Police/Law Enforcement dispatchers receive all calls for police, sheriff and fire (including emergency medical response) services in Whatcom County. Fire and emergency related calls are forwarded to the Fire Dispatch Center for response. Dispatchers determine the nature and urgency of calls and dispatch safety personnel and equipment to the emergency scene. Dispatchers enter information from the caller and responding units into a computer aided dispatch software program and continually update the status of personnel responding to the incident. All dispatcher positions require the ability to handle extremely stressful situations calmly and work with callers who are experiencing a crisis. Excellent communications skills and the ability to perform complex tasks simultaneously are essential to being a successful dispatcher. Both dispatching centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals hired to work in Police dispatching are required to work any assigned shift as well as special shifts. Shifts in Police dispatching include day, swing and graveyard and change every eight weeks. Union membership, regardless of assignment, is required within 30 days of hire.
The City of Bellingham offers a competitive salary and excellent benefit package to include medical, dental, vision and life insurance. The City also offers excellent vacation, holiday, and sick leave benefits. This position will participate in the State of Washington Employees’ Retirement System plan.
