Central Montana Times

The Great Falls / Cascade County Emergency Communications Center (GF/CC 911 Center) is organizing a hiring event aimed at expediting the recruitment process for new 911 Dispatchers. This initiative, set to take place on March 13, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m. at 3015 Airport Drive in Great Falls, Montana, offers a streamlined application process that can reduce processing time by up to six weeks compared to traditional methods.

Kelly Johanneck, Deputy Director of the GF/CC 911 Center, emphasized the need for this event due to staffing challenges. "We’ve reached a critical staffing stage at the 911 Center and I recognize there is an opportunity to switch up the way we’ve been hiring Dispatchers," Johanneck stated. She added that the event will feature dispatch recruiters, human resources representatives, and a notary on-site to assist qualified applicants swiftly.

The hiring blitz comes as many emergency communication centers across the United States face staffing shortages. A study by the International Academies of Dispatch and the National Association of State 911 Administrators highlights that over half of U.S. centers are experiencing significant staffing issues.

During the event, attendees can complete an online application and pre-screening questionnaire on-site, participate in interviews immediately, and have required waivers notarized without prior appointments. Applicants should bring necessary documentation such as job history and references.

To qualify as a dispatcher, candidates must be at least 18 years old and pass both psychological evaluations and extensive background checks before employment.

Karen Young serves as the Director of Communications Services Bureau within the Great Falls Police Department (GFPD), having started her career as a dispatcher in August 1988. The center employs 20 full-time dispatchers who manage calls for approximately 40 agencies throughout Cascade County.

Dispatchers play crucial roles during emergencies by analyzing information quickly and accurately relaying it to appropriate responders. They are trained to handle various situations including providing CPR instructions or managing non-emergency calls effectively.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to excel in customer service skills such as compassion and multitasking while benefiting from comprehensive training provided by GF/CC along with a robust benefits package offered by the City of Great Falls.