The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to work in our 911 dispatch center. Dispatching for law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and handling calls for service from our citizens is a fast-paced and rewarding career for those with a calling to help others and serve in public safety.
The Emergency Communication Specialist position involves shift work that includes days, afternoons and nights (including holidays and weekends.)
During the first three to six months of employment, applicants will be in training full-time then will move to their normally scheduled/hired shift.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2025. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $26.27 - $37.43 per hour. 2026 rates are currently pending.
This position is part of the Communication Department contract represented by the Local 66 of AFSCME.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.An employee in this class performs law enforcement, fire, medical and rescue related telecommunications dispatch work within the St. Louis County 9-1-1 Division. Duties include operating computer aided dispatch system, multi-line telecommunications and radio communications equipment to receive requests for emergency public safety assistance, determine the type and level of response necessary, accomplish timely, accurate and effective dispatch of emergency response units, monitor response and safety of responding units, and retrieve supplemental information from other local, state and federal information systems. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail):
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High School diploma or its equivalent.
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Ability to type 40 w.p.m. with 90% accuracy.
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Successful completion of the State of Minnesota Terminal Operations certification, the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and the Emergency Medical Dispatch certification within one year of employment. Failure to obtain the certifications prior to the conclusion of the probationary period will result in termination from the position.
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Possession of a valid driver’s license.
RATING SYTEMS:
Computerized Written Assessment (100% of Scoring Process):
The computerized written assessment can be taken at
any time virtually after submitting a completed application and must be completed by August 19, 2026.
In-person appointments can be made by contacting Human Resources at 218-726-2422 or emailing
[email protected].
Applicants must pass the computerized written assessment, which includes the typing proficiency exam (40 w.p.m, 90% accuracy), to be moved forward in the selection process.
To participate in the computerized written assessment, you must have readily available picture identification, a laptop or desktop computer, the latest version of Chrome, a webcam and microphone. Headphones are highly recommended but not required. Please allow up to two hours for the computerized written assessment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
VETERANS PREFERENCE:
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
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Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
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Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
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Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
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Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.
Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional requirements. Click Here.
PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS:
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a psychological evaluation.
DRUG TESTING:
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Appointees to the position must successfully complete a twelve-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
NON-DISCRIMINATION:
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.