Work as a 911 Emergency Communications Professional
The voice they never forget, on the day they’ll never forget.
When someone calls 911, the first voice they hear is not a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic. It is a 911 professional.
The work of a 911 professional is unlike any other career. No two days are the same. Each call brings new challenges, new decisions, and lives depending on the response. Emergency call takers and dispatchers are the connection between chaos and help. They speak with people on their worst day, moments they will never forget, and guide them through it.
They calm panic, gather critical details, give life-saving instructions, and send the right help. Police, fire, and EMS depend on the information provided to act quickly and effectively. Every decision in this role carries weight because every second counts.
The work is demanding, fast-paced, and intense. It is also deeply rewarding.
Through a paid, one-year training program, accredited internationally by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), DEC personnel learn how to manage emergencies, dispatch responders, and bring order when everything feels out of control. Training also includes opportunities to attend local, state, and national conferences that help expand knowledge and skills.
Competitive Pay and Outstanding Benefits
DEC offers competitive pay, with opportunities to advance. Along with a rewarding career helping others, you’ll receive:
- Insurance Coverage – Medical, vision, dental, life, and disability
- Retirement Security – Fully funded pension
- Paid Time Off – 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 11 paid holidays per year
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
- And more!
Opportunities to Grow
- Serve as a Communications Training Officer (CTO), guiding and mentoring new employees
- Step into a Quality Assurance Evaluator role after serving as a training officer
- Potential to advance into leadership roles and positions through internal promotions
Team members also have the chance to expand their careers through unique programs and teams within the DEC:
- C.O.R.E. Team: Community Outreach, Recruitment, and Education. Represent the department and connect directly with the community.
- N.T.E.R.T.: Nashville Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team. A tactical dispatch team that supports large-scale events and major incidents.
- R.C.T.: Remote Call Taking. An opportunity allowing personnel to occasionally answer non-emergency calls from home. While this is not a full-time remote assignment, personnel are often assigned one shift from home weekly.
- Committees: Participate in one or several committees like the Employee Engagement Committee or Technology Advisory Committee. These committees give team members a voice in shaping the future of the department and improving operations.
Why You Should Apply
If you can think on your feet, stay calm under pressure, and want your work to matter, this career may be right for you. Emergency Communications Professionals are the voices people cling to in crisis, the steady presence they will always remember.
Join Our Team!
This career offers stability, growth, and the chance to make a real difference. Please visit the Metro Human Resources page for current available positions.
The Department of Emergency Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.