Communications Dispatcher

Sheriff's Emergency Communications Division

The Sheriff's Office Emergency Communications Division or Dispatch, is made up of 13 Dispatchers, one Radio Technician and the Chief of Communications.  Annually the dispatch team handles approximately 80,000 phone calls and dispatched approximate 30,000 calls for service.  Our agency also provides dispatch services for all local law enforcement, fire, EMS agencies as well as other public safety and services partners throughout our region. 

To apply, go to the Civil Service page here, and follow the instructions for the job posting.

Pay & Benefits

  • 12 Paid Holidays (Holiday pay added if the holiday is worked)
  • Current Collective Bargaining Agreement
  • Excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans
  • PERS2 retirement
  • Step Increases & Longevity Pay
  • Salary Range: $20.79 to $27.81 per hour
  • Education and Bilingual Incentive possible
  • And more!

Entry-Level Requirements

  • 21 Years of Age (there is no maximum age limit)
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • No felony convictions or pattern of misdemeanors
  • No use of illegal drugs within the past 5 years
  • Possess a valid WA State Drivers License
  • U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident 
  • Pass a Background Investigation and Psychological Exam

Lateral or Certified Entry Requirements

  • Entry-Level Requirements, plus
  •  Telecommunicator I & II, or equivalent
  • Lateral Entry Requirements
    • Currently and continuously employed as a dispatcher at a public safety agency for the past 24 months
    • Be probation period complete.

Lateral or Certified Entry Incentives

  • Time in Service Allowance - New hire presently employed with a public safety/law enforcement agency when hired, shall receive annual leave accrual time credit based on years of continuous service. Additionally, time in service credit will be applied to step increase computation for wages.
  •  Annual Leave Front-load - New hire shall be awarded one week of annual leave upon hire. Regular annual leave begins accruing immediately.
  • Sick Leave Front-load - New hire shall be awarded two weeks of sick leave upon hire. Regular sick leave begins accruing immediately.

Application Process

  • Apply and take a written exam with Public Safety Testing
  • Pass an Oral Board Interview (Civil Service Board)
  • Pass a Background Investigation and Psychological Exam
  • Interview with the Chief of Communications
To apply, go to the Civil Service page here, and follow the instructions for the job posting.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information on this page, please contact the Okanogan County Human Resources Department at 509.422.7169 and speak to Vicky Poole.

*There is no COVID-19 vaccination requirement to work as a deputy with the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office.

Okanogan County is an Equal Opportunity Employer