PRN Public Safety Dispatcher in Leadville, Colorado at Lake County Government

Job Title: E911 Public Safety Dispatcher
Department: Emergency Communications Center
Reports To: E911 Communications Supervisor
Classification: PRN / As Needed
Compensation Range: $50,696.60 - $60,780.70 annually
Benefits: Details can be found at Employee Benefits | Lake County, CO
**Open until filled**

Why join our team?
Join a workplace where public service meets opportunity. At Lake County Government, employees are empowered to grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact every day. We offer a supportive environment that values innovation and connection, with reliable compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to helping you succeed both professionally and personally.

Cultural Expectations

• Assume Good Intent: Approach each interaction with positive mindset and openness to understand others.
• Model Professional: Maintain high standards in behavior and communication that reflects our values.
• Apply County Wide Lens: Consider the broader impact of decisions on our community and organization as a whole.
• Be Solutions-Oriented: Focus on finding constructive solutions rather than dwelling on problems or challenges.
• Practice Servant Leadership: Prioritize the needs of others, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Support Meaningful Work-Life Balance: Encourage boundaries that support personal well-being while achieving professional responsibilities.

Position Summary
The Lake County Emergency Communications Center is seeking experienced PRN Public Safety Dispatchers to assist with staffing coverage as needed. This position is ideal for current dispatchers or individuals with previous 911/public safety dispatch experience who can support operations with minimal training. Under the general supervision of the Communications Supervisor and direction of the Lake County E911 Authority Board, the dispatcher provides essential emergency and non-emergency communications support to the public, law enforcement, fire services, EMS, and various partner agencies.

Dispatchers must use sound judgment, critical decision-making skills, and adhere to all directives, policies, procedures, and legal requirements. This role requires the ability to remain calm and effective under intense pressure, communicate clearly with distressed or emotional callers, and anticipate the needs of first responders. Dispatchers may work independently in the communications center and must be able to function within a structured chain of command.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primary Functions

• Answer, process, and prioritize 911 emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate law, fire, medical, or rescue response.
• Perform CCIC/NCIC queries and relay information to authorized personnel.
• Monitor courthouse video surveillance and notify appropriate units of security concerns.
• Respond to administrative and non-emergency calls, providing information or referral as appropriate.
• Enter, confirm, modify, and clear warrants as directed by law enforcement, courts, or judicial offices.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation within CAD and communication systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Hazard Notice
This position involves exposure to:

• High-stress and fast-paced situations
• Traumatic or emotionally disturbing calls
• Extended periods using headsets and computer systems
• A 24/7 operational environment including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency activations

Dispatchers must maintain professionalism, composure, and decision-making accuracy under pressure.Minimum Qualifications

• Current or previous experience as a public safety dispatcher required
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain/maintain CCIC/NCIC and EMD certification
• Strong communication and multitasking skills

Physical Activity & Work EnvironmentThis position requires:

• Prolonged sitting, computer use, and headset operation
• Operation of standard office and dispatch equipment
• Exposure to emotionally charged interactions with the public
• Work in a high-volume, high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, or climbing

Work Environment

• 24/7 emergency communications center
• Variable shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
• High-paced environment requiring calm decision-making under pressure

Applicant Notice
Lake County Government posts all official employment opportunities on its careers page linked here. Positions may also appear on external job boards such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter through our applicant tracking system.

Please be aware that unauthorized third parties may repost or imitate job listings. The most accurate and up-to-date information will always be available on our official website. Applicants are recommended to apply directly through our career page and should not provide personal information outside of the official application process.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.