Job Description
Full job description
Basic Function
The current vacancy is in the Emergency Communications Center department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
The role of the 911 Telecommunicator is to answer emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, the interdepartmental calls from police, fire and ambulance services, and calls from other public safety agencies. Monitor four to six computer screens, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information. Provide callers with the appropriate advice or referral, or initiate police, fire, and/or emergency medical (EMS) services to the caller. Perform data channel duties when scheduled. Operate Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), 800 MHz radio, multiple sophisticated communications equipment systems, and perform related duties as assigned.
If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
Examples of Work Performed
- Operate multi-line 9-1-1 emergency phone system; respond to emergency and non-emergency calls by either handling directly or transferring to appropriate agencies. Operate TDD/TTY.
- Condense large amounts of information into readable, sensible typed remarks in a timely manner and use appropriate acronyms and codes essential to appropriate call processing.
- Maintain familiarity with the standard operating procedures and appropriate manuals that provide thorough knowledge of Emergency Communications Center operations and procedures.
- Access and operate multiple federal, state and local data base systems to query, enter, modify, clear and cancel information as requested.
- Compose and/or send various teletypes or comprehend and process correctly those received.
- Provide excellent customer service to community members and law enforcement requests for information.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the geography of all agencies served including the location of streets, important structures and landmarks. Ability to use a computerized map.
- Prioritize and effectively relay requests by radio, phone, electronic format or fax from law enforcement personnel, or other public safety agencies. Contact outside public service divisions as requested and relay response information as required.
- Provide on-going timely updates within CAD for law or fire dispatcher or responding field personnel as you receive information. Keep supervisor advised of operational needs.
- Testify in court when required.
- Deal with sensitive information in a discreet and professional manner by maintaining confidentiality.
- Must be reliable and dependable and report for work on a consistent and predictable basis.
- May train new employees and provide coaching and complete daily observation reports.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Minimum Qualifications
Education: High school graduation or equivalent.
Experience: Two years of customer service experience; or one year of experience where providing service for police, fire and EMS services was the primary responsibility.
Substitution: Associate and/or bachelor’s degree may substitute for the two years of work experience.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Preferred Experience: Work experience preferably in a telephone/call center environment and the ability to speak and understand a language other than English for effective communication with callers. Preferred language(s) will be specified on the job announcement.
Finger printing: The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI require the Emergency Communication Center (ECC) to submit fingerprint cards of new employees and to keep them on file for every employee that has access to their databases.
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA):
Certification by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for authorized access to the Portals/MNJIS (Minnesota Justice Information System) computer system required after hire and the ability to maintain this certification every two (2) years.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
- Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for 9-1-1 Telecommunicator will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 45 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.
The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of
75% or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consider.
Veteran's Preference : This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks : All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
Fingerprinting: The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI require the Emergency Communication Center (ECC) to submit fingerprint cards of new employees and to keep them on file for every employee that has access to their databases.
E-Verify Participation : Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer : Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
. You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Megan.Simmons@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
- Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
- MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
- VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
- Pre-tax Benefit Program
- Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
- Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
- Paid time off
- Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- 11 scheduled holidays and one floating holiday
- Up to three weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
- Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
- Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
- Retirement benefits
- Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
- New employees become vested after five years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
- Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
- Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
- Transit and parking
- Fully funded Metropass.
- Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
- Employee well-being
- Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
- Wellness programming
- Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
- Life Insurance and Disability leave
- County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
- Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
- Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
- Career development
- Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
- Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
- County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
For information about Ramsey County's 2024 benefits, visit:
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Local area, Flexible hours,