Emergency Communications Specialist

Emergency Communications Specialist

Salary

$26.27 - $32.14 Hourly

Location

Duluth, MN

Job Type

Permanent, Full-Time

Job Number

26-089/993-01

Department

Sheriff

Division

SH-COM-ADMIN

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Kind of Work

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to work in our 911 dispatch center. Dispatching for law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and handling calls for service from our citizens is a fast-paced and rewarding career for those with a calling to help others and serve in public safety.

The Emergency Communication Specialist position involves shift work that includes days, afternoons and nights (including holidays and weekends.)

During the first three to six months of employment, applicants will be in training full-time then will move to their normally scheduled/hired shift.

The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2025. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $26.27 - $37.43 per hour. 2026 rates are currently pending.

This position is part of the Communication Department contract represented by the Local 66 of AFSCME.

St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.

Distinguishing Features of Work

An employee in this class performs law enforcement, fire, medical and rescue related telecommunications dispatch work within the St. Louis County 9-1-1 Division. Duties include operating computer aided dispatch system, multi-line telecommunications and radio communications equipment to receive requests for emergency public safety assistance, determine the type and level of response necessary, accomplish timely, accurate and effective dispatch of emergency response units, monitor response and safety of responding units, and retrieve supplemental information from other local, state and federal information systems. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Work Environment

These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Coordination; pinch; reach; sit; and talk/speak. Hearing is required from the right and left ear. Vision; customer/public contact; and shift work. FREQUENT: Push/pull up to 10 pounds. OCCASIONAL: Stand. RARE: Lift up to 10 pounds; lift 21 to 50 pounds; push/pull 21 to 50 pounds.

Selection Process

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail):

• High School diploma or its equivalent.
• Ability to type 40 w.p.m. with 90% accuracy.
• Successful completion of the State of Minnesota Terminal Operations certification, the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and the Emergency Medical Dispatch certification within one year of employment. Failure to obtain the certifications prior to the conclusion of the probationary period will result in termination from the position.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

RATING SYTEMS:

Computerized Written Assessment (100% of Scoring Process):

The computerized written assessment can be taken at any time virtually after submitting a completed application and must be completed by August 19, 2026.

In-person appointments can be made by contacting Human Resources at 218-726-2422 or emailing recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov.

Applicants must pass the computerized written assessment, which includes the typing proficiency exam (40 w.p.m, 90% accuracy), to be moved forward in the selection process.

To participate in the computerized written assessment, you must have readily available picture identification, a laptop or desktop computer, the latest version of Chrome, a webcam and microphone. Headphones are highly recommended but not required. Please allow up to two hours for the computerized written assessment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.

VETERANS PREFERENCE:

If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:

• Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
• Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
• Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
• Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional requirements. Click Here.

PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS:

Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION:

Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a psychological evaluation.

DRUG TESTING:

Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:

All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Appointees to the position must successfully complete a twelve-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.

NON-DISCRIMINATION:

St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.

Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
• Training and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Employee Wellness Program
• Pet Insurance

Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.

01

Please type or clearly print your name.

02

The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.

• Yes

03

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?

• Yes
• No

04

All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?

• Yes, I will now, or will in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
• No, I will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States

05

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

07

The Emergency Communication Specialist position involves shift work that includes days, afternoons and nights (including holidays and weekends.) During approximately the first 3 months of employment, applicants will be in training full-time and then will move to their normally scheduled/hired shift. Please acknowledge that you are willing to accept this type of work.

• I am willing to accept this type of work.
• I am not willing or unable to accept this type of work. (Selecting this answer will result in the rejection of your application.)

08

Which of the following best describes your current level of experience using Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Responder system (ARMER)?

• None
• Less than one year
• One year or more

09

I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer St. Louis County, Minnesota

Address 100 N 5th Ave. W., Room 1

Duluth, Minnesota, 55802

Phone 218-726-2422

Website http://www.stlouiscountymn.gov