In Sarpy County, 911 dispatcher operators receive and process incoming calls for police, fire and EMS assistance. These professionals are responsible for receiving, prioritizing and dispatch personnel for emergency services. Dispatch operators in Sarpy County, Nebraska enter, update, and retrieve crucial information from a variety of computer systems.
There are a handful of key steps in the process to becoming a 911 dispatcher in Sarpy County, Nebraska. These steps typically include:
 | Meet Educational Requirements and Job Qualifications |
 | Obtain Proper Certificates, Licenses and Registrations |
 | Apply for a Position in Sarpy County |
 | On-the-Job Training and Skills Development |
Dispatcher jobs in Sarpy County require the monitoring of numerous complex public safety radio groups. With the support they provide through their accurate monitoring and coordination services, the emergency team in Sarpy County is able to run smoothly. Dispatchers in training will also be required to acquire the skills it takes to operate a variety of communication equipment.
There are a number of knowledge and skill requirements that accompany a 911 dispatcher position with the Sarpy County emergency response team.
- All applicants are required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Any form of higher education or job related experiences is greatly preferred and desirable.
- Applicants need to possess a working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing systems.
- Strong keyboarding skills are an essential requirement.
- Every applicant has to maintain the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- The ability to speak and comprehend the English language fluently is a necessity for these positions.
- All applicants must be capable of handling intensely stressful situations that may arise on the job as well as the ability to maintain composure and professionalism at all times.
Step 1. Meet Educational Requirements and Job Qualifications
In Sarpy County, Nebraska, an applicant must be able to perform each essential duty with satisfactory results in order to be successful in the position. There are some skills and abilities necessary that require basic knowledge and understanding of the position. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable those who may have disabilities to perform the most essential functions.
Education and Experience
In order to be considered as an applicant for a 911 Dispatch Operator position in Sarpy County, NE there are certain requirements that you must have.
- High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
- Higher Education experience is desired, but not necessary
- Knowledge of working with computers and electronic data processing
- Strong typing skills
- Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
- Ability to speak and comprehend English
- Be able to handle stressful environments and situations
- The ability to maintain your composure at all times.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing systems is essential for all potential applicants. You also are required to maintain a working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Strong keyboarding skills are a prerequisite along with the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public. Any and all applicants are required to have the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. It is imperative to be able to maintain your composure in high stress environments. Maintaining composure during these times will help you to provide a professional attitude at all times.
Special Requirements
Other special requirements include a willingness and/or ability to work rotating shifts that can include nights, holidays and weekends. There are irregular duty assignments as well that will require employees to wear their uniforms, conform to department grooming standards, successfully pass a background screening. The attendance of education sessions is often required as well.
Step 2. Obtain Proper Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
The Sarpy County emergency response team requires that all employees are able to obtain and keep up with proficiency in certifications such as CPR, NCIC, EMD, and NCIS operations. In addition all employees are required to complete a total of 1080 hours in the Sarpy County Evaluation Program in addition to the Communications training portion. These programs must be completed with satisfactory scores.
Tools and Equipment Used
These specific training requirements that are achieved through certification, licensure, and registration are crucial to the demands of the job’s equipment. Applicants are required to have a working knowledge of the communications switchboard, including computer aided systems. It is essential that employees are well versed in use of personal computers including word processing software. Basic knowledge of copy machine, fax machine, radio and teletype equipment operation is also necessary.
Step 3. Apply for a Position in Sarpy County
A formal application is required for these positions. In order to be hired or considered for hire, the department must first rate an applicant’s education and experience. Oral interviews and reference checks are common procedure and conducted with all eligible applicants. Job related tests may also be required given specific circumstances.
The duties that are listed for all potential employees are intended only as illustrations of the variety in manners of work that will be expected to be successfully performed and completed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This particular job description does not constitute any type of an employment agreement between the employer and employee and can be subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change and evolve.
Step 4. On-the-Job Training and Skills Development
When you are hired for the position of a 911 Dispatch Operator, you will undergo on the job training. Extensive training on the equipment used by emergency services is necessary so that it becomes second nature. Training can include classroom instruction as well as hands on training periods. For classroom instruction you can expect to learn about key job topics such as:
- Map reading (local streets and geography)
- Use of the radio
- Operation of computer aided dispatch software.
Being a 911 Dispatch operator places you in a high stress environment where you must act and make decisions quickly. Therefore during periods of hands on training you can expect to receive instruction on how to handle situations like the following:
- Child abductions
- Suicide threats
- Medical Emergencies
Some 911 dispatch operators undergo further more advanced training that qualifies them to provide medical advice over the phone as an emergency medical dispatcher. During on the job training you can expect to be under close supervision to see how you react in a wide variety of situations.