Instructions
  Applicants must submit a cover letter and professional resume online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the “To Qualify” section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:
  • Your résumé and cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
  • Your cover letter should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the “To Qualify” section of this announcement.
  • Your resume should support the details described in the cover letter.
  • If you are requesting Veteran’s Preference, as identified below, please describe in your cover letter any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the “To Qualify” section above.
  All completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted .
  
  
  Click here for additional information regarding the following:
  
  • City of Portland Core Values
  • Recruitment Process - Work Status
  • Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Veteran Preference
  • ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
  
  An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
  
  Return to the top.

• About the company

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