Police Dispatcher-Lateral

Salary : $78,852.80 - $100,609.60 Annually
Location : 5900 NE Pinefarm Ct., Hillsboro, OR 97124, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-13
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 10/16/2026
Closing Date: 11/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

A Police or Fire Dispatcher operates complex communications equipment including the radio, multi-line telephone systems, and computer aided dispatch (CAD) to access, input and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service and to dispatch police or fire units. A Police or Fire Dispatcher will perform call taking functions and serve as a Police or Fire Dispatcher.

ARE YOU A POLICE DISPATCHER- LATERAL?

To be considered a Lateral Police Dispatcher, applicants must meet these qualifications:

• Have at least 3 years of continuous experience as an emergency communications dispatcher with a primary Public Safety Answering points (PSAP) within the last 3 years at the time of application.
• Possess a DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification through the State of Oregon or equivalent from another State.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Receive and rapidly triage emergency and non-emergency telephone calls utilizing complex telephone, mapping and computer aided dispatch (CAD) equipment
2. Ability to prioritize simultaneous phone calls, radio transmissions and other associated operational work in a dynamic environment.
3. Listen and comprehend phone calls and public safety field unit radio transmissions and accurately evaluate information to determine appropriate action(s) to be taken in a timely fashion.
4. Maintain highly accurate records of events, written logs and reports of actions taken that may be used in legal proceedings.
5. Ability to use a phone, computer and a radio simultaneously. Ability to effectively use and monitor multiple computer screens.
6. Rapidly enter, read, write and interpret information obtained via computer systems and verbal conversations.
7. Maintain and monitor status of public safety field units and assign requests for emergency and non-emergency services to the appropriate unit(s) utilizing a computer- aided dispatch terminal and complex radio system.
8. Maintain a positive customer service attitude with citizens, users, co-workers and management, often under pressure and time constraints.
9. Ability to work shifts that span a 24-hour period (i.e. day, swing and graveyard shifts) including weekends and holidays; must be able to work unscheduled and/or mandatory overtime, as required.
10. Must be reliable and dependable and report for work on a consistent and predicable basis.
11. Successfully complete a variety of required certifications, such as Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS), emergency medical dispatching, Oregon Basic Telecommunicator, etc.
12. This position is designated as Essential Personnel. Essential Personnel are expected to report to work on time during extreme weather conditions.

High school diploma or GED
Type 45 WPM, NET
Have at least 3 years of continuous experience as an emergency communications dispatcher with a primary Public Safety Answering points (PSAP) within the last 3 years at the time of application.
Possess a DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification through the State of Oregon or equivalent from another State.
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.
No disqualifying criminal history

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

• Must obtain within 18 months of hire and maintain:
  1. DPSST Basic Telecommunicator Certification.
  2. EMD Certification.
  3. CPR/First Aid/AED Certification.
  4. LEDS certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Skill in effectively communicating in English over the telephone with a variety of people of various educational, ethnic and social/cultural backgrounds; prioritize complex incidents based on a number of situational variables following established policy; quickly deciding on an appropriate course of action; write clearly, accurately, concisely and legibly; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
• Knowledgeable of or the ability to learn CAD functions and commands, communication radio systems, telephone operation, LEDS formats, common police fire and medical terms and operation of basic office machinery.
• Skill in typing complex alphanumeric data into a computer system with speed of at least 45 wpm and high accuracy; understanding radio transmissions; multitasking and retaining information over long periods of time.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply agency standard operating guidelines, administrative directives, and user agency protocols, some of which may change frequently; read and comprehend complex written material containing technical, legal and medical terminology; adjust to frequently changing workloads; adhere to the ethical and legal standards required to achieve and maintain Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification through the State of Oregon; participate in mandatory training.

The Selection process will consist of:

• Aptitude and Suitability assessments
• Phone and in person interviews
• Sit along with a dispatcher

Candidates receiving a conditional offer must pass:

• Thorough background investigation
• Medical examination and drug screen
• Pyschological evaluation

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take several months to complete.

This position is non-exempt and represented by a Collective Bargaining Association (CBA).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Sit at a desk or console for extended periods of time; occasionally walk, stand, or stoop; occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 10 pounds; use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity; work for sustained periods of time maintaining concentrated attention to detail; take information from callers who may be excited, abusive, use profanity, are incoherent, drunk or hysterical; must meet all physical standards as set forth by the State of Oregon to include visual acuity, hearing, speaking and basic physical health that provides the stamina to perform the duties of a Police or Fire Dispatcher for long periods of time.

Accommodations may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Supervision Received/Exercised
This position receives direction and supervision from the Operations Supervisor. This position does not supervise others.

It is important that your application include all the requested and required information, including complete work experience and education. A resume and/or cover letter is not a substitute for required information omitted on the application. When filling out the Work Experience section, please include 10 years of work experience. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Health Insurance
WCCCA offers a choice of two medical/vision plans (Regence/BlueCross or Kaiser Permanente) and a choice of three dental plans (Delta Dental, Kaiser Dental or Willamette Dental).

Flexible Spending Accounts
ASIFlex is the pre-tax plan administrator. Also called, Section 125 and 129, these programs allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for dependent care expenses, medical and dental services, and employee insurance premiums you would normally have to buy with after-tax dollars.

Retirement
PERS
As a public employer, WCCCA participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The Agency will provide the PERS retirement program to eligible employees as provided in Oregon law. The Agency's pickup of the employee contribution for newly eligible employees will begin on the first of the month following 6 months of employment. The Agency will pick up the employee contributions upon hire for employees that are already active PERS members.
Deferred Compensation
A Section 457 deferred compensation plan is available through Nationwide. This program is voluntary and contributions are at the employee's expense. Employee can contribute to the Deferred Compensation plan the first of the month following hire. WCCCA offers a match of employee contributions up to 1% of the employee's salary after a 6-month waiting period.
VEBA
WCCCA contributes $50.00 monthly into each benefit eligible employee's VEBA Trust Account. A VEBA account can be used to be reimbursed for medical expenses or for purchasing insurance during retirement.

Time Off
Vacation Accrual: Upon completion of 6 months of continuous employment, full-time employees shall be credited with earned vacation leave to date. Part time employees receive prorated vacation accruals. Thereafter, vacation accruals are credited upon completion of each pay period. Vacation will be credited at the following rates:
Years of Service / Vacation Hrs Per Month
up to 5 years / 8 hours
5 to 10 years / 10 hours
10 to 15 years / 12 hours
15 to 20 years / 14 hours
20 + years / 16 hours

Holiday Accrual: Full-time employees accrue holiday leave at the rate of eight (8) hours per month. Part time employees receive prorated holiday accruals.

Sick Accrual: Full-time employees accrue sick leave at the rate of eight (8) hours per month. Part time employee recevie prorated sick accruals.

Other Insurance/Benefits

• Life/AD&D Insurance through Cigna
• Long Term Disability Insurance through Cigna
• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Trauma Coverage
• Identity Theft

Part time employee receive pro-rated benefits.
01

This is a lateral recruitment, which means it is a recruitment for candidates who already have experience in this profession. The minimum requirements for this hiring process are: High school diploma or GED, have at least 3 years of continuous experience as an emergency communications dispatcher with a primary Public Safety Answering points (PSAP) within the last 3 years at the time of application and possess a DPSST Basic Telecommunicator certification through the State of Oregon or equivalent from another State. Do you meet the lateral minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

We are a continuous, 24-hour a day, 365 days-a-year operation. As an employee, you may be required to work any shifts including weekends and holidays (this includes major holidays such as July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and/or New Year's Day). Are you available to work weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you available to work ALL shifts (to include day, swing, and graveyard)?

• Yes
• No

05

Please include the type of public safety dispatching you have done:

• Police Only
• Fire Only
• Fire and Police
• Other
• None

06

Please indicate any of the current certifications you possess:

• CPR
• First Aid
• EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch)
• LEDS (Law Enforcement Data Systems)
• Telecommunicator Certification from another State
• State of Oregon Basic Telecommunicator Certification
• No Certifications

Required Question