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Police Dispatcher Trainee Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

City of Corvallis, OR

9-1-1 Telecommunicator

Corvallis, OR · On-site

$31.72 - $40.48/hr

Corvallis Police Department Opening Date: 07/13/2026 Position Summary Member of the Corvallis ... Provide call answering and public safety dispatch services for ten (10) public safety agencies ...

All JobsPolice Dispatcher JobsPolice Dispatcher Trainee JobsPolice Dispatcher Trainee Jobs in Oregon

Police Dispatcher Trainee information

See Oregon salary details

$11

$23

$35

How much do police dispatcher trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for police dispatcher trainee in Oregon is $23.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police dispatcher trainee?

Police Dispatcher Trainees are entry-level professionals who undergo training to become full-fledged police dispatchers. They learn how to receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather critical information, and coordinate with police officers and other emergency services. Trainees are taught to use specialized communication equipment and follow protocols to ensure public safety. The role requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and attention to detail. After successful completion of training, trainees may be promoted to regular police dispatcher positions.

What are some common challenges faced by police dispatcher trainees during their initial training period?

Police Dispatcher Trainees often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, learning to multitask efficiently, and quickly processing large amounts of information. The training period involves mastering complex communication systems, accurately relaying information to officers, and prioritizing emergency calls, all while remaining calm under pressure. Trainees are usually paired with experienced dispatchers who provide guidance and feedback, but adapting to the fast-paced environment and irregular shift schedules can require significant adjustment.

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

To thrive as a Police Dispatcher Trainee, you need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and emergency protocols is typically required. Excellent multitasking, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience help individuals excel in this high-stress environment. These competencies ensure rapid, accurate response to emergencies and effective coordination between law enforcement and the public.

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

AspectPolice Dispatcher TraineePolice Dispatcher
Required credentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some agencies may require certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications may be preferred or required
Work environmentTraining environment, supervised, learning protocolsFull-time, operational environment handling emergency calls
Job dutiesLearning dispatch procedures, shadowing experienced dispatchersResponding to emergency calls, dispatching officers, managing communication

The Police Dispatcher Trainee role is an entry-level position focused on training and learning dispatch procedures. Once training is complete, individuals typically transition into the Police Dispatcher role, which involves active communication and emergency response duties. The main difference lies in experience level and job responsibilities, with trainees in a learning phase and dispatchers actively managing calls and dispatching officers.

Do police dispatcher trainees get paid during training?

Yes, police dispatcher trainees typically receive pay during their training period, which often includes classroom instruction and on-the-job practice. Compensation varies by agency but is generally provided to support trainees as they develop communication and emergency response skills.

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 written exam. Some agencies require certification in emergency medical dispatch or CPR, and proficiency in communication skills and multitasking is essential for the role.

How hard is it to get a police dispatcher trainee job?

Securing a police dispatcher trainee position typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing a written exam, and completing a background check. Candidates often need strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and sometimes prior experience or training in emergency communication systems. The hiring process can be competitive, but meeting the qualifications and demonstrating relevant skills can improve chances of success.

What are popular job titles related to Police Dispatcher Trainee jobs in Oregon?

For Police Dispatcher Trainee jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Dispatcher Trainee jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Dispatcher Trainee jobs in Oregon are:

Police Dispatcher Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Dispatcher Trainee job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,448 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

911 Dispatcher (Entry Level or Lateral)

City of Astoria

Astoria, OR • On-site

$27.83 - $33.82/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

911 DISPATCHER
ASTORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Astoria, Oregon
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Astoria Dispatch answers roughly 80,000 calls a year, of which approximately 13,000 are 9-1-1. From these calls Astoria Dispatch creates approximately 45,000 calls for service for police, fire and public works agencies in the Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) system. Another 10,000 calls are received for service by other agencies such as Oregon State Police and the Coast Guard who do not subscribe to Astoria Dispatch.
Astoria Dispatch is one of two Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP's) in Clatsop County. The second PSAP is located in the City of Seaside within the Seaside Police Department. Clatsop County has a land area of 827 sq. miles with a water area of 257 sq. miles. The full-time resident population in the County is 36,798 (59% urban, 41% rural). Though the full-time resident population seems low, year-round tourism can bring the population total to over 100,000.
POSITION SUMMARY
Communications Operators, also referred to as "911 Dispatchers", are often the first trained point of contact in an emergency. They begin the important work of obtaining essential information, remaining calm, calming others, and sending the appropriate responders to the right location. They may also provide instructions to the 911 caller, which in many cases is essential to stabilizing or saving a life. Dispatchers are responsible for performing quick, efficient, and accurate dispatching of calls and messages with public safety units and personnel in the field.
During the typical 6-8 month training period, trainees will work alongside different trainers during each training phase and work varying shifts in accordance with their trainer's assigned shift. In addition to hands-on work with a trainer, trainees will be required to attend 3 weeks of training in Salem at the Department of Public Safety Standards Training (DPSST) academy plus a 3 day Emergency Medical Dispatch certification course. There is a one year probationary period. This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement.
SCHEDULE
This is full-time shift work in a dispatch center which operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Everyone can expect to rotate through a variety of shifts including days, swing, nights, holidays and weekends with proper notice. Individuals with limited availability or who are unable to work a variety of shifts may not be well suited for this position.
PAY PREMIUMS
In addition to the base pay range, a number of pay incentives are available to be added cumulatively to a dispatcher's pay.
  • Lateral Candidates: Your prior experience and certifications are taken into consideration to set your pay within the pay range.
  • Voluntary semi-annual bonus for qualified physical fitness tests
  • Intermediate and Advanced Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) certificates pay premiums (3.5% each added to base pay)
  • Communications Training Officer assignment and pay premium (6% added to base pay for training hours)
  • Lead Dispatcher assignment and pay premium (10% added to base pay)
  • Senior Communications Operator pay premium (5% added to base pay)
  • Bilingual Language pay premium (5% added to base pay after testing)
  • Stability Pay (2% added to base pay after 10 years)
MOVING EXPENSES
In order to assist with relocation, the City will provide some compensation for moving expenses. Eligible expenses such as boxes, movers, rented trucks would be covered as a part of this offer and would be reimbursed after providing receipts. In accordance with IRS regulations, reimbursement for moving expenses is a taxable fringe benefit.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Due to the sensitive nature of this career, this thorough and important process can take longer than a typical hiring process. Candidates must submit application materials, complete testing and satisfy each step listed below in order to continue in the process.
APPLICATION PERIOD - August 11-September 3, 2026
Candidates complete the application and upload supporting documents and copies of relevant certifications. While cover letters and resumes are not required, this is a highly competitive process and we encourage candidates to submit these documents to share more about your education and experience.
Please send copies to if you have any difficulty uploading documents or if you have additional documents to provide after submitting your application.
WRITTEN TESTING - MUST BE COMPLETED BY SEPT 10, 2026
After your application is submitted, we will email you a link to CritiCall to complete the required online testing.
Lateral Candidates: Candidates who are currently certified dispatchers may not need to complete the online testing according to DPSST certification requirements. We will review your application materials and communicate with you about next steps.
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS
CONTINGENT OFFER LETTER + BACKGROUND CHECK
Includes: Records Check (Criminal, Civil, Sex Offender, Motor Vehicle, Credit & Education Verification), Investigation, Psychological, Medical & Hearing Exams, Drug Screen
Duration: Typically, 6 to 12 weeks
CHIEF'S INTERVIEW AND FINAL OFFER
Following background check completion

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