The city of Montgomery, Alabama employees 911 Dispatch operators, more commonly referred to as Emergency Communications Operators. Emergency communications operators are employed with the city, and work to provide callers with emergency services in an efficient manner. These emergency services departments include fire, police, and emergency medical assistance.
Due to the nature of the job, there are certain requirements and steps that must be met in order to be considered for 911 dispatcher jobs. These steps include:
 | Meet Education and Job Skill Qualifications |
 | Apply for a Position in Montgomery |
 | On-the-Job Training and Skills Development |
 | Seek Additional Certification |
In recent years, the city of Montgomery has seen a drastic decrease in their overall, average crime rates. This is in part because of the efficiency and diligence of their emergency communication operators. The most common crimes committed in Montgomery, Alabama include:
- Thefts
- Auto thefts
- Assaults
- Robberies
Step 1. Meet Education and Job Skill Qualifications
In order to apply for 911 dispatcher jobs in Montgomery you must have certain minimum qualifications. These qualifications include:
- High school diploma or GED Equivalent
- 6 months of receiving and transmitting any telephone, radio and alarm system calls.
- Completion of a typing or data entry course or at least 6 months experience
In addition to the minimum requirements that must be met, there are a couple special requirements that the city of Montgomery, AL requires all applicants to meet. These requirements include:
- Flexible availability to work on all shifts, holidays and weekends, as well as overtime if needed.
- Applicants must submit to a thorough background check before employment.
Step 2. Apply for a Position in Montgomery
If you are interested in applying for the position of an emergency communications operator in Montgomery you will first want to check the city’s website to review all current open positions. When you have found an available position you can then submit your job application online via their website. If you are unfamiliar with submitting an online application you can always call the city’s human resources team at (334)241-4400. Their office is located at 103 North Perry Street, for personal inquiries.
To become a full time emergency communications operator, or an emergency communications operator II, all applicants must first apply for the Emergency communications operator I position.
Step 3. On-the-Job Training and Skills Development
In order to become a full emergency communications operator II, there is a necessary training period that consists of classroom and hands on training. During this training period you will learn to develop new skills related to the job, and enhance skills needed to work efficiently and effectively. The training portion of the job includes:
- Reading, analyzing, and memorizing materials that are contained in your operation manual, general orders, training bulletins, and special orders.
- Receiving and memorizing oral instructions on the methods of performing tasks related to the job.
- Attending specialized classes to get certified and learn all appropriate tasks for the emergency communications field.
- Responding to verbal and written questions that were designed to help test and evaluate all acquired knowledge and skills.
As training progresses you will gain practical on the job experience, and have the ability to demonstrate your new knowledge and skills through hands on training. During these periods of hands on training, not only are you demonstrating your newly acquired skills, but you will be learning and enhancing additional skills such as:
- Using radio and tele-communication equipment
- The operation of a computer terminal and all peripheral equipment that is needed to enter and access important data or text
- Ability to learn the geography of Montgomery, Alabama and surrounding areas
- Memorizing and recognizing radio codes
- Memorizing and repeating back NCIC procedures, methods for entering data, all codes, the modification, updating and cancellation processes
- Interpersonal skills and ability to elicit information from distressed or excited callers
- The ability to provide valuable, and concise information to emergency services in a timely manner
- Ability to respond to many, sometimes simultaneous communication signals, and learning to respond quickly
- Focusing on the task at hand in a noisy, and busy environment
- Ability to memorize phone numbers, and names of callers quickly in case of an emergency
- Accurately recognize and remember a series of numbers like zip codes, and telephone numbers
- The ability to recognize any discrepancies, or errors in the data entry of records, and log entries
Step 4: Seek Additional Certification and Career Advancement
Once you have completed the initial training and probationary period as an emergency communications operator II for a period of 3 years you may apply for the position of emergency communications supervisor. This position consists of supervisory and administrative work. You will be required to help oversee all activities of the communications center of dispatchers. As an emergency communications supervisor I you will report directly to the emergency communications supervisor II.
In the city of Montgomery you have the ability to review all certifications and job positions available at the city’s official website. In addition to all of the above you will be required to oversee and perform any necessary 911 emergency dispatch procedures in the communication center using the CAD software, detection systems, computers, maps, telephones, hand held radios, NCIC computers and CD drives.