Job Description

The Municipality of Woodstock is actively recruiting Dispatchers to join the Police department. We welcome your inquiries and encourage you to apply! If you have a passion for serving the public sector this may be the perfect fit for you.

Woodstock, Vermont offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, vibrant community and relaxed lifestyle. The picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, skiing, and biking foster a balanced work-life environment. Woodstock's strong sense of community encourages networking and collaboration. Its charming downtown features local shops, restaurants and cultural events. Additionally, the town's commitment to sustainability and local business creates an inspiring atmosphere for innovation and growth.

Benefits of working for the Municipality of Woodstock include:

Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.

Competitive wages.

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (FY25 the Municipality pays 93% of the cost of health insurance premiums and 100% of other insurance premiums for employee and their family).

Vermont Municipal Employees Retirement System (VMERS) - includes employer and employee contributions.

10 days of paid vacation earned per year (starting).

15 days of paid sick leave earned per year (starting).

12 paid holidays per year.

Two paid personal days per year (16 hours).

The Municipality provides short term disability, long term disability, life, and AD & D insurances to eligible employees.

Bereavement leave.

Wellness Benefit - The Municipality pays 75% of an employee's membership to the Woodstock Recreation Center's Fitness Center or Woodstock Athletic Club bought each quarter.

Employee Development - The municipality encourages employees to continue their education and currently offers a reimbursement program for 100% of the direct costs of the course or program that an employee is enrolled in.

Job Overview:

The Dispatcher plays a critical role in coordinating emergency response activities for police, fire, EMS, and public works departments. Dispatchers receive incoming emergency calls, assess the situation, and dispatch appropriate personnel to the scene.

Supervision Received

:

Works under the general supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor and Chief of Police.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Receives emergency calls from the public, accurately gathers relevant information, and assess the nature and severity of the situation.

Remains calm and reassuring while interacting with callers in distress, ensuring empathy and professionalism in all communications.

Dispatches appropriate emergency personnel, such as police officers, firefighters, EMS providers, or public works personnel, to the location of the incident based on established protocols and guidelines.

Monitors and tracks the status and location of emergency units, ensuring timely and effective response.

Coordinates and communicates with other emergency agencies, such as neighboring dispatch centers, to facilitate seamless response efforts.

Maintains accurate records of all calls, incidents, and dispatch activities, ensuring proper documentation for future reference or legal purposes.

Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and other communication equipment, logging relevant information and updating incident status as necessary.

Stays updated on emergency response procedures, protocols, and resources for police, fire, EMS, and public works departments, participating in ongoing triaing and professional development opportunities.

Remains alert and responsive to additional incoming calls, promptly prioritizing and dispatching resources based on the level of urgency.

Collaborates with colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for process improvement and contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the dispatch center.

Maintains confidentiality and adheres to strict security protocols to protect the privacy and safety of individuals involved.

Minimum Qualifications

High School dipoloma or equivalent; additional certifications or coursework in emergency services, communications, or a related field are preferred.

Previous experience in emergency services dispatching, call center operations, or a similar role is highly desirable.

Proficient computer skills and experience working with dispatch software or CAD systems is an asset.

Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity.

Special Requirements

Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.

Ability to multitask and remain calm in high-pressure situations, effectively managing stress and making sound decisions.

Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess information quickly and accurately.

Knowledge of local geography, streets, and landmarks to assist in providing accurate directions to emergency responders.

Ability to work collaboratively with emergency personnel, maintaining professionalism and composure during demanding situations.

Strong interpersonal skills, displaying empathy and compassion when dealing with callers in distress.

Must be proficient when operating communication equipment to accurately document incidents and dispatch activities in real-time.

Must pass a fingerprint-supported background check.

Work Environment & Schedule

The dispatch room is equipped with multiple workstations, although work is often performed alone. There are CAD systems, telecommunication equipment, and other necessary tools.

The dispatch environment can be fast-paced and high pressure during emergency situations. Dispatchers must be able to handle emergency calls, prioritize incidents, and coordinate the response of multiple emergency personnel simultaneiously.

This is a full-time, hourly position. Pay is commensurate with experience.

This is a Union Position (New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 416).

Flexibility to work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as Dispatch operates 24/7. This is a 12-hour rotating shift with every other weekend is 3 days off.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume to Beth Terrien (Dispatch Supervisor) at etherrien@townofwoodstock.org and Stephanie Appelfeller (Chief of Staff) at sappelfeller@townofwoodstock.org. Applications will be accepted until filled, with interviews scheduled on a rolling basis.

The Municipality of Woodstock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the role.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $21.50 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance
Work Location: In person