911 Dispatcher

911 Dispatcher

Employment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular
Pay Range: $63,336.00 - 87,360.00
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Elected Office / Department: SHERIFF
Job Number: req2958
Closing Date: 12/31/2025

Position Summary

Douglas Regional 9-1-1, the largest Public Safety Answering Point in Douglas County, is accepting applications for the position of Emergency 911 Dispatcher. Dispatchers serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services, answering both emergency and non-emergency calls, and dispatching appropriate law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. This position supports public safety operations for both Douglas and Elbert Counties.

Recognized as first responders under Colorado law, dispatchers at Douglas Regional 9-1-1 are critical to safeguarding lives and property. The role calls for confident, dependable individuals who take initiative and make rapid, well-reasoned decisions in demanding, high-pressure situations. Success in this position requires composure, adaptability, and unwavering resilience under stress.

Schedule

• 12-hour shifts (6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. / 6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.) ~ Schedule subject to change
• Alternating 3-day/4-day workweeks
• Includes mandatory on-call shifts and mandatory overtime

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, evaluate, and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service across Douglas and Elbert Counties
• Dispatch law enforcement, fire, and EMS units in accordance with established protocols
• Provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) instructions, including CPR and other lifesaving guidance
• Monitor unit status, ensure responder safety, and maintain situational awareness of incidents
• Operate Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio, and multiple technology systems simultaneously
• Accurately document call information and maintain detailed records
• Provide emergency communications on scene of critical incidents using the agency’s Incident Dispatch Vehicle (IDV)
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Essential Job Functions

• Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and listens with empathy; projects voice clearly; can control a conversation under stress
• Social Awareness: Acts appropriately under high stress; displays compassion to those in distress; calms callers in crisis
• Multi-Tasking: Handles multiple responsibilities and systems simultaneously
• Reliability: Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and confidentiality; delivers quality work on time
• Customer Service: Anticipates responder and citizen needs; maintains professionalism
• Testimony: Able to provide credible testimony in legal proceedings

Compensation
Douglas Regional 9-1-1 offers a competitive salary structure with progression based on years of service as a dispatcher:

Benefits Package
We offer a generous benefits package including, but not limited to:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(a) mandatory 8% contribution with Douglas County matching 8%
• Douglas County matches 457 Deferred Compensation contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of annual salary
• Basic Life Insurance and AD&D, Long-Term Disability, and Employee Assistance Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability buy-up, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance
• Wellness Program – Peer Support, Chaplain Services, Medical Services (psychological, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, hormonal therapy, physical therapy), financial resources, and estate planning
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunities (for those who qualify)
• For a detailed overview, please view the Douglas County Employee Benefit Guide

Education, Experience, and Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• This is a shift position requiring the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays in a closed, secure environment
• Ability to work on-call and mandatory overtime as required
• Ability to pass qualifying physical exams, polygraph, psychological, and background investigation
• Apply common-sense understanding to carry out detailed and complex procedures according to standard operating procedures
• Ability to remain calm and effectively communicate under pressure and unusual circumstances
• Ability to multitask and demonstrate strong attention to detail consistently
• Ability to utilize a headset for phones/radio and hear in a busy communications center
• Type accurately at a minimum of 40 words per minute
• Proficiency with personal computers and Windows-based applications
• Obtain and maintain required certifications: CCIC/NCIC, NENA Core Competencies, CPR, and EMD
• Possession of a valid Colorado driver’s license

Desired Qualities
The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, quick-thinking, and driven to serve with compassion.

We seek candidates who are:

• Able to thrive in fast-paced, detail-oriented environments
• Clear, calm, and confident communicators under stress
• Tech-savvy multitaskers skilled in managing multiple systems
• Compassionate, resilient team players with integrity
• Self-starters who work independently under pressure with minimal guidance

Training and Certification
All new dispatchers complete a structured training program through our APCO Accredited Training Program. This nationally recognized program ensures dispatchers are trained to the highest standards in call-taking, law enforcement dispatch, fire dispatch, and emergency medical dispatch. Required certifications include:

• State and federal systems access (CCIC/NCIC)
• Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
• NENA Core Competencies for Emergency Communications

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a closed, secure communications center with multiple computer monitors, continuous phone and radio traffic, and frequent interruptions
• Dispatchers must sit or remain at a workstation for long periods while maintaining intense focus and attention to detail
• The position requires working under high-pressure conditions, making rapid and accurate decisions that directly affect community and responder safety
• Critical incidents often involve exposure to traumatic or emotionally distressing content; dispatchers must manage stress and maintain professionalism at all times
• Schedules include nights, weekends, holidays, mandatory overtime, and on-call shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage

Note: The successful applicant must be able to perform all job functions, unassisted, at a pace and level consistent with operational requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions. This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required. In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.