About Our Community

Our service area is geographically diverse and demanding. Pierce County is the second most populous county in Washington state and a hub of international travel and commerce – via the Port of Tacoma, the largest transportation corridor in the state (Interstate-5), Puget Sound, its proximity to the Canadian border, and its position as a Pacific Rim state. It is also a major part of the state’s military core with Joint Base Lewis-McChord located within the county.

Pierce County’s 1,806 square miles include a forested mountain range with the largest active volcano in the Pacific Northwest (Mount Rainier), several major earthquake faults, 217 miles of Puget Sound saltwater shorelines, and a 2,400-acre port facility.

About South Sound 911

South Sound 911 is the result of collaborative problem-solving efforts between 911 centers and the community. In November 2011, residents of Pierce County voted for Proposition 1, which authorized a 0.1 percent sales tax increase to support public safety. With the community’s support, five1 911 centers consolidated under South Sound 911, and an integrated, reliable radio system is being built to provide better protection for first responders and safer communities.

Today, South Sound 911 is recognized as an expert in building police and fire dispatch interoperability2. The agency operates a regional 911 center in Pierce County which answers nearly 1 million emergency and non-emergency calls annually for 19 law enforcement and 18 fire/EMS agencies. All 4,591 South Sound 911-funded new public safety radios are in use, and in 2021 the agency completed construction of its new state-of-the-art facility in Tacoma. There, South Sound 911 consolidated all of its operations and administrative services under one roof.

As of 2025, South Sound 911 employs 267 highly trained professionals, many of whom work various shifts to provide 24-hour service for 911, dispatch, records management, information technology, and administration. To read more about the agency’s recent accomplishments download the 2024 Annual Report. (Older annual reports are available in the Washington State Archives.)

Mission

We will provide a modern, unified emergency communication and response system to protect and serve our communities and partner agencies.

Vision

We will collaborate with regional partners to protect lives, property and communities.

We will enhance public safety by:

• Assuring prompt responses to all emergencies and service requests
• Serving the public trust with reliable, interoperable, efficient and financially responsible systems
• Inspiring industry excellence with innovative technologies and staff

South Sound 911 currently employs approximately 280 personnel, many of whom work various shifts to provide 24-hour service for 911, dispatch, and records.

SUMMARY:

This position processes 911 and non-emergency calls by screening, recording information and transferring calls as appropriate for law enforcement, fire and medical aid services in an accurate and timely manner, providing routine information and assistance to the public as well as various law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies and other City and County agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Serve as primary communication link between partner agencies and the public by answering incoming calls on emergency and non-emergency lines, and processing appropriately according to policies and procedures in a calm and efficient manner.

Accurately record pertinent information into a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.

Communicate with the public, partner agencies and others to provide and receive information as requested or required, including preparation of a variety of reports such as general police reports, supplemental reports, 911 trouble reports and others as requested.

Operate a variety of communication equipment such as a personal computer, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, TDD and other technologies.

Provide training and orientation to other employees and assist co-workers when needed.

Obtain and maintain certifications required for this position.

Testify in court as required.

Additional duties as assigned and related.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Fluent use of the English language, to include the ability to understand written and verbal instructions, understand and interpret complex rules and procedures, explain and apply applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to work appropriately with confidential material and information.

Must be able to analyze situations quickly using independent judgment in problem solving and decision-making to adopt an effective course of action.

Communicate efficiently and effectively both orally and in writing using tact, patience and courtesy to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Ability to travel to other local locations in a timely manner, as needed for performance of the job.

Time management and organizational skills to work with interruptions and meet expected schedules and timelines.

Ability to work with Microsoft Office software, database applications, and standard communication systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school or equivalent, plus two years of experience involving considerable public contact
and multi-tasking. Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The agency operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year and work may be required at any time. Overtime work on a volunteer or mandatory basis to cover staffing and/or workload needs. May include extended shifts and/or work on scheduled day(s) off.

Must be able to hear and talk. Vision required in the job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Must frequently sit for extended periods at a computer terminal, walk both indoors and out, use hands to finger, handle or feel. Frequently required to reach with hands and arms; occasionally must stand, bend/stoop, or kneel. Occasionally must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Must be able to travel away from the regular worksite as required.

Indoor, climate-controlled office environment. Noise exposure is generally that of normal conversation level. Work requires extended periods of concentration and sedentary work at the work station, and is subject to frequent interruptions. Headsets are provided with suppressors to protect ears from feedback; fully adjustable ergonomic chairs, adjustable workstations with lighting options; wrist rest, footrest, non-glare computer screen.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee(s) in this job title. The statements are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employee(s) in this job title. Furthermore, the job description does not establish a contract of employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the agency.

South Sound 911 - 911 Call-Taker & Dispatcher (LE or Fire) has 5 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is February 23, 2026.

South Sound 911 is continuously hiring for positions within our Communications divisions.  If you are interested in a career with South Sound 911, please select our agency to receive your testing scores.

Veterans - you may apply your education and training benefits toward the approved 911 Call-Taker and Dispatcher On-the-Job training programs at South Sound 911.

Pay scale information:

911 Call-Taker/Telecommunicator 1 (TC1) – $34.29/hr

*Fire Dispatcher – $37.16/hr

*Law Enforcement Dispatcher – $37.81/hr

*not an entry -level position - must complete TC1 training prior to eligibility/consideration for this position

SOUTH SOUND 911 BENEFIT INFORMATION

LEAVE INFORMATION

VACATION LEAVE: Employees receive 96 hours of vacation per year initially. Vacation leave accrual increases occur on an employee's anniversary date.

SICK LEAVE: Employees receive 96 hours of sick leave per year.

HOLIDAYS: Employees receive 104 hours paid holidays.

HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS THROUGH ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON CITIES (AWC)

MEDICAL COVERAGE: Choice of four medical plans which include prescription drug coverage for the employee and their dependents. Employees choosing the AWC HealthFirst $250 Plan or Kaiser Permanente $200 deductible plan pay a monthly contribution amount of $40 for employee only and $80 for family coverage. South Sound 911 pays the remaining monthly premium.

South Sound 911 will pay 100% of the premiums for both employees and dependents electing one of the High Deductible Health Plans and contribute $2,400 for an individual and $4,800 for a family annually into an employee Health Savings Account (HSA). Employees will also be able to contribute to their HSA.

In addition, all South Sound 911 employees covered by another medical plan may be eligible to participate in the Opt-Out Program. In order to be eligible, the employee must certify that he/she and any qualifying dependents are covered on another medical plan. Employees approved to participate in the Opt-Out Program shall receive a monthly distribution of $500 to a qualified 457 deferred compensation plan. These contributions will apply to the annual maximum deferred contribution limits. Employees may only apply for the Opt-Out Program during open enrollment or at initial hire. Determination of eligibility shall be at the sole discretion of South Sound 911.

VISION: Vision coverage is offered through VSP for the employee and their dependents. South Sound 911 pays the monthly premium.

DENTAL COVERAGE: Choice of two dental programs for the employee and their dependents. South Sound 911 pays the monthly premium.

LIFE INSURANCE AND LONG TERM DISABILITY: South Sound 911 provides an employer paid life insurance benefit of 1x annual salary for all full time employees. Supplemental life and supplemental spousal life insurance are available at the employee’s expense. Employees also receive employer paid long-term disability coverage. The waiting period for long-term disability coverage is 180 days and payment is at 60% of the employee's monthly salary.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: ComPsych is an Employee Assistance Program offered to South Sound 911 employees and their families

For AWC specific benefit questions, you are welcome to contact AWC Employee Benefit Trust at 1-800-562-8981 or 360-753-4137, email: benefitinfo@awcnet.org website: www.awctrust.org.

WELLNESS PROGRAM: South Sound 911 offers several fun and engaging wellness activities throughout the year. For information about the South Sound 911 Wellness Program, please contact Gracie Burkhart atgracie.burkhart@southsound911.org or 253-287-4808.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

OTHER INSURANCE: Short Term Disability and other insurance options are available through AFLAC at the expense of the employee.

RETIREMENT: South Sound 911 employees participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and Public Safety Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS).

PERS Plan 2 is a defined benefit plan and PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit plan that includes a member-funded defined contribution component. Employees new to PERS will select PERS Plan 2 or PERS Plan 3 within 90-days of initial hire. New hires who were previously PERS members will complete new enrollment and beneficiary forms upon their transition to South Sound 911. Those who are PERS 3 plan members will have the opportunity to elect a new contribution rate during their initial hire with South Sound 911.

Effective June 1, 2024; individuals whose primary responsibility is to respond and process 911 emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, medical, or other public safety services will be enrolled in PSERS.

For more information on retirement plans, please visit www.drs.wa.gov or call 360-664-7000.

SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT PLAN: South Sound 911 makes contributions on behalf of all eligible employees to a 401(a) Social Security replacement plan, in addition to contributions made by the employee. Employer and employee contributions mirror Social Security, which are 6.2% of wages up to the annual Social Security Wage Base maximum.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: South Sound 911 employees have access to a deferred compensation program through MissionSquare. Quarterly one-on-one meetings with a retirement plans specialist from MissionSquare are made available to employees at the work site.

PAY PERIODS: South Sound 911 has 26 payroll periods. Pay dates occur every other Friday and checks are deposited via direct deposit.

Have additional benefit or payroll questions? Please contact Gracie Burkhart, Accounting Manager at 253-287-4808 or gracie.burkhart@southsound911.org.