Communications Officer/E-911 Dispatcher (FT/PT)

Otter Tail County is creating an eligibility list for full-time and part-time Communications Officer/E-911 Dispatcher position for current and future openings.

The purpose of this position is to perform emergency telecommunication tasks for Otter Tail County, such asemergency 911 calls and routine law enforcement calls from the general public, gather incident information, dispatch appropriate emergency safety personnel such as police, fire department, rescue and ambulance, prioritize calls based on urgency, and maintain phone contact with callers during critical and/or dangerous incidents.

• Answer emergency phone calls/911.
• Dispatching appropriate public safety resources.
• Answer non-emergency calls that require assistance from law enforcement, fire or medical personnel.
• Answer non-emergency calls that can be transferred directly to appropriate agencies.
• Track status of County deputies, police, fire, rescue and ambulance with attention to officer safety, availability and location.
• Collect accurate scene/suspect status information.
• Activating emergency notification systems.
• Provide a variety of support functions using a variety of office equipment to include warrants, background checks for criminal history and firearm permits, testing of emergency warning systems, enter/cancel missing persons, runaway juveniles, stolen vehicles, stolen articles, stolen guns, administrative messages, communication with other agencies from around the country.
• Monitor a variety of communications into and out of the Dispatch Center.
• Provide emergency dispatch medical information to callers in a crisis.
• Assist with implementing new aspects of the County’s law enforcement computer systems and recommend changes.
• Recommend policy and procedural changes.
• Testify in court proceedings.
• May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license

• Post-secondary education or technical training in emergency communications, police science, or related field
• One year work experience in emergency communications, police science or related field
• Three years responsible work experience in any field

The job posting will establish an eligibility list for current and future openings for full-time and part-time Communications Officer/E-911 Dispatcher positions.

Applicants must be able to work twelve (12) hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

The 2026 starting salary for the full-time position is $25.65 per hour, with career advancement to $38.51 per hour.

The selection process includes an online employment application and ECOMM video testing for qualified applicants. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Finalists will be required to pass a background investigation, psychological evaluation, and pre-employment drug test. A twelve (12) month probationary period applies.

Please note: This position is considered a safety-sensitive position due to the essential job duties in accordance with Minn. Stat.§181.950, Subd. 13. Safety-sensitive employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing. In addition, all employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post-accident.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees have access to the information submitted.

When filling out any employment application materials, you must include your entire employment and education history.

Veterans Preference

Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and any supporting documentation must be included with the employment application.

Background Investigation

All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include but are not limited to gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.

Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the application or background investigation process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment

Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.