Communications Dispatcher

Your Role: As a Communications Dispatcher, you will serve as a critical link between the public and emergency services. Working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, you will coordinate and dispatch police, fire, medical, and operations personnel in response to a wide variety of incidents at Portland International Airport and other Port facilities.

This is more than just answering calls—it’s about ensuring safety, staying calm under pressure, and delivering clear, timely communication that makes a real impact. You’ll be part of a team that works closely with law enforcement, emergency responders, and aviation security teams to keep our airport safe and secure.

What You Bring: You bring strong communication skills, sound decision-making under pressure, and a calm, professional demeanor. You have a natural instinct for customer service and the ability to multitask in a high-volume, high-stakes environment. Whether or not you have previous experience as a 911 dispatcher, you’re committed to public service, eager to learn, and ready to grow as part of a supportive, team-driven operation.

Working Conditions: This is a 24/7 operation, including holidays and weekends. Dispatchers work rotating shifts and must be available for overtime, emergency response, and support during large-scale incidents. You’ll work primarily indoors in a secure, technology-rich environment.

Disclaimer: Numbers are based on the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Premium Pay: Premium pay may be available to Dispatchers who possess an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Intermediate Certification or Advanced Certification.

• Provide emergency and non-emergency dispatch and communication services in support of first responders and airport operations using a wide range of advanced technologies.
• Monitor and operate multiple radio talk groups and telephone lines, providing timely, accurate information to the public, airport employees, and public safety personnel.
• Operate and monitor various computer systems, including computer-aided dispatch (CAD), fire alarm panels, access control and duress alarm systems, surveillance platforms, and law enforcement data systems.
• Observe security surveillance feeds covering perimeter gates, terminal doors, security checkpoints, airport roadways, parking structures, and other critical infrastructure; initiate appropriate responses when necessary.
• Act as a central point of contact and communication between internal teams and external agencies, providing outstanding customer service and situational support.
• Coordinate and support effective response efforts to maintain safety and continuity across Portland International Airport (PDX) and General Aviation facilities.

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities: 

• Skilled at communicating effectively under stressful situations while maintaining composure and conveying clear concise information.
• Able to build key partnerships with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Skilled at intake/output of data and maintaining accurate typing of at least 45 words per minute.
• Work efficiently in a complex environment, with rapidly shifting and conflicting priorities.
• Effectively solve problems, while applying complex procedures under high-pressure circumstances.
• Monitor several operational systems, listen, and paraphrase important information in a timely manner.

Selection Process (Important Information): As part of the public safety role, the selection process for this position is thorough and may take 2-3 monthsto complete. It includes several steps designed to ensure candidates meet the high standards required for this critical position. Please review the steps below and understand the timeline involved:

1. Application Materials & Qualification Review

2. Screening Interview

3. Reading Comprehension & Critical Thinking Assessment

   1. Note: Candidates who are not currently DPSST certified and do not hold a qualifying college degree will be required to pass a standardized assessment (e.g., CritiCall) before advancing to the panel interview.

4. Panel Interview

5. Background Investigation

6. Psychological Exam

7. Medical Exam

8. Pre-employment Drug Test

9. TSA & CJIS Security Screening

10. Employment Confirmation

Applicants should be prepared for a comprehensive screening process, which includes multiple evaluations and a detailed background check. This process is necessary to maintain the highest standards of safety and service. Our goal is to schedule the first round of virtual interviews for candidates who pass the initial evaluation in mid to late June.

About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have – our three airports, three working marine terminals, five business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them – to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone’s life better. And we’ll use our power and influence to pull down barriers, unlock new opportunities, ensure more people share in our region’s success and include those who have been excluded in the past. With YOUR help – together with our partners, customers, and community – we’ll help drive meaningful change!

Do you have questions about this job?

Contact us: careers@portofportland.com

Safety: The Port promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice in accomplishing work by complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination and affirmative action. At the Port, we don't just accept difference; we value and support it to create a culture of inclusiveness and fun. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran’s preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.