Emergency Medical Dispatcher - Examination

Application Open Date: 10/26/2026

Application Close Date: 11/09/2026

SALARY: $46,855.95 - $65,381.44 per year.

APPLICATION INFORMATION 

This application is not for an immediate opening, by submitting an application you are applying to take a Civil Service Examination for the opportunity to be placed on an Eligible List for a future opening. To learn more about the Civil Service examinations and Eligible Lists please visit the Cleveland Civil Service Webpage: FAQs | City of Cleveland Ohio

TYPING TEST: This portion of the test is Pass/Fail. Applicants will be required to take a typing exam and MUST be able to type 25 wpm with 90% accuracy. Failure to type the minimum words per minute AND the required percentage of accuracy will result in a zero for the final score.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION: The exam may be computerized, or a traditional pencil and paper designed to test the objectives of the duties and minimum qualifications of the classification. 

Under general supervision, answers emergency telephone calls from citizens and other agencies; elicits pertinent information, prioritizes the call utilizing information received from the caller, and assigns the proper priority code. Provides post-dispatch information and lifesaving pre-arrival instructions to the callers. Displays compassion and empathy toward callers at all times; utilizes different techniques to calm callers when needed. Maintains proficiency in emergency dispatch in order to achieve and maintain certification in priority dispatch. Operates the Division of Emergency Medical Service computers as well as phone and radio equipment according to City and FCC rules and regulations. Maintains familiarity with the streets of Cleveland and dispatches Emergency Medical Service units on the basis of availability and proximity to scene of the requested service. Coordinates emergencies needing multiple Emergency Medical Service units and resources from other agencies. Maintains familiarity with various resource agencies used by Emergency Medical Service (e.g.: Police, Fire, Coast Guard, etc.) and contacts these agencies as needed. Performs other related duties as may be assigned or required to meet emergency situations.

High School Diploma or GED required. Associate’s Degree or Certificates of Medical Assistance or Health Care Aide are preferred. Bilingual candidates are also preferred. Must have a working knowledge of computers and be able to type at least 25 words per minute with 90% accuracy. Must pass any certification testing required to perform the duties of the position and maintain said certifications as required. Certifications include those required to access national, state and local criminal databases (LEADS) Instruction in these or any other job specific certifications will be provided as part of employee training. Must be able to lift and carry 30 pounds.

Reminder: Minimum qualifications must be met as of the last day of the applications accepted. You must upload these documents at the time of submitting your application or email the documents to [email protected] and include the Job Title in the email. 

NOTE: Minimum qualifications must be met as of the last day of the filing period unless

RESIDENCY CREDIT

In accordance with the Ordinances of the City of Cleveland: A person who has had as his/her primary residence in the City of Cleveland for at least one year at the time of filing a Civil Service application, and desires to take an entry-level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written examination is attained, have ten (10) points added to his/her passing score. (NOTE: Not all Examinations consider residency credit in the scoring process) To substantiate a claim for residency points, Applicants must UPLOAD LEGIBLE COPIES of the following:

A signed and notarized Residency Affidavit available on the City’s website here:

https://www.clevelandohio.gov/sites/clevelandohio/files/AffidavitOfResidency0321.pdf

CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (CMSD) PREFERENCE CREDIT 

An applicant who is a graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and is participating in an open competitive entrance-level examination, as determined by the Commission, shall receive an additional five (5) points upon achieving a passing score, as established in the examination announcement. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from a CMSD school at the time of application to qualify for this credit.

Veterans' preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F and 4.40G. Proof of active service or a DD Form 214, must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing application for the examination in which credit is sought in order to qualify for veterans' credit. If the applicant has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions that applicant shall receive an additional five (5) points added to their raw score on the examination; or ten (10) points are added to their raw score on the examination if applicant’s supporting documentation indicates more than fifteen percent (15%) service-connected disability. NOTE: Only DD Form 214 (long form) or an official armed service document indicating type of discharge or separation and the dates of active service will be accepted as proof of active service.

Reminder: To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e. Resume, Certifications, Driver’s License, etc....) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, military status, disability, age and religion.