Public Safety Dispatcher, Fire Department

The Town of Needham is seeking a qualified individual to fill the full-time position of Public Safety Dispatcher within the Fire Department. Under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor, the Public Safety Dispatcher is responsible for receiving all oral and electronic communications from the public and public safety personnel coming into the station, and the initial deployment of law enforcement and / or Fire Department personnel and equipment. Sound decision-making capability is necessary in transmitting requests for service to the appropriate location.

Full-Time, 40 hours per week

CON #26013

Duties and Responsibilities

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Answer all telephone calls promptly and respond using the appropriate statement
• Greet in person patrons at dispatch area, determining needs and triaging issues to ensure needs are met; escalating issues/concerns when necessary
• Be thoroughly familiar with departmental procedures relating to the use of radio and other communication equipment
• Acquire a thorough knowledge of the location and layout of streets, buildings, parks, housing developments and other significant areas of the community to maximize the accuracy and speed of dispatches
• Keep personnel who have been dispatched on calls fully informed of all facts affecting the safety or efficiency of their response to the call
• Report any deployment of public safety personnel beyond their regularly assigned routes or sectors to the designated supervisor
• Inform the designated supervisor when contact with an employee cannot be made after a reasonable amount of time
• Remain familiar with emergency procedures that relate to matters requiring urgent attention to be capable of activating them immediately
• Maintain equipment, especially the emergency call lines, in working order and immediately report any malfunction or defect to the designated supervisor.
• Record all significant communications as required by current departmental procedures
• Respond to all complaints received in a calm, civil manner

Requirements

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• High school, plus elementary technical training acquired on the job or through one year or less of technical or business school
• One to three (1 – 3) years of experience relevant to the position
• Knowledge of public safety and dispatching procedures
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with street locations
• Keyboarding/CAD skills
• General computer skills

Preferred Qualifications or the Ability to Obtain:

• CPR Certification upon hire or the ability to obtain within six months of hire
• First responder certification upon hire or the ability to obtain within six months of hire
• MA state 911 certification upon hire or the ability to obtain within six months of hire

Supplemental Information

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application via our applicant portal.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on August 25, 2025.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov.