Public Safety Dispatcher

Earlham College Inc Richmond, Indiana, United States Safety

About this position

Earlham College is a Top 100 National Liberal Arts College located in Richmond, IN, a small city that's just a short drive away from several major metropolitan areas including Dayton, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Richmond and Earlham have a symbiotic relationship. Through research, studies, internships and volunteering, Earlhamites offer Richmond expertise and service as Richmond offers our students the chance to gain valuable, real-world experience. Our community assumes no religious affiliation but follows Quaker principles and practices, which include respect for persons, integrity, a commitment to peace and justice, simplicity, and consensus-based community decision-making. Earlham is committed to and proud of being a diverse and inclusive place most clearly visible in our student body: 20% of our student body are international, coming from 60+ nations in 2022, and 24% are domestic students of color. Faculty and staff also bring tremendous diversity to the College; many have lived and worked outside the United States, and they make a point of drawing on those experiences in their interactions with students. Additionally, Earlham makes it a priority to serve as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ communities and has a four-star rating on the Campus Pride Index. Our community is characterized by respect for every person and a commitment to social justice. Equity and inclusion are central to Earlham's institutional priorities and our leadership is committed to widening the path to an Earlham education.

Earlham College is seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher to join our team!

Position Summary:  

The Public Safety Dispatcher, reporting to the Assistant Director of Public Safety, manages all incoming switchboard calls, coordinates the dispatch and deployment of Public Safety Officers and other appropriate personnel, and serves as the primary emergency contact for the campus. The position also serves as the main point of contact for all office visitors.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:  

  • Answers all Public Safety phones (emergency and non-emergency) and initiates appropriate responses.
  • Answers incoming calls received through the campus switchboard and forwarding them to the appropriate office or providing information as needed.
  • Monitors all campus alarm systems (fire, security, etc.), and dispatches the appropriate response personnel. 
  • Maintains necessary communications with patrol officers, as well as local law enforcement, fire department, and emergency medical personnel as needed.
  • Maintains accurate shift logs.
  • Utilizes the department's computer records management system for reports and data entry.
  • Provides front desk assistance to students, employees, and visitors of the College, this includes, but is not limited to, issuing parking permits, ID cards and keys, and assisting with fleet rentals and safety shuttle operations.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Previous experience in human services, first responder/emergency response, customer service, or related field preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain a working knowledge of College and departmental rules and regulations.
  • Ability to think and act quickly and professionally in sensitive situations.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with other Public Safety staff, College employees, and local law enforcement officials.
  • Ability to work and communicate well with college-aged adults in a diverse and multicultural environment.
  • Ability to work on an on-call basis to cover mandatory minimum staffing needs as they arise.
  • Computer proficiency required.
  • Applicants with previous First Responder experience preferred.
  • Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain a neat and organized work style, excellent phone etiquette skills, and the ability to handle confidential information.
  • A valid driver's license and a minimum of 2 years of driving history.

Employee Benefits at Earlham:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*
  • Company paid Long-Term Disability after 1 year of full-time service*
  • Basic and Voluntary Life insurance* 
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Campus Store Discount
  • Free ticket vouchers for Richmond Symphony Orchestra
  • Wellness Center Free Membership or Discount for eligible employees
  • Athletic Games-Free entry to all home games 
  • Free entry into most Theatre/Music shows
  • Tuition Benefits for Immediate Family for eligible employees*
  • 403(b) Retirement* – For eligible employees, Earlham will contribute a non-elective contribution equal to 5% of gross pay after 2 years of service. After 3 years of service, this non-elective contribution increases to 8%. Vesting credit is available for new employees with previous service in the education sector with required documentation.
  • Many Wayne County Chamber of Commerce member businesses offer discounts to anyone with an Earlham ID

*All employee benefit offerings are subject to employee eligibility per plan documents. 

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To Apply

  • Please submit the following application materials along with your application.
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • List of Three References with Contact Information

Earlham College is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against any individual based on race, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, religion, or other protected classifications under applicable laws. The College is committed to building a diverse community that reflects the makeup of society and particularly welcomes and supports individuals from historically marginalized groups. As an institution with a Quaker identity, Earlham also encourages applications from members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Earlham's Work Authorization Policy

Earlham utilizes E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees within the United States.


The position will primarily work weekday shifts but may occasionally be required to work evenings, nights, and holidays as needed.