Communications Dispatcher in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) is a full-service police agency dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment that supports Harvards mission of teaching, research, and learning. Serving a diverse community of more than 22,000 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and over 700 buildings across an open and accessible campus, HUPD provides professional policing grounded in partnership, respect, and constitutional values. With a Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and Dignitary Protection Unit, HUPD delivers comprehensive law enforcement and public safety services, responding to a wide variety of incidents, conducting investigations, supporting crime prevention initiatives, and assisting community members with services ranging from safety escorts to wellness checks. Joining HUPD means contributing to a mission-driven department that honors free expression, diversity, and individual rights while working collaboratively to protect life, safeguard property, and reduce fear of crime within the Harvard community.

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Please note: Shift hours are primarily 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM and serving a floater (filling in on the 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM shifts) four days on, two days off rotation.

Under general supervision, the Dispatcher will be assigned to the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD). The HUPD is responsible for maintaining a public safety environment that supports the mission of Harvard University. The dispatcher will be responsible for communications between police units through various occurrences. Dispatchers will undergo extensive training on all aspects of HUPDs Communications Center. The HUPDs Communications Center is a 24/7 operation, and mandatory overtime may apply.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

(Include, but are not limited to, the following)

• Receiving, transmitting, and disseminating information, both routine and emergency in nature, received from calls for service.
• Work alongside the police units in the field, utilizing various telecommunications equipment, including, but not limited to, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), a Motorola Radio system, and various alarm monitoring systems.
• Receive and respond to requests from police units for information needed to perform their duties.
• Querying various law enforcement databases (e.g., vehicle registrations, Board of Probation records, and warrants) and other related duties.
• Monitor emails from the community to the department and disseminate that information immediately to the appropriate personnel.
• Monitoring and responding to emails from supervisors and other department personnel.
• Keeping up to date on local, domestic, and international news to better serve the community.
• Attend Roll Call (zoom or in person) while on duty when applicable.

Working Conditions:

• Shift hours are primarily 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM and serving a floater (filling in on the 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM shifts) four days on, two days off rotation.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to bend and stretch and move between workstations.
• Ability to work in a climate-controlled environment.
• May be required to work from a vehicle (Mobile Command Center) at times.
• Strong sight and hearing abilities are needed to operate computer systems, telephones, and radios and to deal effectively with diverse emergencies.
• This is an essential personnel position that requires working in various situations, including holidays, weekends, day/evening/night shifts, overtime, inclement weather, and in a state of emergency.
• Requires frequent phone interactions with the ability to triage calls based on the calls for service.
• Ability to deal with frequent interruptions and periods of concentrated attention.
• Required to wear a uniform while on duty.
• Required to work in close proximity to other people.
• May be required to work mandatory overtime in addition to your regular schedule.
• Ability to deal with stressful situations.
• Ability to work well under intense pressure.
• May need to move to an alternate working location.
• Working remotely is not an option for this position.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of three (3) years full-time, or equivalent part-time, paid experience in a customer service position. (Primary responsibility is triaging incoming calls and recording information for reporting purposes.)
• Experience with Microsoft Windows is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) certified

Additional Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a Dispatcher for a public safety agency, ambulance company, taxicab service, or delivery service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to type 40 words per minute
• Apply police protocol, which includes, but is not limited to, utilizing sound judgment skills, maintaining a calm demeanor under duress, being able to multitask, and sitting for extended periods.
• Knowledge of the Cities of Cambridge and Bostons main streets and intersections.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on the details required of the job.
• Bilingual is a plus.
• As an essential personnel member, must have the ability to work onsite in Cambridge/Boston during scheduled shifts; remote work is not available
• Flexibility to work overtime, special events, and emergencies on short notice.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Appointment End Date:
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable
• Other Information:

  A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AND FINGERPRINTING WILL BE CONDUCTED ON ALL APPLICANTS.

  Harvard University cannot provide Visa sponsorship for this position.

  If you believe you need reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job or to submit an application, please contact us at 617-495-2772. This is a dedicated line to assist job seekers with a disability requiring assistance in applying online

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.