Public Safety Dispatcher

Job Description

The Ashland Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of FT public safety telecommunications officers. We are seeking individuals who are highly motivated and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, maintain attention to detail, and demonstrate a positive attitude while adapting and reacting to sudden changes in a fast-paced public safety environment.

The Town of Ashland and the Ashland Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, race, color, religion, sexual preference, national origin or disability, and encourages minorities and women to apply.

Schedule: 8-hour shifts, rotating 4 shifts on followed by 2 days off

Minimum Requirements

• Must have a High School Diploma and/or GED

• Must be able to work any of the designated 8-hour shifts for a 24/7 operation, including holidays and weekends

• Two or more years of experience as a public safety dispatcher, E911 and APCO Certifications is preferred, but not necessary

• Must have excellent vision and hearing accuracy

• Must possess excellent typing and related computer skills

• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks simultaneously

• Ability to acquire and maintain job-related certifications and training requirements

• Successfully pass a complete criminal background investigation/check

Additional Qualifications

Prior public safety dispatching experience is preferred, but not necessary.

Candidates must have the highest integrity, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to solve problems in high stress situations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Receiving, processing, and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls for service (police, fire, and EMS)

• Operating and maintaining proficient use of all communications equipment

• Handling stressful situations and working well under pressure for an extended period of time

• Greeting the public

Salary & Compensation

• Salary Range: $26.35 - $30.27 / hour

• Holiday pay

• Sick and personal time

• Up to 240 hours of vacation time

• Ability to earn comp time

• Privately Paid Detail Opportunities, paying between $67 - $101 / hour

Benefits

• Full benefits package including available health and dental insurance

• Available FSA

• SMART Plan - Deferred Compensation

• VOYA - 457 Plan

• Available Life Insurance

• Employee Discounts

• Wellness Programs

Hiring Process

• Interview with hiring committee

• Conditional Offer of Employment

• Pass a pre-employment medical screening

• Pass a pre-employment psychological evaluation

• Pass a pre-employment background investigation

• Anticipated start date: 1/1/2026