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Public Safety Dispatcher
Description of Duties
This is a highly responsible and moderately difficult position involving operating radio, telephone and related equipment for the efficient relay of information and dispatch of personnel and equipment used in the protection of life and property. Employees receive extensive on the job training and must exercise precise judgment, alertness and responsiveness in emergency situations. In some jurisdictions the employee may be required to clean work areas and emergency equipment and perform routine maintenance chores. The employee reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of a senior-level employee or ranking uniformed officer and is given leeway to exercise independent judgment in emergency situations. Public Safety Dispatching is a 24 hour activity, requiring dispatchers to work flexible schedules.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements on or before the date of the written exam:
Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, plus EITHER:
- One (1) year paid full-time or its part-time equivalent*** experience in two-way radio dispatching or two‑way radio communications; OR,
- Eighteen (18) months as a volunteer* for an emergency services organization** with a minimum of one-hundred (100) hours of emergency services dispatching experience; OR,
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associates degree in Fire Science, Police Science or Criminal Justice; OR,
- An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B), and (C) above.
* Volunteer experience must be documented by the participating agency. Employment dates, average number of hours worked per week, and job duties must be included.
**Emergency services organization to include but not be limited to volunteer firefighting, ambulance, or police auxiliary organizations.
NOTE: Where the minimum education requirement is not met, additional dispatching experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis.
Anticipated Eligibility – Age and Educational Requirements:
According to Civil Service Law, section 54 which became effective September 4, 2024, applicants who are within 12 months of meeting the minimum age or attaining the minimum educational requirements following the date of examination, may take the civil service exam, but will be restricted from certification until such a time that the minimum age or educational requirements are met. Candidates will be required to provide proof of qualifying education and/or age within 12 months of exam date in order to be eligible for appointment from a certified list.
