Public Safety Dispatcher I

Public Safety Dispatcher I

Salary

$53,453.40 - $93,543.65 Annually

Location

10425 Audie Lane, La Plata, MD

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2026-00245

Department

ES COMMUNICATIONS FT

Opening Date

10/22/2026

Closing Date

11/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

To be considered for this position, applicants must note all qualifications, requirements, and certifications on the application, and MUST attach/upload copies of certifications to be eligible to continue in the process.

Candidates who qualify will be sent a link, via email, to take an online computer-based skills exam before the job announcement expires.

The skills test is computer-based and includes a typing test. You may want to practice your typing skills now, as this is an integral portion of the test. Candidates who successfully complete the skills testing will sit for an interview.

(Please make sure to provide an updated and active email address on your application, as emails will be sent throughout each step in the process)

When completing the application process, if the system does not allow you to upload more than one certification, please contact the Department of Emergency Services at (301) 609-3406, before submitting. Please do not write "See resume" or "See attached" on your application; your application will NOT be considered. You MUST include all information on the application itself.

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Performs public safety/public service dispatching work for the Charles County Department of Emergency Services. Receives emergency 911 calls and dispatches Fire, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Law Enforcement, Emergency Management and Homeland Security resources as appropriate; communicates with Fire/EMS resources by radio, receiving non-emergency calls for service and coordinates with the appropriate public safety/CCG department /division to facilitate a response; emergency/non-emergency calls for law enforcement service are received, processed, entered into CAD and relayed to the appropriate dispatchers.

Essential Job Functions

• Receives requests for assistance by utilizing computerized 9-1-1 telephone system, evaluates type of assistance needed, and dispatches appropriate public safety resources using the computer-aided dispatch system, various computerized radio systems (800 MHZ trunked, 800 MHZ conventional, VHF paging, VHF interoperability, Fire Mutual Aid Radio System, RINS, Marine and Microwave), GIS mapping system and related databases and computerized equipment.
• Receives 9-1-1 and other emergency requests for service. Simultaneously determines the nature and location of the emergency; determines priority and enters information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Answers non-emergency calls for service, determines type of assistance required, and provides appropriate assistance as needed. Processes emergency and non-emergency requests for State, County and regional Law enforcement, Fire and EMS, and several public service organizations; relay incident specific information to appropriate agency.
• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service from non-English speaking customers. Use computerized 9-I-I telephone system to establish a link with appropriate interpreter to determine nature and location of the emergency; priority, type of assistance required, provide appropriate assistance as needed and dispatch correct agencies.
• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service from hearing impaired customers. Use computerized
• Uses 9-I-I telephone system to communicate with the caller to determine nature and location of the emergency; priority, type of assistance required, provide appropriate assistance as needed and dispatch correct agencies.
• Provides Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), and Emergency Police Dispatch; triage in-coming requests for emergency service calls to determine the level of response; provide pre-arrival instructions to the caller. Must use established Emergency Dispatch protocols to immediately provide help to the victim or other party; operate within an established quality assurance standard of service.
• Uses CAD / Station Alerting System / VHF paging system to alert / dispatch local and regional Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement resources, maintain contact with all units on assignment, and maintain status and location. Be prepared to identify and dispatch additional resources if the incident escalates. Use Public Alerting systems to notify residents of impending threats or actual emergencies.
• Monitors and operates several complex public safety radio systems. Operate a variety of mission critical communications equipment /devices that use application software specifically designed for dispatching public safety resources in a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional environment, including computer radio interface console, computer telephone interface console, computer aided dispatch system, GIS mapping system.
• Uses the various radio systems to establish interoperability links among responders. Coordinate communications between multiple units, agencies and jurisdictions, including law enforcement/medvac aircraft, that are responding to emergency incidents. Simultaneously monitors and transmits on multiple radio channels/talkgroups and multiple transmitters; maintains contact with and monitors status of field units.
• Monitors diversion status of all hospitals and specialized units within each hospital within the region; notifies and updates EMRC and field units of changes in hospital diversion status.
• Complies with procedures and regulations set by CCG, DES, Fire and EMS associations and Sheriffs police. Assist Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor, and Dispatcher II with delivery of training for probationary Dispatchers.
• Works with other divisions of the Department of Emergency Services, Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, CCG, Public Service Support Agencies and neighboring jurisdictions to facilitate the response of the closest appropriate public safety resources in order to protect life, limb, and property.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED). Minimum of two (2) years of dispatch experience working in a primary or secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that both receives 9-1-1 calls and dispatches police, fire or EMS resources (fire and EMS is preferred).

Licenses or Certifications:

Must have a current National certification in any 9-1-1 call taking protocol system as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Emergency Fire Dispatcher, and Emergency Police Dispatcher; Incident Management Systems Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, 800; CPR.

Must have and/or obtain during 1st year of employment; National and Maryland certification in the 9-1-1 calltaking protocol system used by Charles County as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Emergency Fire Dispatcher, and Emergency Police Dispatcher; National certification as an Emergency Telecommunicator; HAZMAT Awareness; Confined Space Awareness; Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness; and CCG Defensive Driving Course.

Note: Some licenses and/or certifications require periodic renewal. The employee must maintain them throughout employment in this position. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING.

Must pass a job-related background examination, including a drug screening.

Assigned to work one 12-hour day or one 12-hour night shift in a 24-hour period.

Must be willing to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends.

Must work on an on-call basis and irregular duty assignments.

Must wear a uniform and safety equipment, when needed.

Must attend educational sessions, as required.

Must be able to travel out of town for one day or more, when needed.

Must be able to type a minimum of 30 wpm.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Charles County geography including towns, jurisdictional boundaries, response boundaries, highways, roadways, waterways and landmarks.
• Ability to learn emergency dispatching methods and operation of various communications devices and computer equipment.
• Ability to learn Fire and Emergency Medical Services equipment, resource capabilities and SOG's.
• Ability to develop strategies for various types of Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement emergencies.
• Ability to hear multiple conversations simultaneously, distinguishing between voices and sources to obtain relevant information quickly and accurately.
• Ability to speak clearly, distinctly, concisely, and correctly over the radio and telephone.
• Ability to type on computer keyboards a minimum of 30 wpm while reading from protocol and/or talking on the radio, and operate mouse and foot controls while conversing on the radio and/or telephone
• Ability to prioritize tasks and perform multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast paced, high stress emergency work environment.
• Ability to make immediate decisions and react in a quick, calm, controlled and effective manner in emergency situations.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret complex maps.
• Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures utilized in public safety dispatching.
• Ability to learn to assess conditions of patients with medical emergencies and provide emergency medical pre-arrival instructions to callers following specific emergency medical dispatch protocols.
• Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and use the language / codes / jargon of various public safety agencies; have vision correctable to 20/30 and have normal color vision and hearing.

Ability to carry out own daily assignments, follow through on matters, and use independent judgment and training to take appropriate actions to deal with standard recurring situations and extreme unpredictable circumstances

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity. Typical positions require workers to sit or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards, and requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. Incumbents must demonstrate a state of physical and mental health consistent with the ability to perform assigned duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ninety percent of duties are performed in the Public Safety Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center requiring sitting for long periods of time. May be required to respond to emergencies in the Mobile Command Post as part of an incident dispatch team or in a first responder role in support of an Emergency Services/Emergency Management mission/deployment. At times, may work outside in inclement weather and under undesirable and hazardous conditions. Works in conditions of varying noise levels and high activity.

Department/Division: Department of Emergency Services/Communications

Pay Grade: 110

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Telework Eligible: No

Reports To: Public Safety Communications Supervisor

Supervises: None

Charles County Government

BENEFITS SUMMARY

www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/CharlesCountyMD

Health Insurance

Charles County Government PAYS 70% of cost: Blue Choice Advantage and HMO Open Access plans, including prescription and vision coverage. CareFirst and Delta for dental coverage.

Flexible Spending Account

Provides medical and dependent care options.

Supplemental Income Products

Accident Policy, Critical Illness Policy, and Hospital Indemnity Policy.

Long Term Disability Insurance

No charge to employee. The benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability, up to $5,000/month.

Life Insurance

No charge to employees (valued at 1.5x the annual salary, not to exceed $250,000). Supplemental insurance and dependent life insurance are available for an additional cost. Term and whole life policies available.

Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan) 401(a) Plan - Must work minimum 37.5 hrs/week. Participation is mandatory.

Deferred Compensation Plan

457(b) Governmental Plan - Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.

Employee Leave

• Charles County Government full-time employees earn annual, sick, and paid time off (PTO).
• The County currently recognizes 20 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Away from work programs like paid parental leave and FMLA are available to employees.

Transfer of Sick Leave

New hires may be eligible to receive credit for up to 400 hours of sick leave from their previous employer when they begin employment.

Work Schedules

• Most work weeks are 37.5 hrs, and some positions may offer the opportunity for flexible work schedules or allow telework.

Additional Fringe Benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement for full-time employees upon completion of probation period
• Discounted, Onsite Childcare at a County Government facility.
• House Keys 4 Employee Program offers assistance to full-time employees who are first-time homebuyers.
• Free, Employee Wellness Programs
• Legal Resources (prepaid benefit)
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (free, short-term counseling)

Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30 hours or more per week unless otherwise noted. Effective: March 1, 2026

01

Please select the choice that best describes your skill level with computers and computer software.

• Not a computer user
• Beginning computer user
• Novice (some computer skills)
• Intermediate skills
• Advanced computer skills
• Expert-level skills

02

Do you have a current National certification in any 9-1-1 call taking protocol system as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Emergency Fire Dispatcher, and Emergency Police Dispatcher; Incident Management Systems Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, 800; CPR?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have 2 years of dispatch experience working in a primary or secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that both receives 9-1-1 calls and dispatches police, fire or EMS resources (fire and EMS is preferred)?

• Yes
• No

04

Did you provide an updated and current email address? Please note that emails will be sent throughout the whole recruitment process. If no, please provide an updated email here:

05

Do you have a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

06

The position you are applying for requires an acceptable driving record. The Charles County Government employee driving policy states that employees will be considered to have an acceptable driving record if ALL of the following statements are true: - I do not exceed a maximum of four (4) points on my driving record. - I do not have a suspended or revoked license. - I do not have a single motor vehicle violation, conviction, or plea of Nolo Contendere, or the acceptance of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) involving the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, refusal to take an alcohol or drug test, or the misuse of legal over-the-counter medication for any of these violations. - I have not demonstrated a pattern of unsafe vehicle operation as evidenced by moving violations or single infraction of such severity (e.g., eluding a police officer; evading responsibility; failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, reckless driving, etc.). According to these guidelines, do you have an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Charles County Government