What are the responsibilities and job description for the Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher) position at City of Eau Claire, WI?
Salary: $29.33 - $35.04 Hourly
Location : Eau Claire, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00022
Department: PD-COMM CENTER
Opening Date: 04/03/2026
Closing Date: 4/19/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Description
Put your customer service skills to use while serving your community! Help us provide an essential service for Eau Claire County residents and visitors. Join our team as a full-time Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher)! We are currently hiring in the Eau Claire Communications Center. The Eau Claire Communications Center is one of the longest running countywide, central dispatch facilities in Wisconsin. Civilian Telecommunicators are responsible for all 911 calls and non-emergency calls in Eau Claire County. We dispatch for 14 agencies, including law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services. Applicants will use a computer aided dispatch system, computer records management system, TIME system, and other computer software to effectively complete their duties.
Schedule: During a 2-week period, you work five 12-hour shifts and two 8-hour shifts. This means you get every other Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off!
Requirements:
Additional Reasons to Apply:
Application deadline: Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION SCOPE
Under general supervision, receives calls for police, sheriff, fire, and emergency medical services, transmitting information and dispatching personnel and equipment through the use of telephone, State Computer System, Local Computer System, and radio communications equipment. The incumbent must develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of police, fire, and medical operations and procedures as well as a working knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. This background is essential in order for the incumbent to be capable of understanding the status of activities in the field and to make the most effective use of personnel and equipment.
Disposition of calls are made in accordance with established regulations and procedures; however, incumbent must exercise initiative and sound judgment. Incumbent must develop and maintain knowledge of the geographic layout of the City and County of Eau Claire as it pertains to dispatching personnel to calls for service. Incumbent has substantial contact with the public and user agencies via telephone, radio and in person.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Using a computer aided dispatch system, receive emergency calls for service from the public requesting police, fire, emergency medical or other service; determine nature and location of emergency, determine priorities, and dispatch necessary emergency units in accordance with established procedures. Transmit and receive messages to and from user agencies via public safety radios, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines, data terminals and other communications equipment.
Maintain contact with all units on duty; maintain status and location of police and fire units; answer non-emergency calls for assistance; inquire, enter, update, interpret, verify, receive and disseminate information from national, state, and local law enforcement computer networks as requested by user agencies for missing persons, stolen property and restraining orders; monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies; effectively operate the public safety communications system, radio dispatch consoles, and other associated equipment.
Maintain contact with callers when required. Provide Basic life support instructions following the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAED). Provide scene safety instructions to callers who are involved in high risk situations until first responders or law enforcement officers are on scene.
Monitor the NAWAS direct telephone link to the National Weather Service. In the event of notification of severe weather approaching the Eau Claire area, activate the Severe Weather Warning System. This includes activation of the outdoor severe weather warning sirens, and activating the weather warning tone and broadcast of information over appropriate radio frequencies. Utilizing the NAWAS telephone link, relay actual storm data to the National Weather Service as it becomes available.
Answer all telephone calls and radio transmissions directed to the Communications Center as promptly as possible; obtaining as much information and relaying that information to appropriate field units. Display a concerned, considerate, and polite demeanor, reassuring callers as necessary; effectively communicate with and gather information from citizens.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, user agency personnel and the public. Be courteous, attentive, and helpful in all contacts with the public and user agencies.
Under general supervision, using all available information, assist in coordination of multiple events and emergency responses; accomplish tasks in a composedand competent manner while working under stress. Provide operational support and assistance to co-workers as needed.
Know and understand the portions of the Manual of Policy, Regulations and Procedures which apply to this position. Adhere to policy and procedure in carrying out duties where applicable. Actively support the policies, procedures, programs, objectives and philosophies of the department.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs related duties as required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS
During the initial training process, incumbents must successfully complete the following: IS-100.b Introduction to Incident Command System, IS-200.b Incident Command System for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents, IS-700.a National Incident Management System: An Introduction, CPR certification, and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have no felony convictions on record.
High school diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.) is required.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
Must be able to work mandatory over-time hours.
Must be able to transcribe verbally communicated information quickly and accurately.
Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.
Must be able to take direction and work well with others.
Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.
Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
Must be able to back-up fellow co-workers.
SUPERVISION/DIRECTION RECEIVED
Communications Center Supervisor/Communication Center Manager
SUPERVISION/DIRECTION EXERCISED
None
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is mostly sedentary (sitting) with occasional walking, standing and lifting less than 20 lbs. in a general office setting with a minimal presence of hazards.
The City of Eau Claire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CITY OF EAU CLAIRE FRINGE BENEFITS
TELECOMMUNICATOR EMPLOYEES
(Effective January 1, 2026)
Benefits listed are for full-time employees. Regular part-time employee benefits are prorated based on the budgeted hours of the position except for vacation which is prorated based on the number of hours actually worked. Health Insurance benefits for employees working thirty hours or more per week shall not be prorated.
BENEFITS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY UPON EMPLOYMENT
Holiday Pay
For calculation purposes only, Telecommunicators shall receive eight and one-quarter hours pay at the Telecommunicator's regular straight time hourly rate for the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Telecommunicators are eligible for two days of holiday pay in the first half of the year and six days of holiday pay in the second half of the year. In addition, Telecommunicators who work these holidays will be paid at their regular straight time hourly rate.
Floating Holidays
Three floating holidays to be taken at the employee's discretion with supervisory approval each year, except as noted below. Employees hired January 1 - June 30 are entitled to three floating holidays during the first year of hire. Employees hired July 1 - December 31 are entitled to one and one-half floating holidays during the first year. Employees terminating prior to July 1 are entitled to one and one-half floating holidays. Floating holidays not used within the calendar year will be forfeited.
Sick Leave
One day per month accruable to 120 days.
Wisconsin Retirement System
As required by state law, the City and the employee are each required to contribute into the Wisconsin Retirement System. The total contribution is 14.4% of earnings, with the City and the employee each contributing 7.2%.
Deferred Compensation Plans
Available participation in a 457 retirement savings plan offered by the City. Contributions cannot exceed the annual maximum limit allowed by the IRS.
Roth Plans
Available participation in the Roth 457 and Roth IRA retirement accounts offered by the City. Contributions cannot exceed the annual maximum limit allowed by the IRS.
Supplemental Worker's Compensation Pay
Upon the determination of eligibility, the City shall pay a regular full-time employee who is injured on the job the difference between their regular salary and their worker's compensation payments, as long as the employee is on injury leave, but not to exceed 90 days for the same injury. If an employee receives the full 90 days of injury leave and is still unable to return to work, the City Council may at its' discretion grant an extension of injury leave.
Employee Assistance Program
Available to all employees and their families.
BENEFITS AVAILABLE THE FIRST OF THE MONTH FOLLOWING 30 DAYS OF SUCCESSFUL CITY SERVICE
Life Insurance (Department of Employee Trust Funds)
Available participation in the Basic, Supplemental, Additional, and Spouse and Dependent life insurance program. The City pays 50% of the basic life insurance premium. The amount of insurance is dependent upon the annual salary of the employee.
Active Employee Health Insurance
The City pays 85% of the cost of the health insurance premium for an active regular full-time employee.
Dental Insurance
Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. Employees working 20 hours per week, or more are eligible.
Vision Insurance
Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. Employees working 20 hours per week, or more are eligible.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
City pays 50% of the monthly premium. Employees working 30 hours per week, or more are eligible.
Flexible Spending
Optional participation in a health care and/or dependent care Section 125 pre-tax reimbursement account, subject to IRS regulations. Employees working 30 hours per week, or more are eligible.
Additional Ancillary Benefits
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are eligible for short-term disability, voluntary life/accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity insurances. Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Educational Assistance & Incentive Pay
City may pay a portion of tuition per the Educational Assistance Program.
If hired prior to and receiving incentive pay on December 31, 2023, employees may be eligible for incentive pay at their rate on said date and according to details of the plan for eligible regular full-time employees.
Call-In Pay
The Division Manager shall have the right to switch an employee's work schedule on a given
day or days up to a full cycle (defined as five consecutive working days) to a vacant shift with
24 hours' minimum notice. The employee whose shift is switched will be compensated an additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked outside their scheduled shift. If the Division Manager provides less than 24 hours' notice, the reassigned employee shall receive time and one-half pay for hours worked outside those normally scheduled.
Training Pay
When a Telecommunicator I or a Communications Center Supervisor is assigned to train a new Telecommunicator, the trainer will receive an additional $2.50 per hour for each hour while training. Management retains all rights to select the Telecommunicator I or Communications Center Supervisor to be assigned training responsibilities.
Uniform Allowance
If hired prior to January 1, 2026, the City will provide $145 per individual, per year, as a uniform allowance, in the form of a cash payout. In addition, the City agrees to purchase up to three items (City uniform shirts or City uniform embroidered logo fleece tops) not to exceed a total value of $80 per individual employee each year. Anyone who has ordered up to three uniform shirts will be allowed to receive three uniform shirts and without a cap as to cost. If, however, someone wants an embroidered fleece, then there will be an $80 cap for any combination of shirts and/or fleece.
VACATION SCHEDULE
The standard vacati...
Location : Eau Claire, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00022
Department: PD-COMM CENTER
Opening Date: 04/03/2026
Closing Date: 4/19/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Description
Put your customer service skills to use while serving your community! Help us provide an essential service for Eau Claire County residents and visitors. Join our team as a full-time Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher)! We are currently hiring in the Eau Claire Communications Center. The Eau Claire Communications Center is one of the longest running countywide, central dispatch facilities in Wisconsin. Civilian Telecommunicators are responsible for all 911 calls and non-emergency calls in Eau Claire County. We dispatch for 14 agencies, including law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services. Applicants will use a computer aided dispatch system, computer records management system, TIME system, and other computer software to effectively complete their duties.
Schedule: During a 2-week period, you work five 12-hour shifts and two 8-hour shifts. This means you get every other Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off!
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.)
- Have no felony convictions on record
- Must be able to work a variety of different shifts
- Must also be detail-oriented; have good keyboarding skills; have effective communication skills; possess the ability to maintain composure under high stress situations; exhibit patience and discretion when dealing with customers; and have the ability to multitask
Additional Reasons to Apply:
- Receive 41.25 hours of vacation on your first day of employment, plus earn 82.5 hours of additional vacation time in the first year
- Receive 3 paid floating holidays and 8 paid regular holidays (in a calendar year)
- Potential to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Plus, other excellent fringe benefits (paid sick leave, health insurance, life insurance, etc.)!
Application deadline: Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION SCOPE
Under general supervision, receives calls for police, sheriff, fire, and emergency medical services, transmitting information and dispatching personnel and equipment through the use of telephone, State Computer System, Local Computer System, and radio communications equipment. The incumbent must develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of police, fire, and medical operations and procedures as well as a working knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. This background is essential in order for the incumbent to be capable of understanding the status of activities in the field and to make the most effective use of personnel and equipment.
Disposition of calls are made in accordance with established regulations and procedures; however, incumbent must exercise initiative and sound judgment. Incumbent must develop and maintain knowledge of the geographic layout of the City and County of Eau Claire as it pertains to dispatching personnel to calls for service. Incumbent has substantial contact with the public and user agencies via telephone, radio and in person.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Using a computer aided dispatch system, receive emergency calls for service from the public requesting police, fire, emergency medical or other service; determine nature and location of emergency, determine priorities, and dispatch necessary emergency units in accordance with established procedures. Transmit and receive messages to and from user agencies via public safety radios, 9-1-1 emergency telephone lines, data terminals and other communications equipment.
Maintain contact with all units on duty; maintain status and location of police and fire units; answer non-emergency calls for assistance; inquire, enter, update, interpret, verify, receive and disseminate information from national, state, and local law enforcement computer networks as requested by user agencies for missing persons, stolen property and restraining orders; monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies; effectively operate the public safety communications system, radio dispatch consoles, and other associated equipment.
Maintain contact with callers when required. Provide Basic life support instructions following the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAED). Provide scene safety instructions to callers who are involved in high risk situations until first responders or law enforcement officers are on scene.
Monitor the NAWAS direct telephone link to the National Weather Service. In the event of notification of severe weather approaching the Eau Claire area, activate the Severe Weather Warning System. This includes activation of the outdoor severe weather warning sirens, and activating the weather warning tone and broadcast of information over appropriate radio frequencies. Utilizing the NAWAS telephone link, relay actual storm data to the National Weather Service as it becomes available.
Answer all telephone calls and radio transmissions directed to the Communications Center as promptly as possible; obtaining as much information and relaying that information to appropriate field units. Display a concerned, considerate, and polite demeanor, reassuring callers as necessary; effectively communicate with and gather information from citizens.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, user agency personnel and the public. Be courteous, attentive, and helpful in all contacts with the public and user agencies.
Under general supervision, using all available information, assist in coordination of multiple events and emergency responses; accomplish tasks in a composedand competent manner while working under stress. Provide operational support and assistance to co-workers as needed.
Know and understand the portions of the Manual of Policy, Regulations and Procedures which apply to this position. Adhere to policy and procedure in carrying out duties where applicable. Actively support the policies, procedures, programs, objectives and philosophies of the department.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs related duties as required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS
During the initial training process, incumbents must successfully complete the following: IS-100.b Introduction to Incident Command System, IS-200.b Incident Command System for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents, IS-700.a National Incident Management System: An Introduction, CPR certification, and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have no felony convictions on record.
High school diploma or equivalent (GED, etc.) is required.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
Must be able to work mandatory over-time hours.
Must be able to transcribe verbally communicated information quickly and accurately.
Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.
Must be able to take direction and work well with others.
Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.
Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
Must be able to back-up fellow co-workers.
SUPERVISION/DIRECTION RECEIVED
Communications Center Supervisor/Communication Center Manager
SUPERVISION/DIRECTION EXERCISED
None
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is mostly sedentary (sitting) with occasional walking, standing and lifting less than 20 lbs. in a general office setting with a minimal presence of hazards.
The City of Eau Claire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CITY OF EAU CLAIRE FRINGE BENEFITS
TELECOMMUNICATOR EMPLOYEES
(Effective January 1, 2026)
Benefits listed are for full-time employees. Regular part-time employee benefits are prorated based on the budgeted hours of the position except for vacation which is prorated based on the number of hours actually worked. Health Insurance benefits for employees working thirty hours or more per week shall not be prorated.
BENEFITS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY UPON EMPLOYMENT
Holiday Pay
For calculation purposes only, Telecommunicators shall receive eight and one-quarter hours pay at the Telecommunicator's regular straight time hourly rate for the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Telecommunicators are eligible for two days of holiday pay in the first half of the year and six days of holiday pay in the second half of the year. In addition, Telecommunicators who work these holidays will be paid at their regular straight time hourly rate.
Floating Holidays
Three floating holidays to be taken at the employee's discretion with supervisory approval each year, except as noted below. Employees hired January 1 - June 30 are entitled to three floating holidays during the first year of hire. Employees hired July 1 - December 31 are entitled to one and one-half floating holidays during the first year. Employees terminating prior to July 1 are entitled to one and one-half floating holidays. Floating holidays not used within the calendar year will be forfeited.
Sick Leave
One day per month accruable to 120 days.
Wisconsin Retirement System
As required by state law, the City and the employee are each required to contribute into the Wisconsin Retirement System. The total contribution is 14.4% of earnings, with the City and the employee each contributing 7.2%.
Deferred Compensation Plans
Available participation in a 457 retirement savings plan offered by the City. Contributions cannot exceed the annual maximum limit allowed by the IRS.
Roth Plans
Available participation in the Roth 457 and Roth IRA retirement accounts offered by the City. Contributions cannot exceed the annual maximum limit allowed by the IRS.
Supplemental Worker's Compensation Pay
Upon the determination of eligibility, the City shall pay a regular full-time employee who is injured on the job the difference between their regular salary and their worker's compensation payments, as long as the employee is on injury leave, but not to exceed 90 days for the same injury. If an employee receives the full 90 days of injury leave and is still unable to return to work, the City Council may at its' discretion grant an extension of injury leave.
Employee Assistance Program
Available to all employees and their families.
BENEFITS AVAILABLE THE FIRST OF THE MONTH FOLLOWING 30 DAYS OF SUCCESSFUL CITY SERVICE
Life Insurance (Department of Employee Trust Funds)
Available participation in the Basic, Supplemental, Additional, and Spouse and Dependent life insurance program. The City pays 50% of the basic life insurance premium. The amount of insurance is dependent upon the annual salary of the employee.
Active Employee Health Insurance
The City pays 85% of the cost of the health insurance premium for an active regular full-time employee.
Dental Insurance
Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. Employees working 20 hours per week, or more are eligible.
Vision Insurance
Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium. Employees working 20 hours per week, or more are eligible.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
City pays 50% of the monthly premium. Employees working 30 hours per week, or more are eligible.
Flexible Spending
Optional participation in a health care and/or dependent care Section 125 pre-tax reimbursement account, subject to IRS regulations. Employees working 30 hours per week, or more are eligible.
Additional Ancillary Benefits
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are eligible for short-term disability, voluntary life/accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity insurances. Employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Educational Assistance & Incentive Pay
City may pay a portion of tuition per the Educational Assistance Program.
If hired prior to and receiving incentive pay on December 31, 2023, employees may be eligible for incentive pay at their rate on said date and according to details of the plan for eligible regular full-time employees.
Call-In Pay
The Division Manager shall have the right to switch an employee's work schedule on a given
day or days up to a full cycle (defined as five consecutive working days) to a vacant shift with
24 hours' minimum notice. The employee whose shift is switched will be compensated an additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked outside their scheduled shift. If the Division Manager provides less than 24 hours' notice, the reassigned employee shall receive time and one-half pay for hours worked outside those normally scheduled.
Training Pay
When a Telecommunicator I or a Communications Center Supervisor is assigned to train a new Telecommunicator, the trainer will receive an additional $2.50 per hour for each hour while training. Management retains all rights to select the Telecommunicator I or Communications Center Supervisor to be assigned training responsibilities.
Uniform Allowance
If hired prior to January 1, 2026, the City will provide $145 per individual, per year, as a uniform allowance, in the form of a cash payout. In addition, the City agrees to purchase up to three items (City uniform shirts or City uniform embroidered logo fleece tops) not to exceed a total value of $80 per individual employee each year. Anyone who has ordered up to three uniform shirts will be allowed to receive three uniform shirts and without a cap as to cost. If, however, someone wants an embroidered fleece, then there will be an $80 cap for any combination of shirts and/or fleece.
VACATION SCHEDULE
The standard vacati...
Salary : $29 - $35