JOB
This is a dispatcher position with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at the Emergency Communications Center. The role involves varied and skilled communications work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment requiring accurate, rapid decision-making. Dispatchers are responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, evaluating the nature of requests, and dispatching the appropriate public safety personnel, including law enforcement and emergency responders.Dispatchers must operate multi-line telephone systems and two-way radios, log detailed records of calls and radio traffic, and interact professionally with both the public and internal agencies. Strong multitasking, critical thinking, and communication skills are essential. Once trained, dispatchers work with a high degree of independence, though under general supervision.All applicants must complete a typing test (minimum 40 WPM with 90% accuracy) and a CritiCall Exam (minimum score 80%). Please plan to spend up to 2 hours at the facility for testing.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
(All duties listed may not be included in any one position, nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)As a Dispatcher I, you will be the first point of contact during emergencies—often during the worst moments of someone’s life. Your role is critical to the safety of both the public and responding deputies. This position requires quick thinking, emotional control, and strong communication skills. You must be prepared to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment for extended periods.Answer and evaluate emergency (911) and non-emergency calls for service with professionalism, urgency, and empathy.Ask critical questions under pressure to assess the nature and severity of emergencies.Dispatch Madison County Sheriff's Office deputies, fire services, and other emergency responders using radio and computer systemsMaintain continuous radio communication with field units, providing them with accurate, timely, and potentially life-saving information.Handle difficult and emotionally intense calls (e.g., domestic violence, accidents, active threats, medical emergencies) while remaining calm and in control.Accurately log all calls for service and radio activity using the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in real-time.Prioritize and manage multiple calls and incidents simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.Understand and follow protocols for high-risk situations, including vehicle pursuits, armed suspects, and officer assistance requests.Communicate and collaborate with surrounding law enforcement agencies and first responders as needed.Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays—often with little notice for shift coverage or mandatory overtime during emergencies.Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all federal, state, and agency privacy laws and guidelines.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Physical RequirementsWork is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, but must respond to phone and radio quickly. Position requires the physical ability to sit in confined seating for extended periods, and operate a computer keyboard. Must be able to see well enough to read computer terminal, printouts, and reports. Must be able to hear well enough to understand radio traffic with background noise and speak clearly and understandable on the radio. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and audiogram.Certifications or Licenses RequiredMust complete the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Public Safety Telecommunicator course.Other RequirementsMust be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check. Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Must possess a valid driver’s license.To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the employment application in full.Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Madison County is a drug-free workplace and conducts drug and alcohol testing.
