Dispatcher I or II

Dispatcher I or II

Salary

$22.59 - $29.67 Hourly

Location

Palmer Police Department, AK

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

25-00126

Department

Police

Division

Dispatch

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

7/8/2026 5:00 PM Alaska

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits

Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.

Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Leaving sections of the application blank, noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

At time of application, applicants are requested to submit:

• Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcript) if using education to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Three (3) professional references, two of which must be from a current or former supervisor.
• Reference requests are automatically sent upon submission of your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be sure to read each question carefully, answers cannot be changed once your application is submitted. Supplemental questions regarding certification, licenses or experience will be verified against information in your application and/or resume, failing to list required experience may cause your application to be denied.

EDUCATION

If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-907-761-1302. The City of Palmer is an equal opportunity employer.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Palmer prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city.

Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.

NOTICE

If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword/User/ResetPassword.

General Functions/Distinguishing Characteristics

Dispatcher I:

A Dispatcher I utilize the telephone, radio and computer systems to receive calls for service in the emergency services dispatch center; dispatches appropriate emergency service providers including police officers, and fire personnel and equipment. Performs administrative and clerical duties, including typing, filing, and computer data entry.

This position requires a person capable of rapidly addressing multiple tasks in order of priority. The Dispatcher Is required to interact with departmental employees, communications employees and supervisors from other agencies, and the general public. Because of the vast amount and sensitivity of information that is maintained in various computer systems, the dispatcher must acquire knowledge of laws, rules, and court decisions relating to criminal/victim rights, civil rights, criminal justice and law enforcement procedures; knowledge of methods of crime detection, radio communications and communications systems; knowledge of laws and ordinances; thorough geography of the town and Matanuska Susitna Borough; be resourceful and exercise sound judgment in emergencies; demonstrate integrity; writing skills and tact; and master a high level of skills in oral communications. The Dispatcher must have the ability to testify clearly and accurately in court; have resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies; the Dispatcher must be characterized by personal and professional integrity.

Dispatcher II:

The employee occupying this position is expected to maintain control of actions performed by less senior dispatchers when training or when acting as senior dispatcher on shift. Employee will utilize telephone, radio and computer systems to receive calls for service in the emergency services dispatch center, and dispatch appropriate emergency service providers. Employee must perform administrative and clerical duties, including but not limited to typing, filing, and data entry.

The Dispatcher II is expected to organize, coordinate, and assist in the day-to-day functions of the dispatch center. Employee must perform administrative and clerical duties and use a variety of office equipment. The Dispatcher II must use independent judgment, frequently in emergency situations. Employee must be able to work well under pressure, stay focused and rapidly assess and address multiple priorities. Employee must possess a high degree of initiative and responsibility to make rapid decisions that can affect lives and property. Decisions are made independently based on written operating procedures, and often without the benefit of supervision. Must be familiar with the region's services and agencies to properly refer or coordinate calls for service.

Essential Functions & Duties

Dispatcher I:

• Must successfully complete the fourteen-week communications training program.
• Answer and document all incoming telephone calls on business lines, multiple emergency/911 lines, direct agency hot-lines, TDD Telephone for the hearing impaired, Crimestoppers hotline and numerous in-house phone extensions.
• Initiate telephone contact with citizens and other agencies as requested by officers, fire units, and other services or as required by duties.
• Receive and process requests for emergency and non-emergency calls for service and information. Requests include police and fire, including requests for wreckers, social service agencies, and family and youth services. Must be able to quickly determine nature of telephone call, determine responsible agency, and assign priority.
• Utilizing radios, pagers and telephones, dispatch combinations of police and fire services and their apparatus for the City of Palmer.
• Monitor and document all incoming and outgoing radio transmissions on several radio frequencies. Maintain control of frequencies during periods of high-volume radio usage.
• Act as intermediary between units on calls that requiring multi-agency response and ensure superiors are briefed and updated on events as necessary.
• Utilize multiple computer systems; APSIN, NCIC, NLETS, CAD, ARMS, or others that may evolve, to retrieve, enter, update, forward, and delete all information that is required by the Department.
• Answer public inquiries and refer the caller to the correct person/agency if needed.
• Maintain and keep confidential all information obtained during the course of work.

Dispatcher II:

• Answer and document all incoming telephone calls on multiple business and emergency/911 lines, direct agency hot-lines, TDD Telephone for the Hearing Impaired, Crime Stoppers hotline and numerous in-house phone extensions.
• Initiate telephone contact with citizens and other agencies as requested by officers, fire units, and other services.
• Receive request for emergency and non-emergency calls for service and information. Requests include police, fire, including request for wreckers, social service agencies, and family and youth services. Must use sound judgment to quickly determine nature of telephone call, determine responsible agency, and assign priority.
• Utilizing radios, pagers, and telephones to dispatch combinations of police and fire services and their apparatus for the City of Palmer.
• Monitor and document all incoming and outgoing radio transmissions on several radio frequencies. Maintain control of frequencies during periods of high-volume radio usage.
• Act as intermediary between units on calls which require multi-agency response and ensure superiors are briefed and updated on events.
• Utilize multiple computer systems; APSIN, NCIC, NLETS, CAD, ARMS, or others that may evolve, to retrieve, enter, update, forward, and delete all information that is required by the Department.
• Answer public inquiries and refer the caller to the correct person/agency.
• Maintain and keep confidential all information obtained during the course of the work.
• Train new personnel in dispatch functions and procedures after successful completion of the Communications Training Officer Course.
• Cultivate and maintain a climate, which is free of harassment, intimidation, and disrespect to provide a safe place for to work and a safe, professional environment for citizens.
• Perform other activities as requested.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Qualifications

Applicant must have the Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Qualifications of both Dispatcher I AND Dispatcher II

Dispatcher I:

• High school diploma or equivalent with ability to type 45 wpm corrected
• Must have a mastery of the English language and Reading and Comprehension.
• Required to take and pass a medical physical prior to employment.
• Required to submit to and pass an in-depth background investigation.
• Must obtain CPR/BLS certification
• General knowledge of filing and general office procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively and calmly in emergency situations is required
• Must be able to acquire and maintain an APSIN security clearance
• Must possess a high degree of initiative and responsibility to make rapid decisions that can affect lives and property. Decisions are made independently based on written operating procedures, and often without the benefit of supervision.
• Must possess good eyesight in both eyes; good hearing in both ears; and good voice and speaking quality without impediment.
• Must be able to effectively handle calls involving emergency situations, at times handling several calls simultaneously.
• Must be able to remain on the telephone with callers during emergencies while the caller may be injured, attacked, or otherwise distressed.
• Must deal professionally and courteously with emotional and injured callers.
• Ability to work as a member of a team of staff working towards a common goal.
• Ability to multi-task to perform and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.
• Valid Alaska Driver's License with acceptable driving record.

Dispatcher II:

• Successful completion of eighteen months of consecutive work as a Dispatcher I.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of computer data entry required.
• CPR/BLS certification required.
• Knowledge of general office procedures and filing.
• Must be able to type 45 wpm corrected.
• Must have a mastery of the English language and Reading and Comprehension.
• Ability to clearly articulate both orally and in writing, especially in emergency situations.
• Must be proficient on the following equipment: Multi-line telephone system; multi-channel radio console; computer systems (CJIS, CAD, E911) and printers; TDD telephone system; and other systems that may evolve.
• Must possess a high degree of initiative and responsibility to make rapid decisions that can affect lives and property. Decisions are made independently based on written operating procedures, and often without the benefit of supervision.
• Must possess good eyesight in both eyes; good hearing in both ears; and good voice and speaking quality without impediment.
• Must be familiar with the region's services, agencies, and geography to properly refer or coordinate calls for service.
• Must be able to effectively handle calls involving emergency situations, at times handling several calls simultaneously, and in a calm manner.
• Must be able to remain on the telephone with callers during emergencies while the caller may be injured, attacked, or otherwise distressed.
• Must deal professionally and courteously with emotional and injured callers.
• Ability to work as a member of a team of staff working towards a common goal.
• Ability to multi-task to perform and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.
• Must maintain an APSIN security clearance.

The benefits outlined below are for eligble full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week.

Health, dental and vision insurance is available thru Premera BCBS. The City provides a life insurance policy thru MetLife as well as a short-term disability (STD) policy and an employee assistance program is available to all City employees (regardless of the number of hours worked) in addition to thier eligible dependents.

All employees in this category are enrolled in the State of Alaska Division of Retirement PERs program.

Supplemental benefits are available from Colonial Life, AFLAC, Allstate and MetLife as well as several 457 plans. These supplemental benefits are employee paid.

Information regarding leave benefits can be viewed in Palmer Municipal Code, Title 4 at https://palmer.municipal.codes/ or by contacting Human Resources at humanresources@palmerak.org

Employer City of Palmer

Address 231 W Evergreen Avenue

Palmer, Alaska, 99645

Phone (907) 761-1302

Website http://www.palmerak.org