Emergency Communications Specialist - (905049.N.Dispatcher IB) - Johnson County Kansas

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

The Emergency Communications division of the Department of Emergency Services is looking for a qualified applicant to fill the position of Emergency Communications Specialist (Dispatcher). 

This position provides excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement savings programs, wellness discounts and incentives, and many other great benefits such as paid leave time. For a look at our benefits package, see our 2024 Open Enrollment Guide.

This is a 24/7 position that has shift work. The shifts could be 7:00am-7:00pm, 1:00pm-1:00am or 7:00pm-7:00am. There are also weekend shifts, holiday shifts and mandatory overtime on all shifts.

Applications for this job will be accepted through Tuesday, December 31st. Our approved salary range for 2025 is $23.18 – $31.37/hour, depending on qualifications.

Emergency Communications Specialists are responsible for processing emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance received on E911 (Enhanced 911) and 10-digit phone lines, and dispatching Fire and EMS units in Johnson County, and EMS units in Miami County.

• Processes medical and fire emergency notifications; inquires and determines location and nature of emergency assistance requests; determines and sends proper responses based on location, unit status, and type of incident; obtains and provides specific information for responders to allow for immediate intervention upon arrival and to protect the safety of responders and the public.
• Tracks unit location and availability continuously; facilitates dispersal of county emergency resources; anticipates additional resource needs by staging uncommitted units for depleted area coverage and/or response to working incidents; provides accurate documentation of call activity; maintains support resource files that indicate current street closings, hydrants unavailable, hospital patient acceptance capabilities, equipment resource lists, premise information files, and other pertinent information; observes and tests on-line and backup equipment and systems continuously. 
• Articulates, promotes, and supports the Mission, Vision, and Values of the department; provides answers and solutions for non-emergency requests for information and services; reviews and trains to maintain current levels of operations knowledge, stays abreast of continuous system changes, enhances knowledge, and learns new skills; provides input to enhance and improve department services to our customers and the public.
• Answers requests and completes connections; uses knowledge of call information and judgment skills proactively; sends responses based on stated injuries, location, traffic concerns, time of day, and other pertinent information; determines and provides early weather warning information through activation of county alert sirens, radios, and pagers with accompanying alert information;  provides command and control of responders until their arrival on scene; deviates from guidelines and protocols to ensure proper outcomes of events.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• The ability to pass both an auditory (Audiogram) and vision test (Ishihara Color Vision and Vision Titmus near.far.color.perip) with or without reasonable accommodation and pass a drug screen prior to employment. 
• International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED): Advance Emergency Medical Dispatcher (Advanced EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) at time of hire or certifications completed within twelve (12) months of hire date.  

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.