Clarification from the agency

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority and is open to U.S. citizens and nationals who meet all eligibility requirements, including permanent and exclusive residency within the defined vicinity of the field unit as described in this announcement. Under this authority, veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply.

• Coordinate initial emergency response, evaluating incidents, soliciting all necessary information, and applying judgement according to interagency guides, protocols and pre-plans.
• Receive and evaluate emergency calls, soliciting information to initiate an appropriate response of emergency services personnel, acquiring critical information (law enforcement, fire, medical search and rescue, etc.) from the public and other public safety agencies.
• Use a variety of specialized computer programs such as National Criminal Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) in the performance of dispatch duties.
• Dependent on location, the center may dispatch for multi-jurisdictional all-risk incidents (law enforcement, wildland fire, structural fire, aviation, intelligence, medical, search and rescue, and other emergency services) and collaborate with federal, state, county, and local agencies.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. At the GS-7 and GS-8 grade levels, employees will serve as the senior dispatcher on staff, providing orientation, training, and leadership for lower graded or new dispatchers under the direction of the Lead Dispatcher and Dispatch Center Managers. At this level Dispatchers are expected to be able to troubleshoot issues and contribute to more efficient operations by reviewing and making recommendations for improvement of operating procedures.

Physical Demands: The incumbent must function efficiently in a confined space for extended periods of time with no breaks and no opportunity to leave the confines of the dispatch center. Public Safety Dispatchers are considered "essential employees," meaning they are required to work most holidays, report for duty during adverse weather conditions, and work long hours exceeding normally scheduled shifts in case of emergencies. The nature of the work is primarily sedentary, performing office tasks and occasionally bending and lifting during the movement of records and materials. The incumbent is subject to rotating shift work and uncommon tours of duty. Work requires the use of voice in vocal communications for periods of hours at a time. Voice must be clear, audible, and tone effective with words plainly spoken and understandable. Incumbent must be able to hear clearly and discern a variety of audible communications and signals simultaneously. The work is of an emergency nature, and is often emotionally stressful. Incumbent must possess manual dexterity sufficient to operate computer terminals/keyboards and related equipment and to maintain written and electronic logs.

Working Conditions: Work is normally performed in a specialized office setting, which is well-lighted and temperature controlled. The setting is confined and secure, with controlled entry and egress. Radios are continuously monitored and telephones constantly ring, resulting in periods of excessive and constant noise. Incumbent must be able to concentrate on work projects amidst noise, interruptions, and the movements of others. The incumbent will occasionally be assigned to accompany field personnel in patrol vehicles for area and function familiarization. When performing duties of Public Safety Dispatcher, the incumbent may not leave the dispatch center unless relieved by another qualified Public Safety Dispatcher.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-05/04/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of qualifying specialized experience include but are not limited to the following: Utilizing phones and/or radios to organize operations; assisting with emergencies; a general understanding of computer software platforms to send and receive information; writing clear and concise reports. You must include hours per week worked. Please also specify the grade level of any federal position.
-OR-EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four years of education above high school in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. The education must have been attained in an accredited college or university. You must include transcripts
-OR-Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the specialized experience) and three years of education above high school (50% of the education) would qualify an applicant for this position. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e. beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess the following minimum experience by close of the announcement:

At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of qualifying specialized experience include but are not limited to, the following: provide dispatch and/or call taking services, related to public safety (medical, law enforcement, search and rescue, fire or other emergencies/public safety related); operate computer systems such as but not limited to National Criminal Information Network (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), or similar systems that aid in public safety dispatching to run queries and document communications. You must include hours per week worked. Please also specify the grade level of any federal position.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess the following minimum experience by close of the announcement:

At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of qualifying specialized experience include but are not limited to, the following: provide dispatch and call taking services in a communications center that provides public safety (medical, law enforcement, search and rescue, fire or other emergencies/public safety related) dispatch operation, in a complex environment (i.e. remote/urban environment, wildland fire, or other complex environments or situations); coordinate responses to emergency incidents by initiating response of personnel and equipment according to agency protocols and providing communication and logistical support to responders; operate computer systems such as but not limited to National Criminal Information Network (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), or similar systems that aid in public safety dispatching to run queries and document communications.. You must include hours per week worked. Please also specify the grade level of any federal position.

To qualify for this position at the GS-08 grade level, you must possess the following minimum experience by close of the announcement:

At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) Examples of qualifying specialized experience include but are not limited to, the following: provide dispatch and call taking services in a communications center that provides public safety (medical, law enforcement, search and rescue, fire or other emergencies/public safety related) dispatch operation, in a complex environment (i.e. remote/urban environment, serves more than one division, unit, jurisdiction, and/or agency, or other complex situations); coordinate responses to emergency incidents by initiating response of personnel and equipment according to agency protocols and providing communication and logistical support to responders; operate computer systems such as but not limited to National Criminal Information Network (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), or similar systems that aid in public safety dispatching to interpret information, run queries and document communications; review internal operating procedures and systems related to public safety to make recommendations for improvement; provide technical guidance, orientation, and training to new employees or lower level dispatchers. You must include hours per week worked. Please also specify the grade level of any federal position.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be evaluated based on how well they meet the qualification requirements for the position.

Upon receipt of a completed application package, the Servicing Human Resources Office will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement.

Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages. Resumes longer than two pages will not be reviewed. Applicants may submit only one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine qualifications and eligibility. If more than one resume is submitted, only the most recent submission will be reviewed.

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. The Servicing Human Resources Office will determine whether applicants meet the qualification and eligibility requirements described in this announcement. Applicants who meet these requirements may be referred to the selecting official on a certificate of eligibles for consideration.

Applicants must certify that they maintain a permanent and exclusive residence within the defined vicinity of the field unit(s) listed in this announcement. Residency eligibility will be verified during the hiring process.

If your resume is incomplete or does not demonstrate that you meet the qualification requirements or specialized experience described in this announcement, you may be determined ineligible or not qualified for further consideration.

Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations.

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/04/2026:

1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
2. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP) consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be well qualified. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they exceed minimal qualifications for this position (i.e. Resume supports substantial possession of stated competencies) for the position.
3. Transcripts if qualifying based on education.
4. Proof of residence (e.g. mortgage or property deed, lease/rental agreement, utility bill, insurance policy).

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

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