Public Safety Dispatcher

Why Team Garland?

At the City of Garland, we believe that a career in public service is not just a job; it's a calling. It's an opportunity to serve others, make a lasting impact, and be part of meaningful projects that shape every aspect of city life.

Team Garland is dedicated to building the stage where the residents of Garland can each live their best life!

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, we offer professional growth opportunities and a supportive work environment that helps you reach your full potential. As a member of Team Garland, your skills and ideas are valued; we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits*, wellness programs, and a healthy work-life balance.

If you are ready for a career that makes a difference, apply today!

*Benefits offered are subject to change and differ based on employment type

Responsible for receiving and responding to emergency and non-emergency calls in order to route calls to the appropriate services.

Salary: Depending on qualifications and experience

• Receive, prioritize and respond to emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and situations.

• Enter and process information received.

• Prioritize and route calls to dispatch.

• Apply policies, procedures, guidelines relating to emergency situations and crime intervention to ensure compliance, safety of citizens and emergency response personnel and prevent liabilities.

• Prepare and maintain accurate records and logs of all radio transmissions, telephone calls and other records and files.

• Correspond or communicate with other Cities, agencies, etc. to confirm or request information of a valid offense report or other law enforcement matters.

• Act as a liaison between the Garland Police and Fire Departments and other City departments and/or City or Government agencies as needed.

• Maintain and validate data in local, state and national computerized databases including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC).

• Monitor and control the movement of field units and provide appropriate and effective coverage in response to public safety emergencies

• Perform administrative duties as needed or requested.

• Must be United States of America citizen at the time of application (State licensing requirement)

• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent

• No experience required

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Education/ Experience:

• 6 months advanced training or coursework past the high school level

• Up to one year of experience as a Call Taker, Customer Service or similar position in a communication or dispatch center

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government

• Basic knowledge of computer technology and equipment

• Basic knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures

• Basic knowledge of geography for the City of Garland and surrounding areas

• Basic knowledge of English language for spelling and proper word usage

• Skill in coordinating mental, manual and visual activities simultaneously

• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately

• Skill in communicating using telephone equipment

• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries

• Ability to multitask and demonstrate appropriate judgment on the spot

• Ability to work under pressure and during emergency situations and react quickly to signals, unexpected situations and/or emergencies

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police Department personnel, other City employees, outside law enforcement agencies and the public

• Ability to type 35 words per minute while multitasking

• Ability to satisfactorily complete training on two (2) radio disciplines.

• Ability to process and evaluate information received and dispatch law enforcement and/or Fire/EMS, consider call priority, availability and the number and types of personnel needed

• Valid State of Texas Class C Driver's License Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator License or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire

• Texas Department of Safety (DPS) National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/ Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire

• Medical Priority Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) license and certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire CPR Certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire

About Us

Team Garland consists of over 2,200 employees, spanning 700+ different roles! Garland is committed to diversity and inclusion and creating pathways to employment for all. We have an organizational culture of appreciation, development, and growth. Many of our employees choose Garland for lifelong careers. We are guided by the City's Mission, Vision, and Value Statements and a commitment to public service. Team Garland makes a difference in the Garland community every day.

Garland's vision is to be a progressive city working together to nurture and grow the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of our community.

We are committed to preserve public trust, deliver quality services, promote economic growth, protect our community and enhance the quality of life for the good of our city and our future.