Job Description

The Position

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Are you ready for work that is both challenging and meaningful?

Join the dynamic environment of a 9-1-1 call center and contribute to the community safety of the Portland metro area!

Job Appointment:

Full-Time, Regular.

Schedule/Work Environment:

Experienced employees are required to work independently with minimal supervision and may assist in training new employees. Typical schedules for experienced employees are four 10-hour workdays. The ability to work any shift, on any day of the week, and to work overtime is an essential function of the job. Employees are not required to report to work on their days off.

Work Location:

Employees report to 9911 SE Bush St, Portland, Or 97266. This position cannot be filled in a remote status.

Benefits:

Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

Language Pay Premium Eligible:

This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.

Union Representation:

This classification is represented by Portland Police Association (PPA). To view this labor agreement, please click here.

Application Material:

Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland's online portal. You will need to provide answers to the Supplemental Questions.

Position Summary:

Bring your enthusiasm for serving the community to the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee (EC Dispatcher Trainee). EC Dispatcher Trainees receive paid training that will provide you with the skills needed to answer 9-1-1/non-emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, medical and mental health responders. No previous experience is expected nor required. The work of 9-1-1 is fast-paced and rewarding but often performed under stressful demands for speed and accuracy. We routinely assess our employees' work, providing feedback and training to ensure that we are delivering quality service to the public and to our partner agencies.

If you have previous experience working in this position at a 9-1-1 center within the last year, please apply

HERE

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Our full-time paid training program includes:

Classroom learning with hands-on computer training Simulation exercises, study, and practice time Assigned experienced coaches to guide you while taking live calls and dispatching responders Daily performance feedback to track your progress

To be successful in the program,

you must demonstrate critical thinking skills during quickly changing situations; an ability to use required computer, radio and phone systems; and the skill to communicate with the public and responders in emergency situations.

Training Pay Scale

Starting Pay
$32.72

12 Months
$36.08

18 Months
$37.87

Training Completion
$39.90


Emergency Communications Dispatch Trainees who successfully complete training will promote to Senior Dispatchers.

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Virtual Meet & Greet Opportunity

Come to learn more about the recruitment process and what it's like to work as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher

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Wednesday, September 17, 2025 5:00PM - 6:00PM - Virtually on Microsoft Teams

Join the meeting now

Please note:

Informational sessions are not required but are a great opportunity to learn more about the position and ask questions.



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Questions? Contact:

Jaclyn Snyder, Senior Recruiter

Bureau of Human Resources

Jaclyn.Snyder@portlandoregon.gov

To Qualify

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Applicants must provide details in their supplemental question responses that demonstrate how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications:

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates must be at least 18 years old at time of hire. Type 40 Net Words Per Minute (wpm) with 90% accuracy. Meet all the requirements indicated in the supplemental questions.

Applicants must also possess:

Ability to pass a background investigation through the Criminal Justice Information Services System.

The Recruitment Process

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The recruitment process will consist of the following steps:

Step 1: Application:

When you submit your application, please provide thorough and complete answers to the essay questions listed on the application. We use these supplemental questions, instead of a resume or cover letter, to get to know you.

The answers you provide will be evaluated in the interview process. Therefore, please take your time to provide a thorough answer.

Step 2: Typing Test:

Those who pass the minimum qualifications mentioned above will be emailed a link and instructions to complete a typing test. We use an online program, Typing Test Pro, which sends us the results automatically. To pass, you must have a typing speed of at least 40 words per minute with 90% accuracy. You will get four (4) chances to pass.

Step 3: CritiCall Test

: Those who pass the typing test will be emailed a testing link and instructions to complete the CritiCall test. This is an online test where we look for underlying skills and abilities important for the work. The test involves components such as multitasking, memorization, and reading comprehension.

Step 4: Eligible List Established:

Those who pass the CritiCall test will be placed on an equally ranked Eligible List.

Step 5: Pass/Fail Oral Interviews:

Everyone who passes the CritiCall test will have a chance to meet with an interview panel which includes an emergency communications dispatcher and a supervisor. We conduct two (2) rounds of interviews. During the first interview, questions will be provided 30 minutes prior to the interview itself. Most people who interview for this job have no experience with 9-1-1. The second interview is an opportunity for our training manager and training supervisor to learn more about you.

Step 6: Conditional Offer & Background Checks:

All candidates who pass first and second interviews are given a conditional offer. The final offer of employment is based on passing a background/reference check, a psychological assessment, a drug screening and vision/hearing tests.

Recruitment Activity Schedule

Recruitment Opens

: September 15, 2025

Recruitment Closes:

September 19, 2025

Typing Test:

September 24 - October 1, 2025

CritiCall Test:

October 6-12, 2025

Eligible List Established/Notices Sent:

Week of October 15, 2025

1st Interview:

October 20-23, 2025

2nd Interview:

November 3-5, 2025

Backgrounds begin:

November 21, 2025

Backgrounds completed by:

February 9, 2026

Psychological Assessments:

Week of February 23, 2026

Start Date:

April 6, 2026

Timeline is approximate and subject to change without notice

Application Instructions

Applicants

must

submit responses to the supplemental questions online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:

Your responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification. Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for this position. If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, as identified below, please describe in your responses to the supplemental questions and resume any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to this position.

All completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than

the closing date and time of this recruitment.

E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Additional Information

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Click here

for additional information regarding the following:

City of Portland Core Values Recruitment Process - Work Status Equal Employment Opportunity Veteran Preference ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations


An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer



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