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Communications Dispatcher Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dispatcher Trainee Job Summary Under the general supervision, the trainee dispatcher receives calls ... University Police, Campus Security, Health Security, Emergency Management, Emergency Communications ...

Dispatcher Trainee

Winnemucca, NV · On-site

$46K - $58K/yr

Dispatcher Trainee is the trainee level class for individuals without previous 911 dispatch ... to communicate information regarding inmates and staff activities; notifies other agencies when ...

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Communications Dispatcher Trainee information

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How much do communications dispatcher trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for communications dispatcher trainee in the United States is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Communications Dispatcher Trainees during their initial training period?

Communications Dispatcher Trainees often find the initial training period challenging due to the fast-paced environment and the need to quickly learn multiple communication systems and protocols. Trainees must develop the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, especially when handling emergency calls where accuracy and speed are critical. Additionally, adapting to shift work and collaborating effectively with law enforcement and emergency services teams can require a significant adjustment. However, most agencies provide structured training and mentorship to help new dispatchers succeed.

What is the difference between Communications Dispatcher Trainee vs Communications Dispatcher?

AspectCommunications Dispatcher TraineeCommunications Dispatcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training programHigh school diploma; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervisedActive dispatch center, fast-paced
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning communication protocols, assistingResponding to calls, dispatching units

The Communications Dispatcher Trainee is an entry-level role focused on training and skill development, whereas the Communications Dispatcher is a fully qualified professional responsible for handling emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching services in a live environment.

What are Communications Dispatcher Trainees?

Communications Dispatcher Trainees are entry-level employees who learn how to receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and medical services. They are trained to use communication equipment, such as radios and computer-aided dispatch systems, to relay critical information to first responders. Trainees typically work under close supervision as they develop the skills needed to handle high-pressure situations, prioritize calls, and provide instructions to callers until help arrives. This role is essential for ensuring public safety and effective emergency response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Communications Dispatcher Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communications Dispatcher Trainee, you need strong multitasking abilities, clear verbal communication, and quick decision-making, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency response protocols is essential. Exceptional listening skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately relaying information, ensuring responder safety, and providing effective assistance during emergencies.
More about Communications Dispatcher Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Communications Dispatcher Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Communications Dispatcher Trainee job openings:
What states have the most Communications Dispatcher Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Communications Dispatcher Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Communications Dispatcher Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Dispatcher Trainee jobs are:
Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher Trainee

Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher Trainee

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job $2,000 HIRING BONUS* *$1000 upon promotion to the journey-level classification and $1000 upon successful completion of 2080 service hours in the journey-level classification. See MOU for details. The Sheriff's Department is recruiting for Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher Trainees who receives and evaluates incoming emergency (9-1-1) calls, and dispatches emergency vehicles to incidents involving public safety.

Positions are primarily located at the Valley Control Center in Rialto and the Desert Control Center in Hesperia. Each center serves as the primary 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for its respective geographic location. Multiple vacancies exist at both locations.

For more detailed information, refer to the Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher Trainee job description. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific Benefits refer to: Summary of Benefits Memoranda of Understanding MOU CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 1) Promotion: Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher Trainees are eligible for promotion to Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher ($69,721 - $95,825 annually) upon meeting the minimum requirements for that class including receiving a satisfactory work performance evaluation. Incumbents must promote within eighteen (18) months or be terminated.

2) Background: Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony and must successfully pass an extensive background investigation which includes a fingerprint check and polygraph. May also include a psychological evaluation. 3) Shift: Applicants must be available for all shifts; incumbents will be required to work rotating shifts, or be on call for work, on weekends, holidays, and evenings, including mandatory overtime; refusal of assigned shift may result in removal from the list or termination.

4) Availability: This department is a "24/7" operation, and the incumbent can expect to work rotating, night, weekend, day, and graveyard shifts, as well as holidays and weekends. 5) Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Minimum Requirements Keyboarding: 40 words per minute Experience: No experience required.

**Candidates must be 18 years of age at time of application** Desired Qualifications Corrected typing/keyboarding speed of 45+ words per minute is highly desired. Selection Process Examination: Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the CritiCall** online written test. The test will consist of an evaluation of skills and knowledge in the following areas: Keyboarding* Decision Making Data Entry Multi-Tasking (Audio) Call Summarization Multi-Tasking (Audio) Cross Referencing (Audio) Memory Recall Numeric (Audio) Prioritization Map Reading Sentence Clarity Reading Comprehension *Keyboarding speed of 40 wpm required to pass -- the CritiCall keyboarding practice test is available at this PRACTICE TEST LINK.

Other free practice resources may be found online. **The CritiCall exam is a computer practical where applicants listen to a series of taped exercises, which require applicants to rapidly and accurately process simulated dispatch information. Please see the attached Test Preparation Guide and CritiCall Applicant Page to view additional resources.

Application Procedure: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applications will be accepted and processed continuously while the recruitment remains open.

This recruitment may close at any time. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list for six (6) months. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete your application and consider applying before the posted deadline date.

Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an on-screen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

Additional Information and Resources: If you need technical assistance, review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form (Download PDF) within one week of the recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans, their spouses, or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process


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