911 Telecommunicator
Emergency Communications careers are fast-paced, diverse, and rewarding. Telecommunicators are committed to strengthening communities by helping ensure public safety, protect property, facilitate response efforts, elicit cooperation, instill public confidence, and help families reunite. A career as a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator is fast-paced, diverse, and above all else, rewarding. As a part of a chain of emergency responders, 9-1-1 Telecommunicators are the face—or rather the ears—of emergency calls to 9-1-1 and radio communications with first responders in the field. It takes a remarkable person to do 9-1-1 work! One who can be personable and calm while gathering information, giving instructions, deploying other resources as well as being accurate and efficient all at the same time!
Join the Team!
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity. Feel free to reach out to our recruitment team via text message at 414-519-6190. This is a live text number that allows one of our recruitment staff to answer your questions directly.
Responsibilities of a 911 Telecommunicator
Primary duties are to receive and process incoming Fire and Police Departments emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls and promptly dispatch appropriate units to the scene, providing pre-arrival instructions to callers, and communicating with field responders via radio transmissions, monitoring all apparatus movement to stay abreast of their locations at all times to ensure the timeliest emergency responses. Applicants should possess strong multi-tasking skills – typing, listening and communicating at the same time, good judgement, ability to make decisions quickly, provide instructions, de-escalate and keep callers calm. These skills combined with extensive on the job training would be used to perform daily job duties and resolve most work problems.
What is the testing process?
Applicants interested in the 911 telecommunicator position most complete several different compenents to be considered for the position. The testing compents are as follows:
- Typing test- must be able to type 30 words per minute
- Criticall test- a pre-hire exam that is proctored online and evaluates specific skills needed for 911 telecommunicators. Test simulation focus on skills needed to succeed in these positions:
- Decision Making
- Data Entry
- Map Reading practice
- Call Summarization
- Cross referencing
- Oral Interview
- Background Check
- Pre-employment
- Psychological exam
- Medical Screeing
- Drug test
In total the testing and hiring process takes up to 4-6 months. It’s important to check your email and take action during each step, as they generally have a due date and failure to complete will remove you from the hiring process.
What is the Salary?
The current starting salary is $59,753.98 annually (resident), and $58,582.42 annually (non-resident). The City of Milwaukee offers a comprehensive benefits program. For more information visit City of Milwaukee.
Work Schedule
New hire trainees, may be assigned different shifts weekly during the 8 -10 weeks of training to include all shift schedules. A trainee should anticipate having a different schedule every week and working all shifts at least once during training. Current shift structures include 7:30am -3:30pm; 3:30pm – 11:30pm; 11:30pm – 7:30am or some variation of 8-hour shifts.
Work Environment
The role may be considered stressful as the position requires assisting callers during emergencies and supporting callers and responding units during emergencies and crises. The Department of Emergency Communications recognizes the importance of 9-1-1 telecommunicators mental health and the need for self-care. The department provides activities, resources and tools to employees to help alleviate stresses. This includes in creating a work environment focused on collaboration and cohesiveness.