Job Description
Salary: $32.89 - $41.81 Hourly
Location : Needham, MA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202100375
Department: Police
Opening Date: 11/10/2025
Closing Date: 11/24/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Description The Town of Needham is seeking a qualified individual to fill the full-time position of
Public Safety Dispatcher . Under the general supervision of the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor, the Public Safety Dispatcher is responsible for receiving all oral and electronic communications from the public and public safety personnel coming into the station, and the initial deployment of law enforcement and / or Fire Department personnel and equipment. Sound decision-making capability is necessary in transmitting requests for service to the appropriate location.
Schedule: 8-hour shifts, rotating 4 days on, 2 days off, totaling 40 hours per week
CON #26048 Duties and Responsibilities These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:
- Answer all telephone calls promptly and respond using the appropriate statement
- Greet in person patrons at dispatch area, determining needs and triaging issues to ensure needs are met; escalating issues/concerns when necessary
- Be thoroughly familiar with departmental procedures relating to the use of radio and other communication equipment
- Acquire thorough knowledge of the location and layout of streets, buildings, parks, housing developments and other significant areas of the community to maximize the accuracy and speed of dispatches
- Keep personnel who have been dispatched on calls fully informed of all facts affecting the safety or efficiency of their response to the call
- Report any deployment of public safety personnel beyond their regularly assigned routes or sectors to the designated supervisor
- Inform the designated supervisor when contact with an employee cannot be made after a reasonable amount of time
- Remain familiar with emergency procedures that relate to matters requiring urgent attention to be capable of activating them immediately
- Maintain equipment, especially the emergency call lines, in working order and immediately report any malfunction or defect to the designated supervisor.
- Record all significant communications as required by current departmental procedures
- Respond to all complaints received in a calm, civil manner
Requirements The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:
- High school, plus elementary technical training acquired on the job or through one year or less of technical or business school
- One to three (1 - 3) years of experience relevant to the position
- Knowledge of public safety and dispatching procedures
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with street locations
- Keyboarding/CAD skills
- General computer skills
Preferred Qualifications or the Ability to Obtain: - CPR Certification upon hire or the ability to obtain within six months of hire
- First responder certification upon hire or the ability to obtain within six months of hire
- MA state 911 certification upon hire or the ability to obtain within six months of hire
Supplemental Information To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application by clicking "Apply."
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on November 24, 2025. The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.
The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at
As a Town of Needham employee, you are offered a rewarding career-opportunity serving the Needham community, a thriving and growing town of approximately 32,000 residents and a diverse commercial tax base. The municipality has a Representative Town Meeting form of government, with a five-member elected Select Board who appoints a Town Manager to serve as the Chief Executive Officer. Town departments include Public Works, Police, Fire, Library, Public Health, Park & Recreation, Aging Services, Youth and Family Services, Treasury, Tax collection, Tax assessing, Finance, IT, Human Resources and more!
The Town of Needham is a professionally run organization that is committed to creating an inclusive culture where employees can perform at the highest levels. Our employees are dedicated to their work and rely on each other as a team to ensure that Needham remains a place where engaged and committed people want to live, work and play.
The total offer will feature a comprehensive benefits package, which may include (depending on position):
- Competitive Compensation
- Flexible Work Options
- Early Release Fridays at 12:30 pm (position dependent)
- 12.5 Paid Holidays
- Generous Family and Medical Leave (employee group specific)
- Retirement Plan: Contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan (mandatory participation)
- 457b Deferred Compensation Plan, Pre-tax or Roth with Employer Contribution Match (voluntary participation)
- Access to Rosemary Recreation Complex Pool during Summer months
- Access to Recycling and Solid Waste facility
- Free Library Card with Needham Free Public Library (part of the Minuteman Library Network)
- Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
- Health Savings Account with an Eligible Health Insurance Plan
- Flexible Spending Account for Health Care and Dependent Care
- Dental and Vision Coverage
- Basic and Optional Life Insurance Coverage
- Paid Personal and Vacation Leave
- Employer Paid Non-Occupational Sick Leave
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program which includes mental health, financial education, legal referrals, and much more
- Employer-paid training opportunities, such as courses for municipal finance and leadership; conference or trade show attendance; paid memberships to professional organizations
- Tuition Assistance and Paid Professional Development Opportunities
- Qualified Employer for the Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and Free Parking
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Summer work, Immediate start, Flexible hours, Rotating shift,