Public Safety Telecommunicator

When every second counts, you're the first voice that matters

If you want to make a difference in your community, then let us help you shape that passion through our on-the-job Training Academy and turn it into the career of a lifetime.  As members of public safety, Telecommunicators are typically the first point of contact when a person reaches out for help. This critical role serves as the vital communications link between the public needing help and emergency services response. 

Work in a friendly, fast-paced environment where you are empowered to make decisions independently and make an impact that truly matters. The growing field of public safety offers opportunities for career development as technology and services continue to advance. Our Training Academy will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to excel to the next level. 

Definition
To provide a single point of contact for twenty four hour voice/radio communications for Grand Forks County and cities therein; to include Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Fire Department, University of North Dakota Police Department, Altru Ambulance, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s office, and all rural fire, rescue, and EMS as well as providing emergency and 911 services to citizens for immediate and direct access to fire, police, and medical services; to monitor, operate and test a variety of communications equipment.
HIRING SCHEDULE (Please be prepared to be available))
May  22, 2026- Position Closes at 5:00PM
June 4, 2026- 1st Interview
June 11, 2026- Presentation and Testing
June 18, 2026 - 2nd Interview and 911 Center Sit-In
July 20, 2026- Start Date

Essential Functions:

The following list of tasks provides a description of some of the functions, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions required of this position: 

• Using knowledge of law enforcement, fire, and EMS protocols to prioritize and sequence calls promptly
• Demonstrating clear and effective communications with active listening, call control, judgment, respect, and empathy with callers that range from calm to panicked
• Documenting incident details quickly and accurately to establish incident urgency, categorizing the incident type, and obtaining the proper response
• Prioritize and dispatch appropriate emergency services and ensure efficient allocation of resources to minimize response times and maximize effectiveness
• Articulate detailed incident information accurately and efficiently for documentation and response purposes
• Analyze complex situations quickly and accurately to make informed decisions under pressure
• Relaying initial information for dispatch accurately, reviewing the call for service details, and assuming incident command until responders arrive
• Utilize various communication systems to communicate with callers such as text to 911; TDD or relay services to comply with standards for handling calls from hearing-impaired callers; language interpretation services and coordinating with mental health resources for appropriate contacts with callers who have mental health or language barriers to receiving help
• Operate Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and other essential communication equipment to facilitate efficient emergency response
• Conducting safety status checks of responders and using other available technology to ensure on-scene responders’ safety
• Documenting thoroughly and accurately incident activities while maintaining awareness of scene activities
• Provide pre-arrival instructions when necessary, including first aid, CPR, fire safety, and other scene safety protocols

• Utilize emergency communication systems, including the radio communication system, paging, and other alert systems to dispatch, communicate and coordinate with emergency responders
• Represent the PSAP with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public
• Collaborate with other Public Safety Telecommuncations and emergency responders to ensure seamless coordination of resources during major incidents or disasters 
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge
• Adhere to all relevant local, state, and federal laws, policies and guidelines, as required
• Answer and acknowledge all warnings, alerts, and tests from the National Warning System; disseminate emergency weather and civil emergency information to all emergency responders and general public as required

Qualifications:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Candidates must be 18 years of age or older 
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen with or the ability to receive valid driver's license or ID on/by the date of hire
• Must successfully pass a background investigation that meets all local, state, and federal requirements
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions 
• Must successfully complete the Grand Forks PSAP Training Academy to include all relevant certifications and maintain required certifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented, with a desire to provide a service to the community and contribute to the efficiency an effectiveness of the department
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely under stressful conditions; relay details accurately; listen actively, think and act quickly
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and decisiveness in situations 
• Able to use logic, critical thinking, and reasoning to reach conclusions and solve problems
• Ability to learn modern and complex principles and practices of radio communications, emergency dispatch, and geographical spatial data
• Ability to accurately perform multiple tasks under highly stressful situations; adapt and function without reservation in high-stress situations
• Ability to remain resilient and resourceful while coordinating high-risk, high-stress operations, with the objective of keeping all participants safe
• Ability to hear and understand multiple simultaneous conversations 
• Desire to assist all public safety responders, as well as the public who may be in distress
• Desire to work with modern technology and practical applications with a focus on providing excellent customer service

License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid emergency medical dispatch certificate within one year of employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid NCIC certificate within one year of employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid APSCO 40 hour course certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR certification.