It takes a very special person to be a dispatcher. Dispatchers must always stay calm in stressful situations. They must utilize the training that they are provided to make quick, rational decisions. A dispatcher is someone who can multi-task by listening to a caller while imputing the necessary information into a computer so that Emergency Personnel can be dispatched simultaneously. Dispatchers must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to type 35 words per minute.

• Must be 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or GED on hire date
• No experience required.
• Must be able to type 35 wpm
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, which will include working all shifts, days evening, deep nights, weekends and holidays as needed
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license.
• TESTING REQUIRED: Typing (35 wpm) and CritiCall Test

If you think you have what it takes to become a dispatcher, you must first submit an application online. Once you have applied online, you must come to our HR Office (located at 1515 N. Galloway Avenue) to complete the required testing. No appointment is needed to test. Testing for this position is only administered Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-2pm.

Testing consists of a typing test and CritiCall (which tests your multi-tasking abilities) and will take about 2 hours to complete. Due to the sensitive nature of this position, you would also have to successfully complete a polygraph exam, panel interview, and background investigation, medical and psychological exams. The entire hiring process takes about two months, on average.

No experience is needed to become a dispatcher with the City of Mesquite! If hired, we will provide you all of the training that you need. Training is very intensive, as there is a lot to learn. It takes about a year and a half for a dispatcher to be fully trained. During training, a dispatcher must rotate through all of the different shift schedules every month or so, in order to get accustomed to each shift.

Dispatch is a 24 hour, 7 day a week operation. Since the City never shuts down we must have dispatchers working at all times to provide emergency and non emergency support to our citizens and visitors. Therefore, a dispatcher must be able and willing to work any shift. This includes days, evenings, deep nights, and working weekends and holidays. Once through with training, a dispatcher would work four, ten hour days per week, with three consecutive days off. Shift assignments are granted based on seniority. Dispatchers bid for a new shift, based on seniority once per year.

We have four shifts for Dispatchers. They are: 6am-4pm, 10am-8pm, 4pm-2am, and 8pm-6am. An applicant must be willing to work all shifts to be considered for this position.

Dispatchers will begin at $14 per hour. As you progress through training, your pay will increase with each new skill learned. In as little as 9 months, your earning potential will reach $15.75 per hour!

• 9 Paid Holidays!
• Paid Vacation!
• Paid Sick Leave!
• Longevity Pay!
• Cost Effective Medical and Dental Coverage!
• TMRS Retirement!