Job Details

Public Safety Dispatcher

Join the City of Reno and become part of an amazing team that strives every day to make our community a place we are all proud to call home. Are you calm under pressure, quick to think, and passionate about serving your community? As a Public Safety Dispatcher I, you'll be the vital first point of contact during emergencies, making a real difference when people need help most.

The ideal candidate will, under general supervision, receive, evaluate, prioritize, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for service, ensuring first responders receive the critical information needed to protect lives and property. The incumbent will operate advanced communications technology including radio systems, multi-line telephones, TDD, telephony, and multiple computer-aided dispatch systems to provide fast, accurate, and compassionate service in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

We currently have multiple vacancies in the Public Safety Dispatch Department in which hiring will begin immediately following the close of this recruitment. This recruitment will also establish a list for future vacancies, which will be filled as they occur. This is an open competitive opportunity for all qualified applicants. The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.

Dispatchers routinely handle phone situations that are exciting, challenging, violent, alarming, and emotionally charged—including conflict, anger, happiness, and relief—all under emergency circumstances and strict deadlines. This role requires the ability to support victims, survivors, and witnesses of emergencies and crimes with compassion, while gathering and documenting essential information accurately, even when callers are experiencing distress or intense emotions.

This position is entrusted with highly confidential information regarding emergency situations and details, supporting both callers and public safety personnel in real time as incidents unfold. Dispatchers must remain calm, focused, and organized, able to instantly recall and relay critical information to keep all parties informed throughout rapidly evolving situations.

Calls handled by dispatchers can range from exciting and challenging to violent, alarming, and emotionally charged—often involving conflict, distress, anger, happiness, and relief—all under emergency circumstances and strict deadlines. Compassion, composure, and emotional intelligence are essential for managing these dynamic interactions.

The role requires working varying shifts, including weekends and holidays year-round, with overtime as needed. Candidates must be fully prepared to commit to these demanding conditions.

Success in this position depends on excellent interpersonal, customer service, organizational, coping, diplomacy, teamwork, tact, compassion, and patience skills. Only apply if you are confident in your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please submit your application and all additional information/documentation requested online at www.reno.gov/jobs by August 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to submit an online application include: Reno City Hall 2nd-floor computer kiosk or the Civil Service Office, or any Nevada Job Connect location, local libraries, or educational facilities. If you are having difficulty logging into your governmentjobs.com profile, please call the applicant support line at 855-524-5627.

A complete application is required, including detailed work experience and education. Résumés may be submitted as supplemental information but will not be reviewed when determining minimum qualifications.

The examination will consist of a performance evaluation that will include modules on typing, data entry, decision-making, and other related areas weighted at 100%. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an online performance evaluation once the recruitment has closed. These tests will be self-administered with no proctor, which means candidates will be able to complete them online at their convenience during the designated testing window. The instructions and guidelines will be emailed to qualified applicants after the recruitment closes on August 30, 2026.

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Questions about the information on this announcement and updates to application information should be directed to Civil Service at (775) 334-2223 or civilservice@reno.gov. The City of Reno is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association, or any other protected class status applicable under federal or state law or City Charter.