Ridgefield - Emergency Services Dispatcher

911 Emergency Telecommunications Dispatcher

Make every second count as the first, most critical link between the public and emergency responders. Join a mission-driven team that protects the community by answering 9-1-1 calls and coordinating police, fire, and EMS with precision and care.

Schedule and pay

• Pitman 12-hour schedule (2-2-3 pattern): 48 hours one week, 36 hours the next; every other weekend is a 3-day weekend off.
• Starting pay: $31.71/hour; $1.00/hour overnight shift differential.
• Bargaining unit: UPSEU.
  
  

About the role

Receives and triages emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches appropriate police, fire, and EMS units; provides real-time radio updates; and documents actions in CAD and related systems in a fast-paced 24/7 Emergency Communications Center while exercising sound judgment, confidentiality, and policy compliance.

Essential functions

• Answer, assess, and prioritize 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls using approved protocols.
  Dispatch police, fire, and EMS; maintain continuous radio communication and track unit status and locations.
• Operate CAD, multi-line telephones, radios, and COLLECT/NCIC; document calls and actions in accordance with policy and law.
• Provide authorized pre-arrival instructions and reassurance; safeguard confidential medical and law enforcement information.
• Coordinate with neighboring agencies and mutual-aid partners; monitor alarms and specialized systems; test systems and report malfunctions.
• Serve as lobby greeter as assigned; handle forms and routine information requests; perform related duties as assigned.
• Duties are illustrative and not exhaustive.

Minimum qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of background investigation, fingerprinting, and medical exam including drug screening.
• Typing/data entry proficiency of 35 wpm and demonstrated multi-tasking across phone, radio, and computer.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication; availability for varied shifts in a 24/7 center, including overnights, weekends, and holidays.
• CPCA Dispatcher Exam: Must be passed prior to submitting an application (see application portal for current score requirement).
  
  

Required certifications

• State of Connecticut Telecommunicator Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), COLLECT/NCIC certification within 6 months of hire; must remain current as a condition of employment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with NEXGEN LEAS CAD.
• Previous 9-1-1/public safety dispatch experience preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Excellent judgment and calm decision-making under pressure; clear, controlled communication over radio and phone.
• Rapid, accurate data entry and ability to track multiple simultaneous events; consistent application of rules, regulations, and procedures.
• High integrity and confidentiality; audio acuity and manual dexterity to operate technical equipment quickly; ability to learn local geography, landmarks, and streets.
• Maintain active certification in Public Safety Telecommunicator, Enhanced 9-1-1 equipment/services (or successor), COLLECT (or successor), and EMD.

Essential Physical and Sensory Requirements

The following physical and sensory requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Hearing: Ability to hear and understand radio and telephone transmissions, including speech at normal levels and faint or distant speech, and to distinguish voices and tones.
• Speech: Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and effectively in English over radios, telephones, and in person.
• Vision: Sufficient visual acuity to read and interpret multiple computer screens, maps, and written materials; ability to distinguish colors on display monitors and indicator lights.
• Dexterity: Sufficient manual dexterity to operate keyboards, telephones, radios, and other communication equipment with speed and accuracy.
• Mobility: Work is typically performed in a seated position for extended periods, with occasional standing, walking, reaching, or bending.
• Cognitive/Emotional: Ability to concentrate in a multi-tasking environment with frequent interruptions; ability to remain calm, make quick decisions, and relay accurate information in high-stress and emergency situations.
  
  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Statement
  The Town of Ridgefield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Ridgefield will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact personnel@ridgefieldct.gov.

Supervision

• Receives oral and written instructions from the Communications Supervisor and may receive direction from the Chiefs of Police and Fire or their designees.
  
  

How to apply

• Submit an application and resume via the Town/PoliceApp portal.
• Direct questions to personnel@ridgefieldct.gov.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.