Pennsylvania’s 911 centers are having trouble finding and keeping dispatchers.

Staffing shortages are a problem in many counties across the state as well as across the country, says Ruth A. Miller, director of communications for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

Schuylkill County is no exception.

County commissioners on Wednesday approved steps 911 Director Scott Krater is taking to ensure all shifts are fully covered.

Krater says his staff has 22 employees, four less than a full roster.

The staffing efforts include a revised mandatory overtime schedule to a seniority rotating basis instead of always having it fall on the person with the least seniority, and hiring people to work by the day as needed, he said.

The change in mandatory overtime scheduling required an agreement between the county and the telecommunicators to amend their union contract. That happened on Oct. 12, 2022.

The center is seeking applicants.

Successful applicants should “have the desire to help people, appreciate emergency services, and be able to handle stressful situations,” he said.

Dispatchers start at $15.50 an hour, then get $16.50 once they successfully complete their training.

Neighboring Carbon County seems to one of the few exceptions to short-staffed 911 centers.

“Fortunately, all our positions are filled, full and part time, and we have a few applications on file,” said Director Gary L. Williams.

Wages for Carbon’s dispatchers are $18.73 for full time and $15.80 for part time, Williams says.

PEMA’s Miller says the reasons for dispatcher shortages are many.

They include that “people can make more money in a less-demanding job; working hours include holidays, weekends and overnights - not appealing to some people; intensive training period - some people start the training and realize this work is not for them; and burn out - telecommunicators are the first ‘first responders’ and this job takes a mental and emotional toll,” she said.

The good news is efforts are being made to make 911 dispatching more attractive.

“The Shapiro administration is committed to working with county and federal partners to find workable and realistic solutions to support counties in their obligation to provide 911 service within their jurisdictions,” Miller said.

“With the support of the 911 fee, counties are working to increase pay where possible.”

She said that PEMA has started a public education campaign and expanded online resources to educate the public about the 911 profession and where opportunities exist.

“PEMA and the counties have been investing in technology sharing solutions that will provide the opportunity to use technology to share the workload and eventually personnel among county 911 centers,” Miller said.