Dispatcher/Communication Specialist - Public Safety (Temporary)

Make a difference when it matters most. The Grand Valley Department of Public Safety is seeking a Dispatcher/Communication Specialist to serve as the vital connection between our community and emergency response teams. This position primarily supports third shift operations, making it ideal for someone who is dependable, alert, and thrives during overnight hours. If you’re calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and driven to help others, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.


Working Hours: There is an average of 29 hours per week, and the candidate must be willing to work weekends and/or holidays. The candidate must be available for any shift where coverage may be needed, but primarily 3rd shift.


Compensation: $20.50 per hour


There are no benefits associated with this position.

Summary:

This position performs a variety of communication and operational duties in support of the Grand Valley Police Department. The dispatcher will monitor all incoming phone lines as well as audio and video surveillance equipment. This will include but not be limited to the center computer terminal and base radios. This position is considered essential personnel, which means the Dispatcher will be required to come to work or be called in to work in cases of emergency, inclement weather, or other staff shortages. While this position may be asked to work various shifts, we are primarily seeking a candidate who is able to cover third shift.

Responsibilities:

• This position performs a variety of communication and operational duties in support of the Grand Valley Police Department and Campus Security. The dispatcher will monitor all incoming phone lines as well as video surveillance equipment. This position is considered essential personnel which means the Dispatcher will be required to come to work or be called in to work in cases of emergency, inclement weather, or other staff shortages.
• Oversee and monitor communication and dispatch activities for multiple campus locations.
• Operate a multi-line telephone system to direct calls to appropriate personnel, providing information as requested.
• Provide flexible, responsive and high-quality service to students, community, staff, and visitors.
• Document all pertinent information relating to incidents on campus, personnel matters, etc. on the computerized incident reporting management system.
• Follow departmental policies and appropriate laws.
• Support the teaching and learning process; practice honesty and integrity in and out of the department; strive to create and support a student-centered environment while fostering academic innovation and excellence.
• Enter security incident data into an automated record management system.
• Work with other areas of the university to ensure a spirit of university-wide collaboration, collegiality, civility, and teamwork.
• Provide routine information to the public.
• Prepare and submit electronic work orders to the Facilities Department (when applicable).
• Handle confidential information appropriately.
• Attend required trainings.
• Review a daily pass-on log for any need-to-know information.
• Testify in court proceedings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school graduate.
• Demonstrate experience to successfully maintain positive intercultural and interpersonal relationships.
• Demonstrate experience to successfully provide quality customer service.
• Demonstrate experience to successfully maintain satisfactory work performance and attendance.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to stay calm under rapidly evolving situations.
• Demonstrate experience to successfully use various computer software applications.
• Demonstrate experience to successfully operate office equipment.
• Demonstrate experience to successfully work independently and organize own work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some college course work.

How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Dan Bohle ( [email protected] ). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: Application review begins Monday April 13, 2026, and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See . TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.