Make a Difference. Save Lives. Be the Calm in the Chaos.
Skagit 911 is seeking dedicated and highly motivated individuals to join our team as Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST). This critical role serves as the vital link between community members in crisis and the emergency services that respond. As a first responder, you will help ensure the safety and well-being of the public and field responders through skilled communication, rapid decision-making, and unwavering professionalism.
New PST Trainees receive comprehensive on-the-job training over a period of 6 to 8 months, working under the close supervision of a certified Training Supervisor. During this time, PST Trainees follow a four 10-hour day schedule (four days on, three days off) as they progress through a structured training program. Upon successful completion and demonstration of core competencies, trainees are signed off to work independently and will be assigned to either a Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS dispatch specialty.
What You’ll Do
- Answer emergency and non-emergency calls via phone and text, gathering vital details quickly and accurately.
- Dispatch police or fire and medical, and other emergency services using a state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
- Provide life-saving instructions to callers before help arrives, including Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols.
- Monitor and coordinate multiple radio channels, updating responder status and ensuring smooth communication.
- Support people in crisis — from distressed callers to individuals with disabilities or language barriers — with compassion and composure.
- Coordinate resources and communications between agencies during complex or high-risk incidents.
- Operate and monitor a variety of telecommunications and public safety equipment in a fast-paced, secure environment.
Schedule & Overtime
PST Trainees: Work a four 10-hour day schedule (four on, three off) during training - subject to change with notice.
Post-training schedule:
- 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule:
- Week 1 – Work 3 days, Off 4 days
- Week 2 – Work 4 days, Off 3 days
- Schedules are bid annually for the whole following year.
- Shifts include weekends, holidays, days, nights, and overnights.
- Mandatory overtime may be assigned, up to a maximum of 8 hours on a scheduled day off, to ensure 24/7 emergency coverage.
Who We’re Looking For
- Team player with integrity: You show respect to others, protect confidentiality, and adhere to policies and procedures.
- Calm under pressure: You think clearly and act quickly in high-stress situations.
- Technologically adaptable: You demonstrate the ability to expertly use computerized systems, learn new platforms quickly, and thrive in an environment of ongoing technical change.
- Detail-oriented multitasker: You manage multiple conversations, prioritize tasks, and maintain focus with accuracy.
- Excellent communicator: You listen attentively, speak clearly, and adapt your communication style for diverse callers.
- Adaptable and committed: You are flexible with scheduling and available for overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- No felony convictions.
- No active criminal charges or warrants.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
- Must pass a law enforcement background investigation, polygraph screening, hearing test (with or without accommodation), drug test and other hiring criteria.
Position Tracks
- PST Trainee: Participate in a structured training program under the guidance of a Training Supervisor.
- Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST): Specialize in either Law Enforcement or Fire Dispatch after successful training.
- Cross-Trained Telecommunicator: Fully qualified to dispatch for both Law and Fire disciplines.
- Lead Public Safety Telecommunicator: In addition to performing all duties of a Cross-Trained Telecommunicator, the Lead Public Safety Telecommunicator supports the efficient operation of the communications center by providing guidance to staff, coordinating staffing, assisting with training, mentoring team members, and helping resolve operational issues.
- Public Safety Telecommunications Supervisor: Carries out the responsibilities of a Lead PST while also taking on supervisory duties such as performance oversight, scheduling, coaching, and ensuring team compliance with policy and procedure.
- In addition to advancement through position tracks, Public Safety Telecommunicators have the opportunity to volunteer for special projects, which provide additional training, exposure to new roles, and may include additional pay. These projects support professional development and contribute to the continued success and innovation of Skagit 911.
What We Offer
- Current Wage: $30.00 (PST Trainee rate); $30.90 (Step 1 PST rate)
- 2026 Wage: $31.20 (PST Trainee rate); $32.14 (Step 1 PST rate)
- Longevity: Five-year pay step scale; 5% between each step
- Benefits:
- Excellent health, dental, and vision benefits.
- Paid time off, starting at 188 hours per year plus 8 hours of sick leave per month.
- Pension contributions through WA DRS.
- Supportive team environment with ongoing training.
- Opportunities for advancement and specialization.
- Union-represented position with benefits and protections outlined in a collective bargaining agreement.
Hiring Process Timeline
We’re committed to a transparent and thorough hiring process to ensure that Skagit 911 recruits the most qualified and prepared candidates to serve our community.
Here’s what you can expect once you submit your application:
- Day One – Application Submitted:
Applications are accepted at anytime and are reviewed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
- Online Skills Testing:
Qualified applicants will receive a link to take the CritiCall skills test through TestGenius/Biddle. This test measures multitasking, data entry, memory recall, decision-making, and other job-related skills.
- One-Way Video Interview:
Applicants who pass CritiCall will receive an invitation to complete an online, one-way video interview with five simple screening questions. Deadline to complete this interview is every Friday at 6:00 AM (Pacific Time).
- In-Person Interview:
Candidates who pass the screening interview will be invited to an in-person interview at Skagit 911 in Mount Vernon, WA.
- Conditional Offer Phases:
Candidates who succeed in the in-person interview will receive conditional job offers. The conditional phases takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks and includes:
Phase one:
- A rigorous law enforcement background investigation
- A polygraph screening
- Drug testing
- Fingerprint screening
- A job observation (two hour sit along with a PST)
- A final interview with the Executive Director
Phase two:
- A hearing screening (with or without accommodation)
- Academy Assignment:
Once all steps in the conditional offer phase are passed, candidates will be assigned an academy start date, typically 2 weeks to 2 months after clearance.
Total Timeframe:
From initial application to your first day on the job, the entire process typically takes 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on your background investigation and academy scheduling.