Job Information
City of Richland 911 Dispatcher / Emergency Call Center in Richland, Washington
Applications received prior to September 30 will be processed with a target training academy start date of mid-January 2025. Applications received after this date will be processed with a target training academy start date of at least 8 weeks after the January training academy.
Starting pay for this position is $28.50 per hour and is set by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
To learn more about the recruitment process, benefits, and for preparation tips, visit our website here.{target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"}
Please review the Hiring Standards{target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"} brochure for further details on hiring standards, to include temporary or permanent disqualifiers.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
As part of the public safety team, the successful candidate will contribute to the safety and welfare of fellow emergency responders and the citizens of both Benton and Franklin counties.
Please consider the information below when determining if this is a career for you. 911 Dispatchers support law enforcement and go through a similar background process. Our recruitment process typically takes about 4 months from the date of application to a start date.
The first 6 months of training require significant internal resources and vacations and time off are not guaranteed during this time. Employees are expected to be available and willing to work 12 hour rotating shifts (there is not an option to remain on one shift or the other) which includes day shift, night shift, and mandatory weekends and holidays. During training, an effort will be made to expose the trainee to both day and night shifts.
Watch video message from Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg about the exciting and rewarding career of being an Emergency Communications Dispatcher: https://vimeo.com/624819849/5dee407401{rel="nofollow"}.
To hear from current 911 Dispatchers, watch this 911 Dispatcher testimonial prepared by Washington State here.{target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"}
Important qualities required:
- Ability to multitask.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent hearing.
- Decision-making skills.
- Empathy -- strong desire to help others.
- Listening skills.
- Organizational skills.
- Typing skills.
- Good knowledge of English language.
- Stress tolerance.
- Self-control.
- Dependability.
- Integrity.
- Adaptability. Must be able to work varied hours and rotating schedules.
Positive aspects of the job:
- Good benefits.
- Competitive wages.
- Secure future.
- Work in a team environment with close working relationships.
- Very rewarding work.
- Satisfaction in knowing you made a difference.
- Become a hero in your community.
Fixed facts of the job (some would consider these the challenges of the job):
Training is lengthy and intensive -- usually eight months.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Required to work different shifts in a 24-7, 365-day work environment.
Limited flexibility in schedule.
Likelihood of working many holidays -- possibly delaying personal events.
Schedule may conflict with personal functions and events.
Required to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime.
Must have working phone a