Public Safety Telecommunications Operator

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under close supervision, coordinates and performs a variety of dispatch functions on behalf of the Lewis County E911 Communications Department; prepares and maintains dispatch records; and performs other related duties as assigned.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Operates various types of dispatch and emergency communications equipment including multi-frequency radios, computer aided-dispatch, teletype, and TDD/TTY equipment.
• Receives, logs, and prioritizes incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Provides assistance, information, and/or instructions to callers; directs and transfers calls to other State agencies as required.
• Dispatches and maintains communication with police, fire, and/or emergency medical services personnel; monitors the location and status of field personnel.
• Responds to inquiries from emergency response personnel; provides directions to incident scenes; logs the arrival time of responders and/or aid apparatus.
• Coordinates response activities with outside agencies, public works personnel, search and rescue services, coroners, mortuaries, chaplains, towing companies, and/or other relevant parties.
• Receives and responds to information from alarm companies regarding commercial and residential properties; monitors County alarm systems; dispatches appropriate response personnel.
• Researches and provides information to law enforcement personnel regarding persons, vehicles, criminal histories, warrants, protection orders, and/or stolen property.
• Enters information into the Washington Crime Information Computer (WACIC) and National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) systems in relation to missing persons, runaways, protection orders, stolen items, and vehicles.
• Assists other agencies in coordinating Child Protective Services (CPS) referrals, mental health evaluations, and/or attempts to locate individuals.
• Performs data entry; prepares and maintains a variety of dispatch records, reports, and documentation.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in an emergency dispatch center environment; subject to sitting for extended periods of time, standing, bending, reaching, and frequent use of personal computers.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Type 35 WPM.
• Within one year of employment completion of the following: A Telecommunications I and II Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification, First Aid/CPR Certification, Access I and II Certification, and TTY/TDD Certification are required.

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors)

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of emergencydispatch.
• E911 communications operations, policies, and procedures.
• Emergency dispatch systems and software.
• WACIC and NCICdatabases.
• Departmental records, reports, and documentation.

Skills in:

• Answering, prioritizing, logging, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Responding to public inquiries and providing information and instructions tocallers.
• Maintaining communication with and providing information to emergency response personnel.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate dispatch records and documentation.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, County departments, emergency response personnel, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Learn and follow County policies andprocedures.

Behaviors:

• Regular, reliable attendance.

Lewis County is an equal opportunity employer that provides access, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by law in employment or provisions of services.

Health Insurance: We offer comprehensive medical coverage-including vision-along with dental and basic life insurance for employees and their families. Multiple medical plan options are available, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.

Retirement Plans: Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.

Longevity: We recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.

Deferred Compensation: Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Please visit our Employee Benefits webpage for details: 2026 Benefits

Accommodations for All Applicants: If you need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to help! Contact our Human Resources Department at (360) 740-2737 or HR@lewiscountywa.gov .

Closing Date/Time: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific