Dispatcher, Public Safety

Job Summary

The Public Safety Dispatcher serves as the primary communications link between the Department of Public Safety (DPS), university personnel, and emergency and non-emergency service providers. This position receives and manages requests for service through radio, telephone, the police department lobby, and other electronic communication systems for all ETSU-owned and operated properties. Dispatchers evaluate calls, coordinate the appropriate response in accordance with university policies and procedures, and maintain accurate records within the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

In addition to dispatching services, the Public Safety Dispatcher monitors and activates the university's mass notification system during severe weather and emergency events. The position is responsible for tracking the status and location of DPS personnel during assigned shifts and special operations. During university non-operating hours, the Dispatcher serves as the primary DPS communications representative for the university community.

This position requires the flexibility to work any assigned shift, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and additional hours as needed to meet operational and staffing requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the geographic area of campus.
• Ability to follow the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pertaining to transmitting and receiving messages by shortwave.
• Ability to operate shortwave radio and receiving equipment.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and determine the proper course of action.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to speak clearly with a well-modulated voice and maintain a professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Computer literacy required.
• Successful completion of the National Communications Institute Basic Communications Officers Course.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) certification for National Crime Information Center (NCIC) query access.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a United States citizen, as required by Tennessee law.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• If previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces, must have an honorable or medical discharge.
• Must pass a physical examination and mental evaluation in accordance with the TCA 7-86-201

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Public Safety Communications Officer 1
• Market Range - 3 Salary Schedules 
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions and additional details

• Non-exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.