About The Role

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 created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid, articulated business reason.
The selection process for State Classified positions may include exam(s) and/or interview(s) that require candidates to appear in person , at the candidate’s own expense.
Pertinent updates to your application status can be obtained by logging into your candidate account .
Salary is commensurate with relevant experience and/or education and will be determined in accordance with State Classified compensation policies .
Current CSU employees should apply through the Jobs Hub in their Workday account.

For Current or Former Employees of the State of Colorado

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024 , any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range, based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30.

All current and former State employees must ensure that their entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is included in the application so that time-in-series can be accurately calculated.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Employment and Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging.

Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb .

A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.