The City of Takoma Park is a great place to work. The City offers an excellent benefits package. We are proud to be a workforce of almost 200 full-time and part-time employees that are as diverse as the community we serve. We strive to maintain excellent customer service and responsiveness to our residents and everyone we work with. It is with this in mind that we seek to improve by championing quality and efficiency through a dedicated workforce and cooperative spirit.
The City of Takoma Park is looking for a reliable Police Dispatcher for the Police Department's Administrative Services Division. The Police Department is full-service and committed to providing the highest quality of police services by promoting a diverse and respectful environment. Under general supervision, the incumbent will provide prompt and accurate dispatching of police units; receive and disseminate emergency and non-emergency calls for service from citizens on the telephone; and enter and maintain records in computer system. This position may be scheduled to work a full-time, flexible, alternating schedule with shifts of 10 - 12 hours. Applicants are required to successfully pass a written exam and thorough background investigation.
Typical duties include but are not limited to

• Answering emergency and non-emergency calls from the public; determines the nature of the call; determines action required to handle call appropriately;
• Dispatching the appropriate equipment and personnel to the scene;
• Maintaining awareness of officer's location in order to dispatch calls appropriately, efficiently, and provide for officer safety;
• Entering and maintaining records into computer system;
• Monitoring equipment for functional performance;
• Checking for wants and warrants on suspects, runaways, and stolen vehicles utilizing the computer systems;
• Serving as receptionist and assists callers with non-emergency situations, such as giving office hours and directions to various agencies;
• Performing all other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education; or,
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job;
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain Maryland Criminal Justice Dashboard/NCIC certification;
• Successful passing of written exam and thorough background investigation.

Study Materials

• Study materials are recommended, but not required in order to take the written exam.
• Visit Criticall911.com for test preparation materials and practice tests.

The entry level starting hourly rate for Dispatcher 1, with no previous experience, is $27.42 to $31.82 per hour. The starting hourly rate for Dispatcher 2 candidates (two or more years of experience) is $28.79 to $33.91 per hour. Pay will be offered at a level consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the candidate.
The City offers an excellent benefits package, including: 100% paid medical, dental and vision premiums for employee only coverage and 80% paid premiums for dependents. We offer participation in the Maryland State Retirement program, optional 457(b) plan enrollment, tuition reimbursement, and much more!
This position is subject to membership within the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit.
The City of Takoma Park is a small jurisdiction in Montgomery County, Maryland bordering the District of Columbia and Prince George's County. Inhabited by a diverse and politically active population of 17,000 residents, Takoma Park is known for its progressive policies, historic tree-lined neighborhoods, and independent businesses. We are proud to be a workforce of almost 200 full-time and part-time employees that are as diverse as the community we serve. We strive to maintain excellent customer service and responsiveness to our residents and everyone we work with. It is with this in mind that we seek to improve by championing quality and efficiency through a dedicated workforce and cooperative spirit.
The City of Takoma Park is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the residents we serve and the area in which we live. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where employees of diverse backgrounds can thrive and make a positive impact in the services we provide.