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E911 Operator Hiring Process

What can I expect during the hiring process?

The Emergency Communications Center’s (ECC) hiring process is both robust and exciting! While the number of steps in the process may appear daunting at first glance, each one serves a distinct purpose and is tailored to ensure that applicants have a solid understanding of the role of Emergency 911 Operators, and what to expect once in the role. 

Process steps and typical duration:

  1. Job posting and application:
    1. The city typically posts its Emergency 911 Operator position once a year, for a six-week time period. During this time, interested parties can submit their application via Government Jobs for consideration.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 6 weeks
  2. Screening of applicants for minimum qualifications: 
    1. After the job posting closes, human resources personnel will screen each application to ensure that the individual meets the minimum qualifications listed on the job posting.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 2 weeks
  3. Online skills-based assessment: 
    1. All applicants that meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be sent a link to an online skills-based assessment. In order to move on in the process, applicants must take and pass this assessment, which measures skills such as keyboarding, active-listening, and ability to multi-task.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 3 days
  4. Behavioral assessment: 
    1. Applicants that pass the skills-based assessment will be sent a link to a behavioral based assessment. This assessment looks at whether applicants possess qualities of successful E911 Operators, such as customer service skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and the ability to work well in high-stress situations. Applicants must complete this assessment in order to move on to the next steps in the selection process.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 3 days
  5. Promulgation and approval of the eligibility list: 
    1. Applicants that successfully complete both the skills-based assessment and the behavioral assessment will be placed on an eligibility list. Applicants are ranked based on their exam score. Veteran credit may be given to applicants that submit a DD-214 and satisfy all requirements laid out in Civil Service Rule 5, Section 8. This list is approved by the City’s Civil Service Commission.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 4 weeks
  6. Referral of applicants to the Emergency Communications Centers hiring team:
    1. The top 25% of applicants from the eligibility list are referred to the ECC for consideration. Applicants falling outside the top 25% may be considered if referred applicants are disqualified or withdraw from the process.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 1-2 days 
  7. First-round interviews: 
    1. Eligible applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview with the ECC. This interview typically lasts around 15 minutes and is conducted virtually.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 1 week (1 month after referral of applicants)
  8. Observation and second-round interview:
    1. Applicants that are selected to move on in the process will be invited to observe and attend a second-round interview. During the observation, applicants will get the chance to sit with a current E911 Operator and experience the job first-hand. Individuals are encouraged to ask any questions they might have. Following the observation, a final interview will be conducted. Applicants should expect to spend approximately 3 hours in the Center during this visit. 
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 2 weeks  
  9. Reference and employment checks:
    1. The ECC’s hiring department will reach out to applicants’ past employers and references to ensure all information on an individual’s application is accurate and that the individual is a good fit for the center.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 4 weeks
  10. Contingent offer letter and pre-hire activities:
    1. The ECC will extend contingent offers to the top applicants to join the next training class. This offer is contingent upon successful completion of all pre-hire activities, which include a medical examination and drug screen, a background investigation, approval from LEADS administration, approval by the Civil Service Commission, and verification of employment eligibility.
    2. Expected duration of this hiring activity: 3-4 weeks
  11. Final offer letter:
    1. Applicants that pass all pre-hire activities will be extended a final offer to join the amazing team of public safety professionals at the ECC!

Total duration of the selection process: Approximately 18-24 weeks

Learn more about working at ECC as an Emergency 911 Operator:

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