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Open: April 14, 2026 — Closes: May 4, 2026
Summary
This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (FUL). See below under Additional Information for further eligibility guidance. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work from approximately April - November, and you will be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year.
Major Duties
Coordinate initial emergency response, evaluating incidents, soliciting all necessary information, and applying judgement according to interagency guides, protocols and pre-plans. Receive and evaluate emergency calls, soliciting information to initiate an appropriate response of emergency services personnel, acquiring critical information (law enforcement, fire, medical search and rescue, etc.) from the public and other public safety agencies. Use a variety of specialized computer programs such as National Criminal Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) in the performance of dispatch duties. Dependent on location, the center may dispatch for multi-jurisdictional all-risk incidents (law enforcement, wildland fire, structural fire, aviation, intelligence, medical, search and rescue, and other emergency services) and collaborate with federal, state, county, and local agencies. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. At the GS-7 and GS-8 grade levels, employees will serve as the senior dispatcher on staff, providing orientation, training, and leadership for lower graded or new dispatchers under the direction of the Lead Dispatcher and Dispatch Center Managers. At this level Dispatchers are expected to be able to troubleshoot issues and contribute to more efficient operations by reviewing and making recommendations for improvement of operating procedures. Physical Demands: The incumbent must function efficiently in a confined space for extended periods of time with no breaks and no opportunity to leave the confines of the dispatch center. Public Safety Dispatchers are considered "essential employees," meaning they are required to work most holidays, report for duty during adverse weather conditions, and work long hours exceeding normally scheduled shifts in case of emergencies. The nature of the work is primarily sedentary, performing office tasks and occasionally bending and lifting during the movement of records and materials. The incumbent is subject to rotating shift work and uncommon tours of duty. Work requires the use of voice in vocal communications for periods of hours at a time. Voice must be clear, audible, and tone effective with words plainly spoken and understandable. Incumbent must be able to hear clearly and discern a variety of audible communications and signals simultaneously. The work is of an emergency nature, and is often emotionally stressful. Incumbent must possess manual dexterity sufficient to operate computer terminals/keyboards and related equipment and to maintain written and electronic logs. Working Conditions: Work is normally performed in a specialized office setting, which is well-lighted and temperature controlled. The setting is confined and secure, with controlled entry and egress. Radios are continuously monitored and telephones constantly ring, resulting in periods of excessive and constant noise. Incumbent must be able to concentrate on work projects amidst noise, interruptions, and the movements of others. The incumbent will occasionally be assigned to accompany field personnel in patrol vehicles for area and function familiarization. When performing duties of Public Safety Dispatcher, the incumbent may not leave the dispatch center unless relieved by another qualified Public Safety Dispatcher.
