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Police Dispatch Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Story County

Telecommunicator

Nevada, IA · On-site

$56K - $74K/yr

... city police, fire departments, alarm systems, ambulance, first responders, civil defense ... Comprehensive knowledge of Computer Aided Dispatch system, two way radio communication systems and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPolice Dispatch JobsPolice Dispatch Jobs in Iowa

Police Dispatch information

See Iowa salary details

$25.8K

$60.5K

$95.3K

How much do police dispatch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for police dispatch in Iowa is $60,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police dispatcher?

Police dispatchers are trained professionals who receive emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and coordinate the appropriate police response. They gather crucial information from callers, assess the situation, and communicate with police officers via radio or computer to ensure a quick and effective response. Dispatchers play a vital role in public safety by remaining calm under pressure, multitasking, and providing instructions to callers until help arrives. Their work is essential for maintaining efficient communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Dispatcher, you need strong multitasking abilities, clear communication skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some agencies requiring specialized training or certifications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and emergency phone systems is essential. Exceptional composure under pressure, active listening, and problem-solving skills help dispatchers effectively manage high-stress situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring swift, accurate emergency response and maintaining public and officer safety.

What are some common challenges faced by police dispatchers during high-pressure situations, and how can they manage stress effectively?

Police dispatchers frequently encounter high-pressure situations, such as coordinating emergency responses or handling multiple calls simultaneously. Staying calm under pressure, prioritizing tasks, and communicating clearly with officers and callers are essential skills. Many agencies provide ongoing training and access to support resources, like peer counseling or stress management programs, to help dispatchers cope with job-related stress. Building strong teamwork and maintaining open communication with colleagues can also make challenging shifts more manageable.

What is the difference between Police Dispatch vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectPolice DispatchEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, emergency call centersMedical call centers, emergency response centers
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agenciesHealthcare and emergency medical services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatch both involve handling emergency calls, but they serve different agencies and require specific certifications. Police Dispatch focuses on law enforcement emergencies, while Emergency Medical Dispatch centers on medical emergencies. Both roles are vital in emergency response systems and share similar work environments and credential requirements.

How do you become a police dispatcher?

To become a police dispatcher, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a dispatcher training program, and pass a background check and aptitude tests. Strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of radio and computer systems are also important for the role.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Police Dispatch jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Police Dispatch job openings:

Police Dispatch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Dispatch job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,544 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Public Safety Dispatcher I

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate a multi-frequency radio system and relay information to law enforcement and emergency response agencies.

  • Monitor university emergency phones, alarm systems, and radio traffic, and relay relevant information to appropriate personnel.

  • Dispatch duty personnel to assistance requests, emergencies, or complaints, and notify on-call personnel as required.

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Public Safety Dispatcher I
Job Group:
Merit
Required Minimum Qualifications:
• Any combination of clerical education or experience and/or college or university level course work which is equivalent to two years of full-time employment.
Job Description:
The Department of Public Safety at Iowa State University is seeking candidates for a Public Safety Dispatcher I. Under general supervision, this position provides communications of a public safety nature for university police and other departments as well as surrounding law enforcement agencies and emergency response agencies utilizing multi-frequency radio, computer systems, telephone, TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf), and personal contact. In addition, this position is responsible for monitoring university emergency phones and multiple alarm systems.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Public Safety experience
  • Dispatch experience

The duties of this position require:
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks at one time and to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer terminal, PC or other keyboard device with speed and accuracy.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Skill in using equipment such as multi-frequency radio, teletype, telephone, TDD and computers.
  • Skill in communicating with members of the public and departmental staff both orally and in writing.

During training, this position will rotate through all shifts. At the conclusion of training, the employee will be assigned to a specific shift. Days off will be determined by shift assignment. Dispatchers are expected to work extra hours whenever large events are held on campus. This includes home football games, political events, Iowa Games, etc. Dispatchers are also expected to report to work during times of major disturbances or disasters on campus.
Other Requirements:
  • Must achieve certification in IOWA/NCIC (National Crime Information Center) System within 6 months of employment.
  • Must attend 40-hour training course at Iowa Law Enforcement Academy within one year of employment.
  • Must pass departmental background check.

Iowa State University Police Department employees will support the Department's vision and mission by operating in a fair, unbiased manner, which respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. Department employees' everyday actions are guided by the Department's values of Respect, Integrity, Caring, Honor, Excellence and Service (RICHES) and be grounded in the highest ethical and professional standards. Department employees are expected to work in partnership with the campus and area communities to provide leadership in solving community problems, preventing crime and providing a safe environment to fulfill the mission of the University. Employees will strive for excellence in fulfilling the Department's Mission and Vision Statements, values and goals.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
• Operates a multi-frequency radio system in accordance with FCC regulations and completes a radio log and other records as required.
• Operates a multi-line telephone system providing emergency and business information.
• May be responsible for monitoring 911 phone system.
• Monitors radio traffic from surrounding local and state law enforcement agencies and relays information to patrol units.
• Dispatches duty personnel to requests for assistance or complaints.
• Receives and provides information to visitors, faculty, staff, and students.
• Notifies on-call personnel as required by departmental policy.
• Receives and relays emergency weather and road information to public safety officers and to other university departments and the university administration as required.
• Provides information to institutional public information services or outside news services on incidents and accident information as required.
• Monitors, updates, and relays information regarding building alarms.
• Operates a computer for the state crime computer network.
• Maintains voice communication tapes and applicable files and manuals for reference at public safety dispatch office.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of the geography of the university campus.
• Knowledge of FCC regulations and public safety dispatching procedures.
• Skill in using equipment such as multi-frequency radio, teletype, telephone, TDD, and computers.
• Skill in communicating with members of the public and departmental staff both orally and in writing.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.
• Ability to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks at one time and to remain calm in stressful situations.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
7591a
Original Posting Date:
August 24, 2026
Posting Close Date:
September 13, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19853
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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