Vermont 911 dispatchers provide their life-saving services on a daily basis throughout the state. Because of the high level of responsibility and skill that goes into such jobs, those learning about how to become 911 operators in Vermont should expect to meet education and training requirements. Employment projections point to continued growth for 911 dispatcher jobs in Vermont, with the highest concentration of expansion located in the Burlington-South Burlington area, followed by the northern portion of the state.
Last year there were 280 dispatchers working state wide, earning an average salary of $38,880.
Some of the major employers in Vermont include:
- Burlington’s Emergency Communications Center
- South Burlington’s Emergency Communications Center
- Essex Police Department’s Dispatching and Emergency Services
- Vermont State Police Dispatch Centers located in:
- Williston
- Derby
- Rutland
- Rockingham
911 Dispatcher Training and Education
A major part of becoming a 911 dispatcher in Vermont includes training and education. Each agency will have its own specific requirements, but all involve an extensive 911 operator training process. Job candidates who already have related education and experience will find this can benefit them during the application and interview process.
Relevant certification courses available to Vermont residents both online and throughout the state include:
- CPR
- Computer-Aided Dispatching
- Emergency Medical Dispatch
Because 911 dispatcher job descriptions in Vermont specify an emphasis on communication with the public in emergency situations, having a degree in any of the following subjects will work towards improving both a candidate’s credentials and prospects for future career development:
- Nursing
- Communications
- Public Safety
- Emergency Management
- Psychology
Working as a 911 Dispatcher in Vermont
In addition to working with municipal and county emergency service agencies, experienced dispatchers may apply for placement with the State Police’s Critical Incident Dispatch Team. This is a mobile 911 dispatch team that works out of a dispatch center on wheels, and can be located to the scene of a disaster or major planned occurrences such as sporting events or parades.
Keeping up with the latest technological developments is important for Vermont 911 dispatchers, and that is why the Williston Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) recently conducted a trial program that saw cooperation between cellphone carriers and emergency dispatchers to test a 911-texting sms service. State officials were encouraged by the results of the trial, which is credited with saving the lives of two residents who used the service to alert emergency authorities with a text message. Another life-saving event recently occurred in Williston, this time involving a traditional 911 phone call.
Thanks 911 dispatcher training, an employee answering emergency calls at the Williston PSAP was able to talk a calling mother through the process of CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on her infant son who had suddenly stopped breathing. 911 dispatchers can and do make a life-saving difference by providing professional help when emergencies strike.