10/09/2026
TITLE: Communication Center – Public Safety
Dispatcher; part time and per diem
DEPARTMENT: Salem Police Department (SPD)
POSITION STATUS: Part-time and on-call; up to 19 hours per week,
no benefits
REPORTS TO: Patrol Division Commander and Officer in
Charge or designee
SALARY: Daytime: $25.00 per hour; Nighttime: $26.00 per
hour
SHIFTS: (A) 11:00PM - 7:00AM; (B) 7:00AM - 3:00PM;
(C) 3:00PM - 11:00PM
JOB SUMMARY
The per diem Communications Dispatcher (CD) performs a full range of radio and telephone operational duties and is required to process and prioritize incoming calls for police, fire, and EMS assistance. The CD has frequent telephone contact with members of the community; some situations are emergencies in nature, and the CD must be able to think and act clearly and calmly and be able to work in a high volume and multi-task environment.
DUTIES
Uses a computer-aided dispatch system for multiple entries per call, receives emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical and other emergency services. Coordinates dispatching of all public safety services and equipment by receiving and transmitting radio calls.
Determines the nature of the emergency; obtains appropriate information for clear direction to the caller and the public safety respondents to ensure their safety, prioritizes service call, dispatches public safety personnel as necessary and in accordance with established policy and procedures.
Operates LEAPS/NCIC Computer and State-run Open Fox, learns and maintains familiarity with all procedures for operation, data entry, data retrieval and clearance capabilities. Enters, updates, and retrieves information from a variety of internal and external law enforcement computer systems and maintains accurate up to date files and log reports as necessary.
Obtains all necessary information from callers and maintains contact with all units on assignment, maintains status and location of police and fire units, and provides communication and support services to the police and fire responders and supervisors. All conversations are conducted in a courteous and professional business-like manner.
Receives requests for information regarding vehicle and operator records and history, as well as reviews and furnishes specific information on individuals through a variety of systems, including CORI, RMS, Warrants, Fi****ms and involvement history or location/address history as requested and in accordance with procedures.
Monitors several complex public safety radio frequencies. Operates and maintains a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones, and computer systems. Monitors all prisoners on the video screens continuously while in custody, notifying appropriate public safety personnel of any emergencies or unusual occurrences observed. Assists citizens in completing departmental forms as necessary.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of principles, practices and methods related to dispatch and communications. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to read, write and spell the English language. The ability to speak Spanish is desirable and highly preferred.
Ability to critically listen, obtain expansive amounts of information and then relay that information clearly, succinctly, and articulately. Ability to communicate clearly in person, by telephone and in writing. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and a strong capacity to quickly learn multiple database systems. Ability to type at an adequate entry rate of 25+ words per minute.
Ability to satisfactorily complete Basic Dispatcher’s School given by the Massachusetts Police Training Council and 9-1-1 certification program, as well as maintain that certification yearly through required training programs as determined by the State and by the Police Department.
QUALIFICATIONS
High School diploma and work experience which demonstrates dependability, ability to multi-task, ability to work and function in a high volume – high stress environment. Emergency telecommunications experience and experience with computer aided dispatch systems preferred.
Certifications in police/fire telecommunications, E911, Emergency Medical Dispatch, LEAP/CJIS and prior public safety agency experience preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be mobile, communicate with others, and use office equipment specific to the role. Work is frequently performed in emergency and stressful situations. The employee may occasionally lift and /or move up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude; a background investigation by the SPD will be conducted on all successful applicants.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply to the City using this email address: [email protected]; interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and position is open until sufficient candidates are hired.
HUMAN RESOURCES, Lisa B. Cammarata, Director
City of Salem
98 Washington Street, 3rd floor,
Salem, MA 01970
DATED: October 9, 2026
The City of Salem is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status or genetic information.
