Also known as: 911 Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Dispatcher, 911 Emergency Services Dispatcher, 911 Operator
Human Resources & ConsultingBachelor's Degree
Job Description
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
Future Perspective
Stable Job Market
This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Opérateur de centre d'appels (non-urgence)
Assistant administratif (services d'urgence)
Répartiteur de transport
Public Safety Telecommunicator
Where it can lead
Superviseur de centre 911
Coordinateur de gestion des urgences
Formateur des télécommunicateurs
Impact of AI on this Job
AI may assist public safety telecommunicators by automating routine information gathering, call triage, and providing real-time language translation for non-English speakers. However, the critical human judgment, empathy, and ability to handle complex, ambiguous, and emotionally charged emergency situations will remain indispensable. AI tools could enhance efficiency and data analysis but are unlikely to replace the human element in crisis communication.