Public Safety Dispatcher
Salary
$24.24 - $30.96 Hourly
Location
Lincoln, NE
Job Type
Full time/probationary or status
Job Number
202600265
Department
Police Department
Opening Date
05/01/2026
Closing Date
5/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Posting Information
HOURS: FULL TIME; Variable 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts with rotating days/evenings/nights/weekends and holidays.
The City of Lincoln is currently accepting on-line applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher. If you are interested in a fast-paced, challenging work environment this job may be for you!
Public safety dispatchers play a vital role in public safety by expertly managing emergency and non-emergency calls for service. They operate a sophisticated network of technology-including phone and radio systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and data systems-to quickly process and relay critical information.
While maintaining calm under pressure, dispatchers provide life-saving instructions, such as CPR guidance, and ensure that accurate, timely information is delivered to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and other response teams.
Precision is essential; dispatchers are responsible for keeping detailed, accurate records of all communications, whether from callers or responders in the field. They work as part of a coordinated team-often in collaboration with other Communications Centers-to ensure seamless, efficient responses to a wide range of incidents.
At the heart of the role is commitment to community safety, service, and teamwork. By leveraging advanced technologies and strong partnerships, public safety dispatchers support both the public and emergency personnel in moments that matter most.
Their work is grounded in the values of the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence.
The Lincoln Police 911 Center is a nationally accredited Center through CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.).
Lincoln is one of the few cities in the United States where Police, Fire, and Communications have all received national accreditation. Lincoln received accreditation in 2002 making it only the 14th center in the nation to be accredited by CALEA.
Career Opportunities
The Public Safety Dispatcher is considered the first, first responder of the emergency response team. These professionals, are required to gather essential information from citizens, and take control of situations that may be chaotic, tragic, stressful, confusing, and frantic in order to dispatch the appropriate first responders to the scene. Public Safety Dispatchers must be organized, adept at multi-tasking, level-headed, calm and trustworthy. Their work within the emergency response system often places them at the front end of life or death situations. Training requirements for these positions are demanding, rigorous and steadfast.
New employees will be required to successfully complete a classroom training academy and extensive on-the-job training. Career advancement opportunities include promotion to Senior Public Safety Dispatcher, Certified Training Officer, Training Supervisor, and Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor.
Senior Public Safety Dispatcher - $29.46-37.62
Duties
Dispatchers operate an emergency service console and sophisticated technical equipment receiving and dispatching calls for police and sheriff units, fire companies, EMS (emergency medical systems) units, fire/rescue squads and other emergency services. Responsibilities include operating radio consoles, CAD (computer aided dispatch) terminals, EMD (emergency medical dispatch) systems, and related emergency communication equipment; receiving calls via the 911 emergency lines; performing radio tests on communication equipment; maintaining logs and records of all calls received and nature and disposition of each dispatch; maintaining CAD status monitor of units in and out of service; and transferring or referring calls to proper local, state, and federal agencies.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of a pre-employment on-line exam, an oral interview, background check, medical and psychological investigation. Candidates who successfully complete the final phase are offered employment with the Lincoln Police Department Emergency Communications Center.
Applicants with diverse backgrounds and educational experience are encouraged to apply. All required training is completed in-house.
Qualifications
High School graduate or G.E.D.
Necessary Special Requirements:
Emergency Medical Dispatch certification and CPR certification, provided by Lincoln Police Department, is required prior to the completion of the probationary period.
Certification on the National Crime Information Center computer system, which is provided by Lincoln Police Department as required.
NO FELONY CONVICTIONS OR SERIOUS MISDEMEANORS.
Testing: You will receive an email with a link to complete the on-line exam. The email will come from "TestGenius" and will be sent within 48 hours after your application has been received. You will have 7 days to complete the exam.
Interview: If you successfully pass the on-line exam, you will be invited to an in-person interview.
We value each City of Lincoln employee and one way we demonstrate this is by providing an attractive and competitive total compensation package that adds value to our employees professional and personal lives. The following benefits are available for this position:
01
CONFIDENTIALITY DISCLOSURE AND APPLICATION COMPLETION ACKNOWLEDGMENT: 1. This application process is hand scored. 2. All questions must be fully answered to receive full credit. 3. Copied/pasted answers will not receive full credit. 4. "See resume" in lieu of providing detailed responses will not receive full credit. 5. All employers, work and volunteer experience, and education referred to on this questionnaire must also be listed in the Work and Education sections of the application for verification and to receive credit. 6. I am responsible for the accuracy and completeness of my application.
02
Disclaimer: Answering Yes to any question does NOT mean automatic disqualification.
03
I understand the City-County Human Resources Department will correspond with applicants via e-mail using the address listed on this application regarding all notices including testing information and results.
04
I have verified the e-mail address on my application is current and correct. I also understand it is my responsibility to check my e-mail regularly (including junk and spam folders) for notifications regarding this position.
05
I understand I will receive an email from TestGenius with a link to complete the on-line exam. I also understand I will have 7 days, from the date the link was sent, to complete the exam.
06
Are you at least 19 years of age or older?
07
Are you a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the U.S?
08
Did you graduate from high school or obtain an equivalent GED?
09
Do you have experience operating communication and emergency service equipment as it relates to dispatching public safety and medical emergency personnel?
10
If yes, please list the employers from your application where you acquired this experience AND describe your work experience.
11
Do you currently have any debts serviced by a collection agency? (Note if yes, it may result in disqualification).
12
If you answered yes to the above question please explain:
13
Do you have any Felony and/or Class I Misdemeanor convictions? Including sealed and set asides.
14
Have you been convicted of any of the following Class I Misdemeanor? Check all that apply. (Note if yes, it may result in disqualification)
15
Check below if you have been convicted of any of the following violent crimes? (check all that apply)
16
If yes, list specific crime(s), circumstances, date of crime and conviction, state and city of offense.
17
Have you used any illegal drugs, other than marijuana, in the last 5 years?
18
If yes, list drugs, date and year of usage.
19
Have you used any prescription medication(s), that were not prescribed to you in the last 5 years?
20
If yes, please list the medication(s) and date and year of usage.
21
Have you used marijuana or any other cannabis products and all its derivatives for any purpose on the last two (2) years? Check all that apply
22
If you answered yes, please explain circumstances and date of last usage.
23
Have you sold, produced, cultivated, transported or distributed marijuana or any illegal narcotics or drugs.
24
If yes, please list the circumstances and date.
25
Do you have any convictions, diversions, dismissal or refusal to be tested for Driving Under the Influence during the last 5 years?
26
Are you subject to an order of protection or restraining order?
27
If yes, please list the circumstance and date.
28
Have you been adjudged or convicted of traffic violations with such frequency so as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws and disregard for the safety of others within the past three years? (i.e. speeding, reckless driving, negligent driving)
29
If yes, list violations, dates, city and state of occurrence.
30
Have you been convicted or been pardoned of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one year or more?
31
If yes, list specific crime(s), circumstances, date of crime and conviction, state and city of offense.
32
Do you subscribe to and/or use any social media accounts (i.e. Facebook, Twitter)?
33
If you answered yes to the above question, please list:
34
Are you fluent in a language other than English? (Check all that apply)
35
If other, please specify
36
Do you have experience using American Sign Language?
37
How did you hear about this position? (check all that apply)
38
If other or current or former employee, please specify
Required Question
Employer City of Lincoln/Lancaster County
Address 555 South 10th Street, Room 302
Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508
Phone (402) 441-7597
Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/lincolnne/default.cfm