Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatcher

Salary

$60,548.80 Annually

Location

South Burlington

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202500053

Department

Police

Opening Date

02/19/2026

Closing Date

7/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Police

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

This position is responsible for processing all phone communications, incoming and outgoing, for the Police Department, processing various criminal justice records, data entry, and responding to requests for information from the public. This position receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls and messages for police, fire, and mutual aid agencies.

The Salary for this position is negotiable based on years of previous relevant experience.

Examples of Duties

• Receives and processes emergency and non-emergency requests for police/fire/ambulance assistance.
• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls from incoming telephone and special services lines to determine assistance required for the situation.
• Listens and communicates patiently and effectively to elicit necessary facts and information from callers.
• Obtains pertinent caller, witness, suspect, and crime information for current or future investigation of the incident and documents all information appropriately.
• Relays necessary information to the appropriate sources such as police officers, fire department field units, ambulance, mutual aid agencies, volunteers, local, county, state, or federal agencies.
• Provides appropriate pre-arrival instructions to the reporting person pertinent to the emergency. Pre-arrival emergency medical instructions are provided continuously to the caller until the arrival on scene by Fire/EMS providers.
• Monitors basic radio communication channels for police/fire/ambulance, DPW, local government, and relays information to the appropriate authority.
• Provides communications links between police/fire/ambulance response units and outside public service agencies.
• Dispatches, monitors, and maintains the location and status of Police, Fire, and EMS units using computer-aided dispatching in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Maintains appropriate and required records and documentation of all activities as required by statute and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidential information related to ongoing and past criminal investigations or police department activities as needed.
• Makes frequent contacts with the public, other City departments, law firms, community groups, local, state, and federal government agencies.
• Performs other necessary tasks or functions as are necessary to accomplish Department goals and objectives.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year experience or training in radio or telephone communication.
• Pre-employment criminal background check and drug test required.

Supplemental Information

• Previous experience or training in radio or telephone communication, with general knowledge of law enforcement or fire science procedure preferred.
• Sufficient knowledge of the principles involved in the operation of radio, telephone, police, fire, and medical emergency alarm receiving equipment to allow for the proper use of these systems.
• Working knowledge of the operation and functions of the agency computer system, as well as the skills and abilities to operate this equipment under emergency conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize standard computer equipment and perform data entry using keyboarding skills.
• Knowledge of the street geography of South Burlington, as well as the ability to direct individuals to locations within the community, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop skill and speed in the operation of communications equipment and to demonstrate knowledge of public safety practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to receive, correlate, and accurately disseminate oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to provide detailed information/instructions to public safety personnel or citizens under stressful circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to develop communication skills that mitigate the effect of potentially rude, abusive, and uncooperative callers.
• Demonstrated emotional stability and the ability to work in a stressful, highly responsible environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in an emergency.
• Ability to analyze situations to include multiple tasks quickly and objectively, and determine the proper course of action and prioritization.

The City of South Burlington has one of the best benefits packages in the State of Vermont! We take pride in providing an extensive variety of plans to meet our employees needs. Many of our Premiums are either entirely paid by the City, have a City match or are partially paid by the City. Take a look at the variety of plans we have available*:

• Generous Paid Vacation and Sick Leave plans
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement - Vermont Municipal Employee System (VMERS)
• 457 b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• City provided Life Insurance and Accidential Death insurance plans
• Health Saving Account (HSA) - with a City Contribution
• Flexible Spending Account
• Please note, that eligibility and plans may vary depending upon union bargaining agreements/contracts.

01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

How many years of experience do you have in radio or telephone communication?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year but less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years but less than 3 years experience
• 3 or more years of experience

03

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

Required Question

Employer South Burlington, City of (VT)

Address 180 Market Street

South Burlington, Vermont, 05403

Phone 8028464118

Website https://southburlingtonvt.gov