Communications Operator

Job Title: Public Safety Dispatcher

Responsible for receiving, screening, and dispatching information over the communications system. The dispatcher is responsible for rapid and effective screening of calls, eliciting accurate information, and transmitting that information through a variety of radio, telephone, or intercom systems. The dispatcher is also responsible for a variety of clerical activities specific to the police department, and other work as required.

Work Experience/Requirements:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited school/institution.
• Must type 25 words per minute, as demonstrated in an exam.
• Trained in the handling of emergency calls is highly desirable, but not necessary.
• Skilled in the use of computer terminals is desirable.
• Must be able to obtain certification as "911 Public Safety Telecommunicator" by the State Of Florida within one year of date of appointment/hire.
• Upon completion of training, must pass test and obtain certification by the International or National Academy of Emergency Dispatch in Emergency Medical Dispatch (E.M.D.), Emergency Fire Dispatch (E.F.D.), and Emergency Police Dispatch (E.P.D.)
• Must be able to obtain C.J.I.S. Certification immediately upon being appointed/hired.
• Background Check: Applicants must pass a background investigation, critical assessment, psychological evaluation, physical/drug screening, and polygraph.
• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a United States Citizen.
• Shift Work: Positions are often 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of modern medical, fire, and law enforcement practices, procedures and methods.
• Knowledge of the proper legal functions of government agencies, sufficient to answer or redirect citizen inquiries.
• Knowledge of Fire and Police departmental regulations pertaining to complaint and dispatch activities.
• Knowledge of the roadways and political boundaries of the incorporated Town area.
• Knowledge of the organizational structure of Town departments and key personnel.
• Knowledge of Town facilities, local geography, landmarks and jurisdictional boundaries.
• Skilled in the use of computer terminals, advanced multi-line telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch system, records management systems, radio communication and related equipment.
• Ability to perform a variety of clerical duties including, but not limited to photocopying, filing and inventory control.
• Ability to train and supervise new Public Safety Dispatchers.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public by means of the telephone or person to person contact.
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively with the public.
• Ability to keep simple records.
• Ability to hear accurately and speak clearly, using good diction.
• Ability to analyze information from a variety of sources, assesses a situation, use sound judgment in drawing valid conclusions and takes appropriate action in crises situations that may include life and death decisions.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate files, logs and other written or computerized records and report.
• Ability to spell correctly and write legibly using correct grammar.
• Ability to verify information and solve discrepancies.
• Ability to look up information in directories by index or cross reference.
• Ability to understand, retain and apply detailed and complex written, verbal and demonstrated procedures, information and regulations to a variety of situations.
• Ability to effectively prioritize duties when dealing simultaneously with several functions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing and maintain effective working relations with other employees, outside agencies, and the public by means of radio, telephone or person-to-person contact.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have ability to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, stand, hear, hands to finger dexterity, handle, feel or operate objects, read and write English.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office equipment, such as but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier and fax machines.
• Work is performed indoors within a quiet to moderately noisy environment.
• Must be able to lift, carry and or push articles weighing up to 20 lbs.

Flexible schedule is required.

Starting Salary: $62,008.13, Excellent benefits.

The Town of Surfside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans' preference will be awarded under applicable Florida Law. All resumes are subject to Florida Public Records Laws.