Job Description
Public Works Communications Dispatcher-Limited Duration is listed by City of Salem in Salem. The City of Salem's Public Works Dispatch Communications Center is looking for a dedicated, collaborative, and skilled problem solver to join us as a Communications Dispatcher.
This is a Limited Duration Opportunity that will have a duration no longer than 18 months. Make an impact: Our Dispatch Center is looking for a dedicated, collaborative, and skilled problem solver to be part of the Public Works Department.
Public Works plans, constructs, and maintains the City’s infrastructure including roadways and lanes; parks and recreation activities; and water, stormwater, and wastewater utility services.
The Public Works Dispatch Center is a 24-hour, 365-day operation that receives and responds to emergency and nonemergency service requests for public infrastructure-related issues. Learn and grow: Establish a stable and impactful career with the City of Salem!
Learn about services provided by Public Works and how to prioritize the most urgent customer calls. Grow your customer service skills by ensuring a quality customer experience by accurately gathering information and relaying the details to the right service group.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $26.78 - $32.57 per hour.
Qualification
To be considered for this Public Works Communications Dispatcher role, you must be a dedicated, collaborative, and skilled problem solver. The City of Salem seeks candidates who can handle emergency and nonemergency calls in a fast-paced dispatch environment.
- Ability to work in a 24/7 dispatch center environment.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to accurately gather information and relay details to the appropriate service group.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn about Public Works services and prioritize urgent calls.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Receive and respond to emergency and nonemergency service requests for public infrastructure-related issues.
- Prioritize the most urgent customer calls and dispatch appropriate resources.
- Accurately gather information from callers and relay details to the right service group.
- Ensure a quality customer experience through effective communication.
- Work rotating shifts as part of a 24/7 operation.
- Maintain accurate records of calls and dispatches.
Conditions & Requirements
- This is a Limited Duration Opportunity with a duration no longer than 18 months.
- Must be able to work in a 24/7, 365-day operation.
- Must pass any required background check or pre-employment screening.
- Must be able to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Benefits
- Stable and impactful career with the City of Salem.
- Opportunity to learn about Public Works services and grow customer service skills.
- Competitive hourly wage of $26.78 - $32.57 per hour.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Online application review.
- Supplemental question evaluation.
- Possible phone or in-person interview.
- Reference checks.
- Background check.
Required Documents
- Completed online application.
- Completed supplemental questions.
How to Apply
- To apply for this position, visit the City of Salem's careers portal on the official application portal. Create an account or to your existing account. Complete the online application and all supplemental questions. Review your application for accuracy and submit it before the closing date of August 9, 2026. Ensure all required documents are attached before submission.
Additional Information
- This is a limited-duration position not to exceed 18 months.
- The Public Works Dispatch Center operates 24/7, so shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays is required.
- The City of Salem is an equal opportunity employer.
- For questions about this position, contact the City of Salem Human Resources department.
- Veterans' preference may apply; indicate your status in the application.
About Company
The City of Salem is the capital city of Oregon, providing many municipal services to its residents. The Public Works Department plans, constructs, and maintains the city's infrastructure, including roadways, parks, water, stormwater, and wastewater utilities.
The Public Works Dispatch Center is a critical 24/7 operation that handles emergency and nonemergency service requests related to public infrastructure. This role is essential to ensuring timely response to issues affecting the community.
Joining the City of Salem means becoming part of a dedicated team focused on serving the public and maintaining the city's infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.