Lead Telecommunicator

LEAD TELECOMMUNICATOR Category: Full-Time Status: Open Hourly Rate: Min. $26.432 - Mid $33.040

DEFINITION

Supervises, leads, and participates in the work of staff responsible for performing a variety of duties involved in receiving incoming calls for police, fire, emergency medical, and animal control assistance and dispatch necessary units; to operate TCIC/NCIC, CAD, 911 and switchboard equipment; and to perform a variety of general support duties related to communications activities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed. Incumbents assume the responsibility of providing supervision to assigned staff, perform the more technical work of the unit, and provide administrative support to the dispatch operations. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to the assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

The Lead Telecommunicator reports directly to the Support Services Supervisor. Under general supervision, the employee receives assignments and is expected to carry them through to completion with substantial independence. May receive operational supervision from Police Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Adheres to City attendance and punctuality policies demonstrating dependability. Adheres to all City safety policies (protective equipment, pre-duty precautions checklist, etc.) to prevent unnecessary or unreasonable risk of injury to self, others, or property. Adheres to department dress code policies to present a professional appearance. Should exhibit appropriate grooming and attire for the position and responsibility. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Assist the Support Services Supervisor to ensure all calls for service are promptly and efficiently handled by communications personnel and are transmitted or transferred to the appropriate personnel according to current policies and procedures. Supervise Telecommunicators on assigned shift who handle life and death situations on a daily basis and situations that could incur great liability if not handled properly. Assist in coordinating the scheduling of dispatch center staff; ensure all shifts are sufficiently covered. Maintain discipline and ensure that Department rules and policies are followed. Provide a variety of staff and administrative assistance related to the dispatch center; attend monthly meetings with the Support Services Supervisor and other management staff to resolve issues related to dispatch; perform special projects as assigned including researching training opportunities and developing related policies and procedures. Documents/provides performance feedback and furnishes information for the formal performance evaluation. Documents and provides information to the Support Services Supervisor regarding any problems or complaints involving assigned shift personnel. Assist the Support Services Supervisor with any necessary training and development of an evolving training program. Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff. Perform normal Telecommunicator duties as well. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Principles of leadership, supervision and training. Operations, services, and activities of a Public Safety Telecommunications and dispatch center. Methods and techniques of receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching and non-emergency calls for service. Functions of the Public Safety Department and other City departments. Geographic features and locations within the area served. Basic office skills, including Windows based PC applications. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to: Lead, organize, and review the work of the Communications Center. Independently perform the most difficult work related to the area of work assigned including technical and administrative duties. Provide one-on-one training for new Telecommunicators. Make independent decisions that affect the safety of all personnel. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Apply standard broadcasting procedures and rules and standard radio or telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment. Be familiar with geographic features and streets of the City. Apply Department procedures and policies, and those of the other user agencies. Apply Public safety classifications codes and computer commands. Follow TCIC/NCIC Guidelines. Operate all communication equipment and office equipment quickly and accurately. Instruct new employees. Speak clearly and precisely. Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, make sound decisions in emergency situations. Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens. Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Operate teletype and other office equipment. Spell accurately. Work various shifts as assigned.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Two years of experience as a Telecommunicator in Public Safety preferred. High School Diploma or GED required.

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
• Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of La Porte