PEABODY — The city is looking to hire two full-time dispatchers for the Police Department.
“It is a great city to work for,” said Chief of Police Thomas Griffin.
It is a very challenging job, he said, because dispatchers have to multitask, be able to work under stressful conditions and deal with challenges, as things change very quickly when they are working.
“But it can be rewarding when you are helping people in their most difficult moments,” said Griffin. “They are in the frontline of the police department.”
A dispatcher receives calls for service from public-safety departments and dispatches appropriate personnel of the Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services as needed. The dispatcher transmits and receives information and messages between public-safety divisions, monitors what is going on in a given call while police officers are out on the street and gets them the resources they need.
This job would best fit people who are fairly outgoing, can communicate well and be quick on their feet, said Griffin.
To become a dispatcher, a candidate must be a high-school graduate and must demonstrate proficiency in using a keyboard and recording effectively into computer systems. The job requires the ability to read and write in English clearly, as well as good communication skills both by phone and in person.
Candidates are expected to comprehend and follow instructions and hear without impediment in all telephone contacts. Ability to speak another language is a plus.
The dispatching job requires staff members to be able to work day, night and weekend shifts and extended or double shifts in emergency situations. The dispatchers will work eight-hour shifts on four consecutive days followed by two days off.
The pay rate depends on a shift and starts at $19.05 to $20.58 per hour.
Though dispatchers are civilians, they have an opportunity to be a part of Local 348, the Peabody Police Dispatcher Association of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police.
“We do have some outstanding dispatchers right now. We need a couple more to fill out the ranks,” said Griffin. “So if you want to help people, it’s something to consider.”
Applications can be found on peabody-ma.gov or obtained at the Human Resources Department at City Hall. Those with questions should call the Human Resources Department at 978-538-5721.
