Keene - Dispatcher

Are you calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and passionate about public safety?  Join the City of Keene’s Police Department as a Police Dispatcher and become a vital link between the community and emergency responders.  Dispatchers play a critical role in ensuring fast, accurate communication that protects lives, property, and public safety—24 hours a day.

About the Role

Police Dispatchers provide specialized clerical and communications support within the Dispatch Center.  This position requires strong multitasking skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain composed in high-stress situations.  Dispatchers receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls, coordinate responses with police, fire, and other emergency services, and maintain accurate records of all activities.

This position involves shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and reports to the officer in charge of the shift under the supervision of the Special Services Lieutenant.

Key Responsibilities

·         Receive, prioritize, and document emergency and non-emergency calls from the public

·         Dispatch police, fire, and other emergency services as needed

·         Transmit and receive radio communications with officers and other agencies

·         Maintain accurate logs, reports, and records of all Dispatch Center activities

·         Monitor active units and ensure adequate backup and mutual aid coverage

·         Provide directions and information to the public, agencies, and field personnel

·         Operate communications and data systems, including telephone, radio, SPOTS, and other data processing equipment

·         Keep shift commanders informed of ongoing incidents and activities

·         Maintain security of the Dispatch Center and report or address unsafe conditions

·         Communicate professionally and effectively with diverse populations, including juveniles

·         Perform additional public safety duties as assigned

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements:

·         High school diploma or GED, plus 1-3 years of office/and or dispatching experience. 

·         Preference will be given to trained, certified dispatchers or those with prior Police Dispatch experience.

·         Ability to multitask, prioritize, and make sound decisions under pressure.

·         Ability to read and decipher complex written, oral, and graphic data in a short period of time to lead to resolution of situations. 

·         Ability to work required shift, holiday, and weekend assignments.

·         Strong verbal and written communication skills.

·         Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, security, and departmental standards.

·         Emotional resilience and professionalism in stressful or confrontational situations.

·         Knowledge of local streets, landmarks, businesses, and community resources (or ability to learn quickly).

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $23.11- $28.80 per hour.  This position will also receive an attractive benefits package which includes low deductible/low-cost health insurance, low-cost dental insurance, and other benefits such as life, disability, defined benefit retirement, paid time off including vacation days, personal days, and sick days and more!

THE CITY OF KEENE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.