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Job Description
PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Public Safety Telecommunications Operator
Dept./Division: Emergency Management Job Class Code: 1336
Pay Grade: 120 PCN: 1336013
FLSA: Non-Exempt Effective Date: October 2007
Representation Status: 911 Guild Revision Date: September 2025
Reports To: Public Safety Telecommunications Officer - Supervisor
NATURE OF WORK
Under close supervision, coordinates and performs a variety of dispatch functions on behalf of the Lewis County E911 Communications Department; prepares and maintains dispatch records; and performs other related duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.
• Operates various types of dispatch and emergency communications equipment including multi-frequency radios, computer aided-dispatch, teletype, and TDD/TTY equipment.
• Receives, logs, and prioritizes incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for service. • Provides assistance, information, and/or instructions to callers; directs and transfers
calls to other State agencies as required. • Dispatches and maintains communication with police, fire, and/or emergency medical
services personnel; monitors the location and status of field personnel. • Responds to inquiries from emergency response personnel; provides directions to
incident scenes; logs the arrival time of responders and/or aid apparatus. • Coordinates response activities with outside agencies, public works personnel, search and
rescue services, coroners, mortuaries, chaplains, towing companies, and/or other relevant parties.
• Receives and responds to information from alarm companies regarding commercial and residential properties; monitors County alarm systems; dispatches appropriate response personnel.
• Researches and provides information to law enforcement personnel regarding persons, vehicles, criminal histories, warrants, protection orders, and/or stolen property.
• Enters information into the Washington Crime Information Computer (WACIC) and National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) systems in relation to missing persons, runaways, protection orders, stolen items, and vehicles.
• Assists other agencies in coordinating Child Protective Services (CPS) referrals, mental health evaluations, and/or attempts to locate individuals.
• Performs data entry; prepares and maintains a variety of dispatch records, reports, and documentation.
Job Title: Public Safety Telecommunications Operator Job Class Code: 1336
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WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed in an emergency dispatch center environment; subject to sitting for extended periods of time, standing, bending, reaching, and frequent use of personal computers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED: Education, experience, certifications, etc.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Within one year of employment completion of the following: A Telecommunications I and II Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification, First Aid/CPR Certification, Access I and II Certification, and TTY/TDD Certification are required.
• Type 35 WPM. COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors): Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of emergency dispatch. • E911 communications operations, policies, and procedures. • Emergency dispatch systems and software. • WACIC and NCIC databases. • Departmental records, reports, and documentation.
Skills in:
• Answering, prioritizing, logging, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service. • Responding to public inquiries and providing information and instructions to callers. • Maintaining communication with and providing information to emergency response personnel. • Preparing and maintaining accurate dispatch records and documentation. • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, County
departments, emergency response personnel, outside agencies, and the general public. • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to:
• Learn and follow County policies and procedures.
Behaviors: • Regular, reliable attendance.
Job Title: Public Safety Telecommunications Operator Job Class Code: 1336
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As the incumbent in this position, I have received a copy of this position description.
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Employee's Name
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Employee's Signature Date -
Additional Information
Core Benefits:- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- AD&D
- Retirement
- Long-term Disability
- EAP Program
For additional benefit and compensation information, please see attached documents.
The position is available within the Lewis County Public Works, Solid Waste Division located at the Central Transfer Station, 1411 S Tower Ave, Centralia, WA. Hiring preference will be given to existing AFSCME members. -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Lewis County, WA
Show moreBuild Your Career in Public Service at Lewis County
At Lewis County, we don’t just serve the community—we’re part of it. As a local government organization, our mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life for our residents, and we do that by empowering employees who are community-focused, innovative, and committed to public service.
Located between Seattle and Portland, Lewis County offers the convenience of urban access with the lifestyle benefits of the Pacific Northwest. But what sets us apart is our workplace culture: rooted in collaboration, accountability, and resilience, our team works across departments to solve problems, support one another, and create lasting impact.
As an employer, Lewis County values transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement. Whether you’re maintaining critical infrastructure, supporting community development, advancing public health, or working in public safety, your role directly contributes to a stronger, more vibrant county.
We are growing, evolving, and looking for talented individuals who want to make a difference—people who see challenges as opportunities and who are inspired by the chance to shape the future of local government.
Join us at Lewis County—where public service is purpose-driven, people-focused, and full of possibility.
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