Communications Officer / 911 Dispatcher - McLeod County Sheriff's Office : Job Details

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The Communications Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the effective operation of the McLeod County Sheriff s Office Communications Center. This highly technical and essential position is responsible for handling all emergency and non-emergency service requests for the County, including 911 calls, interdepartmental communications with police, fire, and ambulance services, and coordination with other public safety agencies. Communications Officers monitor multiple systems simultaneously including computer-aided dispatch (CAD), two-way radio consoles, and public safety databases while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information. Working under general supervision, this role requires strong judgment, quick decision-making, and the ability to stay calm and professional under pressure. The 2025 salary range for this position is $21.07 to $31.61 per hour, depending on experience. Primary responsibilities include answering and processing 911 and non-emergency calls for service across McLeod County and several state agencies, gathering information from various sources (phone, radio, in-person, fax, email, TTY), and dispatching the appropriate public safety personnel. Officers maintain detailed and timely logs of radio dispatches, complete forms and data entry, and manage requests in line with state and federal protocols. They monitor multiple radio frequencies, conduct regular status and safety checks on emergency personnel, and serve as the County's warning point during severe weather or civil defense emergencies, coordinating alerts and activating the countywide warning system when needed. Officers broadcast and maintain Hot File notices for missing persons, stolen vehicles, or wanted individuals, and routinely access and update sensitive law enforcement information using the Minnesota Department of Criminal Justice Information System (MNJIS) and related databases. Communications Officers play an active role in building safety by monitoring video surveillance systems, managing secured access to Sheriff's Office facilities, and responding to inquiries at the public service window. They may assist with law enforcement records and reports, ensure accurate transmission of case documentation to appropriate agencies, support electronic filing of court documents, and testify in court when necessary. In addition, Officers may conduct tours of the communications center, test paging systems, and are expected to participate in the onboarding and training of new hires and interns. Ongoing training and certification in systems such as CPR, First Aid, MNJIS, and ARMER are required, and all Communications Officers must remain current with recertification and agency-specific procedures. To succeed in this position, individuals must be able to stay alert during long shifts, respond calmly and professionally in high-pressure situations, and communicate clearly and courteously with the public, emergency responders, and agency personnel. The job requires multitasking simultaneously listening, typing, and monitoring screens and the ability to recall and apply a wide range of procedures. Proficiency in dispatch software, radio and phone systems, and Microsoft Office tools is expected. Strong keyboarding skills (minimum 45 words per minute), attention to detail, and familiarity with maps and geographic directions are essential, as is the ability to interpret legal codes, manage sensitive data, and maintain confidentiality. The position demands high emotional resilience due to frequent interaction with distressed, confused, or hostile individuals, and the necessity to de-escalate and control conversations effectively. Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have accurate typing ability. While prior public safety dispatch experience, bilingual communication skills, or an associate degree in law enforcement are preferred, comprehensive on-the-job training will be provided. Lateral pay may be considered for experienced dispatchers. Candidates must have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification, MNJIS certification, and meet other state-mandated training requirements. A valid drivers license and proof of insurance are required. Communications Officers are expected to work rotating 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays in a 24/7 operation, and may occasionally be deployed to mobile response units in the field. Physical demands include extended periods of sitting or standing, frequent use of hands and fingers, the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and continuous exposure to flashing lights and alert tones. All applicants are subject to comprehensive background checks including criminal history, credit, licensing, physical and psychological assessments, and drug and alcohol screening. This role is essential to community safety and requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and adaptability. Communications Officers are often the first point of contact in a crisis, making their role vital in delivering life-saving assistance and coordinating public safety resources across McLeod County.

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