911 Dispatch (Lateral) or Dispatch Trainee Pool
Colorado State University
- Agency: Colorado State University
- Location: Fort Collins, CO
- Salary: $59,460 - $59,472
- Type: full-time
- Work arrangement: onsite
- Posted: 2026-09-03
- Apply by: 2026-09-18
Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary
The Colorado State University Police Department is a full-service law enforcement organization. We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to maintain a safe environment which supports the academic mission of the University, and the health and wellness of the community. To learn more about CSUPD please visit:
https://police.colostate.edu/join-our-team/
.
CSU is seeking candidates for the 911 Dispatcher and Dispatch Trainee pool. As the central communications hub for the police department, this team serves as the primary point of contact for emergency response, resource deployment, and community assistance.
In this role, personnel evaluate incoming emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch appropriate police, fire, and medical units, and deliver life-saving pre-arrival instructions. Additionally, team members monitor multi-channel radio traffic, record officer activities in CAD systems, and research state and national databases to support ongoing investigations.
Role Level Overview
911 Dispatcher (Police Communication Technician):
Performs full-performance dispatch duties independently, utilizing critical judgment, deep policy expertise, and rapid decision-making to handle time-sensitive and high-stress situations.
911 Dispatch Trainee (State Service Trainee):
An entry-level training role. Under close supervision and extensive training, trainees learn to master high-volume multi-tasking, multi-system data entry, and emergency protocols. Trainees transition to full dispatcher duties and are eligible for promotion upon successful completion of the training program.
Job Duties
The 911 Dispatcher independently performs the full duties of the role, while the Dispatch Trainee completes required training to prepare for the following responsibilities.
Emergency and Non-emergency Phone Call Responder: Respond to public safety issues by receiving emergency and non-emergency phone calls on multi-line phones, gathering information which then is analyzed and classified by priority, disseminating information, making referrals to appropriate personnel or departments, or determining a level of response of emergency services including police, fire, ambulance or non-emergency services including but limited to facilities services or parking services. Documents information received, explains police procedures and gives instructions to caller including medical instruction in life threatening situations.
Dispatch Documentation: Logs and documents information received regarding emergency and non-emergency calls in a Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) system. Uses information in the same system to determine recommendation for resource deployment. Registers response time, police officer activity and status. Accesses information entered by other employees or to ascertain needs of other Emergency Service Agencies under mutual aid agreements.
Radio Monitor and Dispatch: Exchanges information with department personnel, specifically patrol officers, and other agencies via multichannel radio console. Expedites deployment of police, fire, and EMS to emergency situations and dispatches appropriate personnel to non-emergent police incidents. Clarifies or condenses information to be disseminated over the radio as needed. Monitors radio traffic from other law enforcement agencies in the area for officer safety issues.
Emergency Medical Dispatch: Uses Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) as a systematic program of handling medical calls. Uses locally approved EMD guidelines to quickly and properly determine the nature and priority of the medical emergency call, dispatch the appropriate response, then give the caller instructions to help treat the patient until the responding EMS unit arrives. A comprehensive EMD program reduces liability by providing thorough and consistent dispatch instructions and can help meet the growing public expectation that when citizens call 911 appropriate medical care will be provided as quickly as possible.
All CSUPD Dispatchers are required to be EMD Certified after attending a 4-day training the certification course and must use the EMD program to process every incoming medical call. Dispatchers process medical calls by asking callers a specific set of scripted questions and provide life-saving emergency instructions prior to paramedics arriving on scene. Dispatchers must participate in ongoing training and receive at least 24 hours of continuing education credits to have current CPR certification in order to be re-certified
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Pre-employment Physical
Essential Services Designation
Shift Work -This position may be eligible for shift differential.
On-call Status
Onsite
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, candidates must demonstrate in the application materials:
911 Dispatcher/Police Communications Technician
Experience Only:
One (1) year of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
Or
Education and Experience:
Completion of an authorized Communication Training Officer Program or equivalent will substitute for the required experience
911 Dispatch Trainee/State Service Trainee
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Must be able to type 45 words per minute
For both positions:
In addition to the minimum qualifications listed above, the position requires candidates to agree to and meet the following conditions:
Must be willing and able to report to work without delay or interruption (30-minute response time preferred) to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare of the campus community
Must submit to and pass a hearing and eye sight test
Must submit to and pass a polygraph and psychological exam
Must submit to and pass a criminal history background check that includes a fingerprint check acceptable by Colorado State University and Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC) standards
Must have NO:
Felony convictions
Serious misdemeanor arrests or convictions
Must be willing and able to work on a rotating shift of days, nights, weekends and holidays to serve the needs of our campus community. NOTE: Dispatchers work five, 8-hour shifts each week, in alignment with department and unit need. Voluntary Overtime may be available, and mandatory overtime may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities and other personal characteristics outlined as critical to this position:
Dispatch experience in a police/emergency environment requiring regular use of knowledge in: police procedures, emergency medical protocol, and/or emergency vs. non-emergency situations.
Demonstrated work experience and the ability to multi-task in order to perform simultaneous function (i.e. perform data entry while corresponding via radio with Law Enforcement personnel, gather and disseminate information to emergency responders while maintaining awareness of alarm systems both security and panic etc.)
Demonstrated ability to prioritize incoming calls for service by using analytical skills, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to make quick decisions while remaining calm and maintaining composure in high stress/pressure situations.
An adaptable, flexible approach that allows for a wide variety of both independent and team-oriented assignments.
Directly Related State Service Experience
Salary Range
Salary is commensurate with relevant experience and/or education and will be determined in accordance with State Classified compensation policies, including
Colorado Steps
.
911 Dispatcher (Police Communication Technician): $59,460 - $59,472 + Full Benefits
911 Dispatch Trainee: $52,429 - $54,048 + Full Benefits
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here.
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Application Instructions and Information
For
State Classified
searches, you
may
be able to skip the
Experience, Education, Certification, Language, and Skills
sections. Be sure to review the qualifications in the job posting to determine whether these sections should be completed. If additional documentation is required or should be uploaded to meet the requirements of the position, please attach all required documents in the
Required Application Documents
section as specified in the job posting.
Clearly outline
dates of employment (Month & Year)
for each position listed in the
Work Experience
section of your application. Human Resources must be able to evaluate your experience based on this information.
The
Work Experience
section is the
only part of your application
used to determine if minimum qualifications, as outlined in the job posting, have been met.
The
application is the legal document on file
;
resumes will not be reviewed
to determine minimum qualifications.
Incomplete Applications
Applications will not be considered if:
The
Work Experience
section is blank or lists "see resume."
Job duties
are missing for any listed position.
Month/Year employment dates
are not included.
Notes
Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be made from the eligible list creat
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