Public Safety Telecommunicator
Salary
$33.94 - $39.61 Hourly
Location
Sherburne County Government Center, 13880 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River 55330-1692, MN
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2026-01734
Department
Sheriff
Opening Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
6/24/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
You can be the FIRST, first responder when someone calls for help on potentially the worst day of their life. This job requires the ability to think fast, your split-second decisions make a difference. Our police, fire and medical professionals rely on you to provide the essential information they need when responding to emergency calls. At the same time, you will be the calmness and reassurance the caller is depending on when experiencing potentially the most stressful, heartbreaking, painful, chaotic, or traumatizing moment of their life. You will also hear the relief in the callers' voice when help arrives, smile when you hear the fire department was able to pull a puppy to safety from a water drain in the street and breathe your own sigh of relief when first responders (that you sent) are able to prevent an accident from becoming a tragedy. This job is stressful but will push you to reach your greatest potential as you strive to serve the members of our community.
This video provides additional insight into the dynamic profession of 911 dispatching. Dispatch Testimonial Video
Starting Salary: $33.94 per hour
Sherburne County Sheriff's Office Communications Division offers two state of the art communications centers, one located in Elk River and one in Zimmerman.
The Sherburne County Sheriff's Communications Division is currently the only communications division within the state of Minnesota that is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The Communications Program is focused on a range of operational functions, including: quality assurance, interoperability, emerging technology, risk analysis, asset security, resources access, and contemporary training. CALEA - Communications
Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota, where you can find a nice blend of suburban and rural life. As a thriving organization fueled by people passionate about serving our community, Sherburne County strives to support and engage employees through investments in competitive compensation and equitable benefits; a culture that promotes physical and emotional wellbeing; opportunities for professional growth and a sense of honor and purpose. Learn more about our workplace culture .
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide communication support to Sheriffs deputies and law enforcement agencies operating within the county. Support includes, but is not limited to, running computer checks, confirming inquiries, making work-related phone calls, arranging for tow trucks, and arranging support from other civilian agencies.
Monitor multiple computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing and documenting caller information.
Provide callers with appropriate advice or referral, or initiate police, fire and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller.
Enter CAD/ICR information and dispatch to the appropriate responders.
Access and operate multiple federal, state and local data base systems (NCIC, MNCIS, others) to query, enter, modify, clear and cancel information as requested.
Perform routine record checks as necessary.
Provide "hit" confirmation to law enforcement officers on warrant checks.
Maintain missing person files, stolen/wanted vehicle files, identity theft files and the lost/found article files.
Maintain restraining order, harassment order, and other civil files. Provide information when appropriate or requested. Make service entries into computer once notification of service has been received.
Run criminal history checks for authorized personnel and agencies.
Perform weekly pager tests for the fire departments and monthly call out tests for Sheriff ERU and Mobile Field Force units.
Provide school radio tests on a weekly basis when school is in session.
Comprehend and adhere to data practices laws and policies. Provide information to the public when applicable or refer them to appropriate personnel for further assistance.
Activate and deactivate all civil defense sirens when directed to do so.
Activate the Sherburne County Sheriffs Office Emergency Operations Center in the event of a major emergency and coordinate with all emergency service personnel and agencies until such activation is complete.
Arrange for emergency repairs of all essential equipment in the dispatch center, including the computer system, phone system, radio console, and other essential equipment.
Maintain accurate records on each request for assistance.
Type messages and requests to other agencies for information, receive and respond to messages from other agencies via teletype.
Testify in court as necessary.
Monitor all assigned radio channels.
Manage large and expanding public safety radio system with law enforcement personnel, fire departments, ambulances, civil defense, and other emergency service agencies.
Perform other duties as directed.
Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
Regular and reliable attendance according to the department's work schedule.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Ability to use a computerized map and quickly learn the county geographic layout, emergency service area, and highway systems.
Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations/guidelines relating to the operation of public safety radio systems.
Ability to operate a number of telephones, radios, and computer terminals simultaneously while remaining calm and decisive when dealing with calls for emergency assistance.
Ability to remain professional despite the potential for callers to be in distress, angry, overwhelmed and speaking erratically.
Ability to pass a state administered test for certification of a state computer terminal operators license and Security Awareness Training
Ability to comprehend and follow difficult written and verbal instructions.
Ability to condense large amounts of information from multiple sources, recognizing pertinent information and relaying it as applicable.
Demonstrate ongoing commitment to provide excellent customer service by managing difficult or emotional callers, promptly respond to caller's needs, convey reassurance that the caller will receive proper response to their needs.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees, the public, and users of the communication system.
Ability to type 40 WPM
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma and two years of work experience in a call center or multi-tasked customer service related setting.
Experience as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, 911 Dispatch Certification, and 911 emergency telephone system experience within the last five years is preferred.
CJIS Terminal Operator Certification, can be obtained upon hire.
Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Work Environment: Majority of tasks are performed while seated. Acute hearing, vision, speech, memory recall, and manual dexterity are necessary to perform essential tasks. The position requires frequent to constant turning/twisting, reaching, grasping, and pinching. The ability to distinguish between colors is essential. Assigned tasks require attention to detail and concentration to numerous activities occurring simultaneously. The nature of the job causes persons working in this position to sometimes be under periods of stress. Equipment utilized includes but is not limited to: CAD, computers, 911 systems, TTD machines, a variety of alarms and monitors, head sets, phones, and two-way radios.
Work Schedule: Shifts are bid on a seniority basis for the calendar year. Based on seniority work schedules could be day or overnight shifts with either set or alternating days off. All shifts are 12 hours.
Hiring Process:
Interview
Sit Along: 4-hour job shadow with a current Public Safety Telecommunicator
Background/Criminal History Check
Psychological Evaluation
Hearing/Vision Evaluation
The training period for this position consists of 8-12 weeks of one-on-one on-the-job training with a certified trainer, and consists of 3 phases that include a combination of material review, quizzes, and hands on learning. During the training period, you may be assigned a combination of shifts and trainers in order to gain the most job knowledge.
This position is subject to random drug tests after employment has started.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sherburne County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical (employee, employee + spouse, employee + child(ren), or family coverage). Monthly premiums for Employee only coverage are covered 100% by the county.
County Contributions to VEBA and HSA plans
Employer paid $25,000 Term Life Policy
Optional Benefits:
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Additional Supplemental Life Insurance for self, spouse and child(ren)
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care Reimbursement and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account)
Accident Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Hospital Care Insurance
Deferred Compensation Plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Annual Paid Time Off accrual of 21 days to start, increasing up to a maximum of 33 days per year.
12 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
On-Site Well@Work Clinic available to Sherburne County Employees and Dependents covered under our plan.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Public Employees Retirement (PERA):
Part-Time employees working less than 30 hours per week, Seasonal, Temporary and Interns are not eligible for benefits.
01
Please select your highest level of education:
02
Is your education (as indicated in the previous question) Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement related? If you selected High School Diploma in the previous question, please select N/A.
03
Please indicate your number of years experience as a Public Safety Telecommunicator/911 Dispatcher within the past five years.
04
Please indicate your number of years' experience working (paid or unpaid) within a law enforcement environment (licensed position, reserves, community service officer, police explorers program, emergency services, etc.).
05
Please describe your work experience utilizing a multi-line phone system and/or two-way radio system. Please include name of employer, duration and primary tasks and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please type "none"
06
Do you have work experience utilizing de-escalation techniques in high stress situations with callers that are angry, distressed and/or overwhelmed?
07
Please describe your experience as indicated in the previous question, including name of employer, duration and primary tasks and responsibilities. If no experience, type "none"
08
Please indicate which of the following certifications you currently hold (select all that apply):
09
Work hours for this position include: rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, evenings, days and/or overnights. During the training phase, both day and night shift hours will be assigned. Once released from training, the next available shift will be assigned, most likely an overnight or evening shift. Shifts are bid by seniority once per year. Are you available to work this type of schedule?
10
Please indicate the number of years experience you have working rotating shifts, including: holidays, weekends, evenings, days, and/or overnights.
11
Veterans Preference: Veterans preference points are awarded to qualified veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans and are added to the exam results. Points are awarded subject to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 197.455. YOU MUST SUPPLY A COPY OF YOUR DD214 (Member Copy 4). Disabled veterans must also supply a Summary of Benefits Letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or an equivalent letter from a service retirement board. Spouses applying for preference points must supply their marriage certificate, the veterans DD214, and Summary of Benefits Letter from USDVAFL or death certificate. All required documentation must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on the posted closing date. Are you applying for veterans preference points?
12
I affirm that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may disqualify me for consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Sherburne County for up to three years.
13
If, during or after your interview, Sherburne County determines that you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony for which a jail sentence was or could have been imposed, you may be disqualified from this position by operation of law or county policy. I have read and understand this statement.
Required Question
Employer Sherburne County
Address Sherburne County Government Center
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, Minnesota, 55330-1692
Phone 763-765-3001
Website http://www.co.sherburne.mn.us