Emergency Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Benton County Sheriff's Office Is Currently Accepting Applications for the Position of Emergency Communications Officer. NOTE: The ideal candidate for this position will be an individual with an understanding of the work of an Emergency Communications Officer, preferred knowledge of laws, legal codes, and government regulations, and knowledge of the geographical area, including the names of highways and roads, and a proven aptitude for calmness, patience and politeness even in difficult situations. Candidates with superb customer service skills, good judgement skills and the ability to make decisions quickly, those with excellent speaking and writing skills, problem-solving and communication skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Advanced placement on the Benton County pay scale is available for individuals with previous full-time dispatching experience. The successful applicant's previous experience will be evaluated with pay scale placement occurring at the discretion of the Sheriff. REQUIRED VIDEO TESTING (ECOMM Dispatcher Exam): To be considered for this position, applicants meeting minimum qualifications will need to pass a video test.

The video testing session date is TENTATIVELY set for FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026, at 9 AM. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications should be prepared to attend. More information will be provided at a later date via e-mail.

Please watch your e-mail. A practice test is available at the applicant's expense at www.ErgoPracticeTest.com. IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS: In-Person Interviews Are TBD, more information to follow

Position Summary To effectively and efficiently receive and process both emergency and administrative calls, dispatching appropriate first responders to incidents while providing critical support and facilitating clear communications between the public, law enforcement, and other public service agencies. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities Essential Functions A. Receive, classify, and prioritize incoming calls and texts to 911; and provide information, referrals, and/or dispatch the appropriate response in a timely manner.

B. Monitor the progress of call responders to ensure safety. C.

Provide communication support to deputies and law enforcement agencies, including computer checks, hit confirmation, work-related telephone calls, arranging tow trucks, and support from other civilian agencies. D. Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment, including 9-1-1 telephone equipment, computer-aided Emergency Communications and records-keeping systems, and a multi-channel radio system.

E. Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain the status and location of field units; monitor multiple radio frequencies; and relay emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel in the field. F.

Inquire, interpret, verify, receive, and disseminate information from national, state, and local law enforcement computer networks. G. Responsible for compliance with the Data Practices Act and other related laws and regulations in the Emergency Communications Center.

H. Conduct emergency service tests. I.

Communicate disaster information and weather warnings to the appropriate personnel and agencies. J. Perform data entry into the state and national computer network, maintaining the integrity of the CJIS Hot File System.

K. Maintain all essential equipment in the Emergency Communications Center and arrange for emergency repairs. L.

Serve as an answering point for CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) for Central Minnesota. Additional Functions A. Attend training as needed.

B. Attend staff meetings. C.

Provide training and coaching for new employees. D. Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications - Training and Experience Required Qualifications Minimum Qualifications A. High School Diploma or Equivalent GED; OR B. Equivalent combination of education/training/experience.

C. Valid MN Driver's License; and D. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota; and E.

Must complete and pass pre-employment testing; and F. Must successfully complete a background check; and G. Must complete and pass a psychological exam, physical exam, and drug and alcohol screening; and H.

Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures. H. 1.

Ability to obtain and maintain, within six (6) months of hire: H. 1. 1.

BCA Single Certification: Training and Certifications are determined by the BCA Schedule. H. 2.

Ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire: H. 2. 1.

CJIS terminal operator certification, and First Aid/CPR/AED certification. H. 3.

Ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire: H. 3. 1.

APCO/NENA or Nationally Accredited training. Preferred Qualifications A. One (1) or more years of previous Emergency Communications experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Physical Demands and Working Conditions Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities A. Working knowledge of law enforcement practices and terminology. B.

Ability to solve problems and determine an appropriate course of action. C. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or scheduled forms.

D. Ability to effectively use a computer and various software programs. E.

Ability to handle critical situations in a calm manner. F. Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practice requirements.

G. Ability to maintain effective public relations and communicate with hostile, injured, or impaired persons. H.

Ability to use independent judgment and react quickly in emergency situations. I. Significant ability to multitask.

J. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. K.

Ability to handle a variety of tasks under moderate supervision within standard operating procedures. L. Ability to perform work involving complex and significant variables requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking.

M. Ability to maintain effective communication with outside and inside contacts and the public, supplying or seeking information on specialized matters requiring detailed or technical responses. N.

Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays. O. Ability to travel within your daily work assignment.

P. Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed. Q.

Must comply with organizational and departmental policies. R. Performs physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position.

S. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours, and outside regular hours, as necessary. T.

Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers. U. Must comply with data practices policies and standards related to private data.

Access to private data is limited strictly to what is necessary to perform assigned job duties. While accessing such data, the employee must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related need. Once the work-related purpose has been met, private data must be properly secured and stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions A. Work is performed in an office setting. B.

Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury. C. Work is light duty and sedentary with the ability to lift, carry, or push up to 10 pounds.

D. This position is exposed to mental effort and stress. E.

This position frequently performs work under high attention to detail and deadlines. Hours of Work A. Work scheduled shifts that fit the 24-hour day/7 day-a-week demand of the Benton County Sheriff's Office.

Overtime and changes to schedule may be required. Equipment Utilized A. Office equipment, computer hardware and software, a variety of database and communications equipment, and phones.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time. Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.