911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher
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911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher I
About the City of Coral Springs Emergency Communications Center
The City of Coral Springs Emergency Communications Center (ECC) answers all emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services for the cities of Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, and Parkland (wireless 9-1-1 only). Inside the ECC, team members are on the job 24/7 protecting residents. The Coral Springs ECC also serves as the dispatch center for the Coral Springs Police Department, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, and the Coconut Creek Police & Fire Departments, acting as the lifeline between the public, first responders, and the resources needed.
What We Do
Inside the ECC, team members are on the job 24 hours a day protecting the residents of Coral Springs, Parkland, and Coconut Creek as the lifeline between the public and our first responders.
Our call-takers answer emergency calls to 9-1-1 as well as non-emergency calls for Cities of Coral Springs, and Coconut Creek. The ECC's telephone system prioritizes 9-1-1 calls over calls to our non-emergency line, which is why it is important to only call 9-1-1 when you have an emergency. The non-emergency numbers are:
City of Coral Springs - 954-344-1800
City of Coconut Creek - 954-346-4400
Learn more about calling 9-1-1.
Emergency callers are thoroughly interviewed to determine the location of the incident, what is happening, and what resources are needed. Sometimes, callers become frustrated, thinking that the questions are delaying the help they need. As the call-taker conducts their interview and feeds information to the CAD system, an ECC dispatcher is using that information in CAD to send first responders and provide updates as they travel.
ECC's dispatchers communicate with the city's police officers and firefighter/paramedics by radio and through a computer system. As call-takers gather information by telephone, dispatchers are directing both law and fire units to the incident and providing them the support that they need to respond safely. Voice communication happens on the city's two-way radio system, and data is available to law and fire units on in-car computers.
Hiring Process
Emergency Communications is one of the few professional fields where all the training needed to become a certified professional is provided on the job while earning full pay! Candidates only need verifiable employment experience, no illegal drug use within 24 months of application (verified by lie-detector) and a background suitable for work in a public safety environment to qualify for employment consideration.
The entire hiring process can be completed in less than one month. After applying, candidates must successfully pass each step to advance in the hiring process.
- Application Reviewed for Minimum Qualifications
- CritiCall Pre-Employment Testing Scheduled
- Formal Panel Interview
- Computerized Voice Stress Analysis Examination (Lie Detector) and Fingerprints
- Psychological Evaluation
- Observation Shift within the Communications Unit
- Public Safety Level Criminal Background Investigation
- Post-Offer Medical Examination and Drug Test
Compensation
The City of Coral Springs offers our 911 Emergency Communications Dispatchers one of the most competitive total compensation packages in the State of Florida.
Dispatcher I
The current starting salary for a 911 Emergency Communications Dispatcher I is $57,348.04 with a lifetime top-out of $85,224.64. This range is periodically assessed for potential adjustment/increase. Candidates with experience in a police and/or fire communications center may be eligible to be hired above the established starting salary. Newly hired 911 Emergency Communications Dispatchers will start at the level of Dispatcher I.
Dispatcher II
Upon full completion of training (to include Call Taking, Info Channel, FD, and PD Radios) employees will be moved to Dispatcher II. The current salary range for this classification is $65,124.80 with a lifetime top-out of $96,781.65. This range is periodically assessed for potential adjustments/increase.
Stipend
Upon hire candidates will immediately begin earning an additional annual stipend of $1,500 (paid bi-weekly)! Additionally, candidates can earn supplemental pay based on shift assignment and specific additional duties.
Additional Benefits
We also offer a comprehensive health insurance plan inclusive of medical, dental and vision. Additionally, employees are provided with a comprehensive retirement savings plan in which they are able to contribute pre-tax salary with 100% employer match of contribution and have the option to contribute to an additional 457 retirement savings account.
Learn more about our comprehensive benefits offerings here:
Click to View(PDF, 5MB)
Preparation
Although training is provided, anyone who is considering a career as a dispatcher is encouraged to have knowledge of the following skills prior to completing their training/probationary employment period:
- Accurate typing at a rate of at least 30 words per minute.
- General map and directional knowledge of Coral Springs, Parkland and Coconut Creek and its adjacent cities.
- typingclub.com and typingtest.com are great, free resources to practice and improve your typing skills.
- Familiarity with 10-Code/Nature Codes (the language 911 Emergency Communications Dispatchers speak).
- Here are some training resources you can begin to utilize now to ensure you are as competitive as possible in the hiring process and if offered employment.
The City of Coral Springs is firmly committed to offering an equitable, drug-free work environment. We do not discriminate in any employment related decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or other similar factors that are not job-related. This commitment is practiced in all aspects of our personnel policies, programs, practices, recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention and other related activities. When requested, the City of Coral Springs will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Unit at 954-346-1320 if special assistance is needed.