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The 911 Job Application – How Does it Work?

Understanding the Process for Getting Hired at a 911 Position

Aug 6, 2009 Kelly Sharp

While applying for a 911 position can seem challenging, learning to sort though the job announcements and understanding the hiring process can help minimize confusion.

When people think of 911, most often they are imagining the person who will answer their call and help deal with their emergency. When thinking about working in 911, however, applicants need to realize there are two distinct parts to the job: The Call Taker and the Dispatcher.

911 Call Takers

Call takers are those who take the actual 911 call, determine the nature of the emergency and complete the request for service. Processing a 911 calls can be as simply as transferring the call to another agency, creating a "call" that is forwarded to the dispatcher, or performing complex CPR instructions over the phone to a hysterical caller.

911 Dispatcher

The dispatcher is the person who interacts with the police, fire and medical personnel. A dispatcher receives the information provided by the call taker, determines the urgency of the issue, and decides who will go. The 911 dispatcher also works with responding police, fire and medical units, answers request for service from the field, and provides information and resources for the field units.

The 911 Job Announcement

Job announcements can be listed as 911 Call taker, 911 telecommunicator, Emergency Communications Call taker or 911 Dispatcher. If the posting is for a “lateral” it means the organization is hiring only people with previous experience, and will not accept applications from those who have not been in the field. It is important to note than in many, if not most, 911 centers an employee will work as both call taker and dispatcher, often simultaneously.

Reading the job announcements can be confusing. Some centers separate the jobs of 911 call taker from that of the dispatcher, and considers these two distinct career paths. Others, however, require employees to be cross trained and able to fill both positions. While both options are exciting, it is important that applicants understand what job they are applying for.

The 911 Hiring Process

To apply, most centers require a high school diploma, fluency in English, excellent oral and written skills, and at least 18 of age. However, because of the nature of the job, the hiring process is rigorous and time consuming and can include:

The application
Mandatory orientations
Simulation testing
Written tests
Drug tests
Typing tests
Psychological screening
Background check
Interview(s)

Once applicants have successfully completed the hiring process, they are offered the position and given a “hire date,” or the date they are expected to begin training. Many centers only hire once or twice a year, and the new employee will join a group of others to begin the training process.

While the time and effort needed to apply for a job in 911 can seem excessive, it is necessary to ensure that both the applicant and the agency have found someone with the best chance of succeeding through the training process. And once that process is complete, the new employee will begin the ride of a lifetime as a fully functioning 911 call taker or dispatcher.

The copyright of the article The 911 Job Application – How Does it Work? in Career Advice is owned by Kelly Sharp. Permission to republish The 911 Job Application – How Does it Work? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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