Communications Officer

Experience Required

One (1) year of customer service/public contact/clerical

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Compensation

$20.30 - $20.30 / yearly

Hours Per Week

40

Number Of Positions

1

Job Description

STILLWATER COUNTY

Job Description

CLASS TITLE: Communications Officer

DEPARTMENT: Sheriff’s Office

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Communications Officer/Undersheriff

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REVISION DATE: September 10, 2025

JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, the Communications Officer receives and processes emergency and non-emergency requests for service through telephone, radio, and computer-aided dispatch systems. The position is responsible for dispatching law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency responders; monitoring unit status and safety; maintaining accurate records; and providing the first point of contact for the public during urgent and often stressful situations. Work requires the ability to make rapid decisions, multi-task under pressure, and follow established procedures while exercising sound judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive and evaluate emergency and non-emergency calls for service; determine priority and dispatch appropriate personnel and resources.

• Operate communications systems, including radios, telephones, computer terminals, paging, and teletype equipment, following established protocols.

• Monitor unit location and status to ensure responder safety and timely support.

• Maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation of calls, responses, and activities.

• Provide clear, concise, and professional communication with responders, other agencies, and the public.

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Perform control room housekeeping and other duties as assigned.

• May serve as Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) or Alternate TAC.

• May assist in training new employees.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS: This position does not regularly supervise others but may provide training or guidance to new employees or trainees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

• One (1) year of work experience involving public contact, clerical/office work, or customer service requiring multi-tasking preferred.

• Basic computer skills required; familiarity with county geography helpful.

• Ability to remain calm under stress, communicate clearly, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

• Must obtain and maintain the following certifications within one (1) year of hire:

o Montana POST Basic Communications Officer Certification

o CJIN Certification

o Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification

o CPR Certification

• Must possess and maintain a valid Montana driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily in a dispatch center under moderate to high stress conditions.

• Requires extended periods of sitting, with frequent bending, stooping, and turning of the head.

• Must have sufficient vision, hearing, and speech clarity (with or without correction) to perform duties effectively.

• Requires ability to multi-task, concentrate, and make rapid decisions under pressure.

• Requires frequent contact with the public and multiple agencies, requiring tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.

• May be subject to long or irregular hours, rotating shifts, holidays, and call-outs.

• Must occasionally lift and move objects up to 50 pounds (greater with assistance).

• Work may involve mental and physical stress due to exposure to life-threatening emergencies and critical incidents.

Is this a registered apprenticeship?

False

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

202605

Application Instructions

Application can be found online at

Or pick up an application at 400 E 3rd Ave N-4th Floor