BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Dispatcher/Jailer
Department: Sheriff’s Office
Immediate Supervisor: Dispatch Supervisor/ Jail Administrator Virginia Leisinger
Shift: This is for 3rd Shift and 2nd Shift positions which require 8-hour shift work including nights, weekends, holidays, and the ability to multitask in a high stress environment. Additional hours as needed. These positions also require successful applicants to rotate shifts in the jail working directly with the incarcerated population.
Location: Butler County
Starting Salary Range: $ 21.00 to $26.00 hourly based on experience
Approved by: Sheriff Date: May 20th,2026
Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Dispatcher/Jailer Job Description:
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the public safety communication for all of Butler County.
A 911 dispatcher is an emergency communications professional who receives emergency calls and dispatches the appropriate police, fire, or medical personnel to respond to the incident. They are a critical link between people in crisis and emergency responders, gathering vital information like the location and nature of the emergency, and relaying it quickly and accurately to the right department.
A jailer is a law enforcement professional responsible for the custody, supervision, and security of inmates in jails, prisons, and other correctional facilities. Their duties include enforcing facility rules, maintaining order, preventing disturbances, and ensuring the safety of staff, inmates, and visitors.
Butler County has around 15,000 residents and one of the advantages of working for a smaller county like Butler is that you will be involved in all aspects of Law Enforcement very early in your new career.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Receive and process calls: Answer emergency 911 calls from the public, as well as non-emergency calls, and interview callers to determine the nature and priority of the situation.
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Gather critical information: Determine the exact location of the emergency, the nature of the incident, and other crucial details, sometimes needing to ask clarifying questions under pressure.
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Dispatch emergency services: Communicate with and dispatch the necessary responders, such as police, fire departments, or medical teams, using various communication systems.
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Coordinate response efforts: Act as a central point of contact, coordinating the activities of multiple emergency personnel during critical incidents like natural disasters or large-scale emergencies.
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Maintain security and order: They prevent riots, assaults, and escapes by enforcing rules and keeping order within the institution.
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Supervise inmates: This includes overseeing inmates during daily activities, transporting them, and processing them upon arrival or release.
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Enforce rules: They ensure all inmates follow facility regulations, conducting searches for contraband like weapons.
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Ensure safety: They work to maintain a safe environment for everyone inside the facility, including other employees and visitors.
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Respond to emergencies: They may respond to disturbances, disputes between inmates, or other incidents requiring intervention.
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Manage facility operations: This can include tasks like booking new inmates, managing personal property, and record-keeping.
The requirements and duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualification Requirements:
Must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Iowa or intends to become a resident upon being employed.
Applicant is of good moral character
Applicant is not addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Must have a valid Iowa Driver's License, chauffeur’s license, or CDL issued by the State of Iowa and be insurable for driving under county insurance company policies.
Ability to multi-task
Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner
Ability to work efficiently with little direct supervision
Applicant will also be subject to post offer, pre-employment drug and physical testing.
Education and Experience:
Must be at least 18 years of age and a High School graduate
Proficiency in typing and computer skills (45-50 wpm minimum)
Butler County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Butler County is subject to and has adopted a policy in compliance with the 2008 Smokefree Air Act.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
