Telecommunicator I

Job Title

This classification performs communications work in the operation of telephone, radio, and other related equipment in the 911 Emergency Communications Center. Work is performed in a high stress environment under direct supervision and involves primary responsibility for answering emergency calls and taking appropriate action.

Job Description

Essential functions include quickly learning and applying knowledge of major County landmarks, common areas, housing developments, mobile home parks, schools, churches, major employers, fire and EMS station locations, shelters, all major highways and arteries, street-grid number/naming conventions, and major anomalies to these; creating County maps outlining emergency service zones for Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement as training aids. Other duties include quickly learning and applying applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), using a headset while continually sitting at a computer terminal for long periods of time, maintaining concentration; operating keyboard and communications equipment in a rapid, accurate, and efficient manner, answering emergency 911 calls using the VESTA computer system, taking appropriate action to obtain and verify callers address, identity, and the need of the caller, determining correct response for Fire, EMA, Police, or any other agency response, using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for 911 call processing, verification of caller location and agency response determination, building computer screens on CAD system for Fire, EMS and Police Dispatch, providing critical information in "remarks" fields of CAD screen to assist responders, using emergency medical, police and fire protocol software and/or flip cards to determine level and priority of medical, police and fire response, keeping compliance level up to standards set by the agency, maintaining bi-annual IAED certification along with updates on all protocols, comprehending and following oral and written instructions, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others, accepting constructive directions from co-workers and supervisors when dealing in emergency and/or non-emergency situations, thinking and acting quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations, communicating clearly and effectively in a concise and non-offensive manner, orally and in writing, and performing other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduate or equivalent. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Position requires a psychological examination and a medical examination to determine fitness for duty. Through pre-employment training and exercises, candidates must successfully complete H.I.P.A.A. certification. Telecommunicator must successfully complete the following department-provided training/certification programs within specified time frames as required: Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification within three months of hire, Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification within three months of hire, Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification within three months of hire, National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications within one year of hire, Introduction to Hazardous Materials certification within three months of hire, C.P.R certification within three months of hire, Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) or equivalent within three months of hire, Complete Mandatory State Telecommunicator license within one year of hire, Must pass NCIC/FCIC criminal background check, Must complete F.B.I CJIS Security Awareness Training within six months of hire. All required certifications must remain current and active.