What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dispatcher Trainee - $1,000 Sign-On Incentive position at Orange County Government?
Overview
At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.
Job Description
General Functions:
Participates in training activities associated with preparing for the Florida Public Safety Telecommunicators examinations for 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST). Trainees must successfully complete all requirements for obtaining the Florida Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST) Certification Examination and the call taking assessment with Orange County Fire Rescue Communications.
Representative Duties/Assignments:
Duties may vary based on area of assignment. The following are representative duties, it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.
Receives 232 state-mandated training hours for PST.
Attends and participates in the Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC) classes.
Attends and participates in the Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) classes.
Attends and participates in the Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) classes.
Attends CPR training.
Training on the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
Training on the 911-phone system.
Training on the 800 MHz radio system.
Trainees must successfully complete the emergency call taking assessment within one (1) year of employment.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School graduate or equivalent plus one (1) year experience in either computers, customers service or data entry or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Successful completion of dispatcher assessment, which includes data entry, spelling, decision-making, etc.
Must have a clear and easily understood voice.
Requirements within the below prescribed timeframe:
Trainee must obtain Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification while employed. Employees are required to complete PST refresher training every two (2) years.
Trainees must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certifications and emergency call take assessment within one (1) year of employment and maintain certifications while employed. Employees are required to complete EMD and EFD refresher training every two (2) years.
Application Deadline
Open Date: 09/27/2026
Close Date: 10/10/2026
This posting is subject to close without prior notice.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: 11 - From $ 19.00
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Placement based on County Policy or bargaining unit contract
Placement Based On Education And Experience
After successful completion of the Dispatcher Trainee requirements, as described in the Notes section of this job posting. Trainees will be eligible to move to a Dispatcher position in approximately 12-14 weeks - Dispatcher Hourly rate: $22.50 per hour
Benefits
For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx
Veterans Preference
If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.
Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.
Educational Requirements
If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.
Notes
Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete the pre-employment drug, physical and background check.
OCFRD Dispatcher Trainee 2027 Academies:
January 18, 2027
At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.
Job Description
General Functions:
Participates in training activities associated with preparing for the Florida Public Safety Telecommunicators examinations for 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST). Trainees must successfully complete all requirements for obtaining the Florida Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST) Certification Examination and the call taking assessment with Orange County Fire Rescue Communications.
Representative Duties/Assignments:
Duties may vary based on area of assignment. The following are representative duties, it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.
Receives 232 state-mandated training hours for PST.
Attends and participates in the Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC) classes.
Attends and participates in the Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) classes.
Attends and participates in the Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) classes.
Attends CPR training.
Training on the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
Training on the 911-phone system.
Training on the 800 MHz radio system.
Trainees must successfully complete the emergency call taking assessment within one (1) year of employment.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School graduate or equivalent plus one (1) year experience in either computers, customers service or data entry or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Successful completion of dispatcher assessment, which includes data entry, spelling, decision-making, etc.
Must have a clear and easily understood voice.
Requirements within the below prescribed timeframe:
Trainee must obtain Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification while employed. Employees are required to complete PST refresher training every two (2) years.
Trainees must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certifications and emergency call take assessment within one (1) year of employment and maintain certifications while employed. Employees are required to complete EMD and EFD refresher training every two (2) years.
Application Deadline
Open Date: 09/27/2026
Close Date: 10/10/2026
This posting is subject to close without prior notice.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: 11 - From $ 19.00
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Placement based on County Policy or bargaining unit contract
Placement Based On Education And Experience
After successful completion of the Dispatcher Trainee requirements, as described in the Notes section of this job posting. Trainees will be eligible to move to a Dispatcher position in approximately 12-14 weeks - Dispatcher Hourly rate: $22.50 per hour
Benefits
- 10 paid holidays and up to 2 floating holidays annually.
- 18 days paid time off per year.
- Longevity bonus based on years of service.
- 6 days of paid TERM (sick) time annually.
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, additional life insurance.
- Free basic life, long term disability, and employee assistance for all the family members effective on day one.
- Participation in the Florida Retirement System.
- Employee assistance program includes multiple free one on one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.
- Free access to Wellworks gyms and Orange County Recreation Centers.
- Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.
- Tuition reimbursement program.
- Earn service time to forgive student loans.
For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx
Veterans Preference
If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.
Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.
Educational Requirements
If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.
Notes
Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete the pre-employment drug, physical and background check.
OCFRD Dispatcher Trainee 2027 Academies:
January 18, 2027
Salary : $19 - $23