Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee or Lateral

Emergency Communications Officer

The City of Idaho Falls is currently accepting applications for the position of Emergency Communications Officer. This posting is intended to fill either an entry-level Trainee position or a Lateral position, depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant. This is a civilian position within the Police Department and candidates are subject to the same standards as all law enforcement personnel as set by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Emergency Communications Officers are responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical personnel using radio and computer-aided dispatch systems. This position plays a critical role in public safety by accurately gathering information, prioritizing calls, and coordinating appropriate emergency responses.

Trainee Emergency Communications Officer (Entry-Level)

The Emergency Communications Officer, Trainee position is an entry-level role intended for applicants without prior emergency communications experience. While in the training phase, the Trainee participates in a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform emergency communications duties. Upon successful completion of the training program, the Trainee advances to perform entry-level technical duties involving the use of radio and communications equipment to dispatch police, fire, and emergency personnel in response to community emergency and assistance calls.

A Trainee applicant is an individual who may:

• Have no prior professional 911 or emergency dispatch experience
• Are interested in starting a career in emergency communications
• Are able to successfully complete a formal training program

Applicants without prior emergency communications experience should apply under the Trainee designation. Please review the Supplemental Job Information to gain a more detailed understanding of the duties, requirements, and expectations of this position

A. Graduation from high school or GED; AND B. One (1) year experience in a responsible work environment sufficient to demonstrate an aptitude or ability to perform above duties; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Lateral Emergency Communications Officer (Experienced)

The Lateral Emergency Communications Officer position is intended for experienced emergency communications professionals seeking a lateral transfer to the Idaho Falls Police Department.

A lateral Emergency Communications Officer performs the full scope of emergency communications duties, including receiving and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, and EMS units, and coordinating emergency responses using established policies and procedures.

A lateral applicant is an individual who:

• Is currently employed or has prior experience as a 911 Dispatcher or Emergency Communications Officer with another agency, and
• Has completed a recognized emergency communications training program

Idaho Falls Police Department will use the following criteria when selecting lateral applicants:

• Must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who is legally authorized to work in the United States.
• High School graduation or possession of a GED or equivalent
• Not less than 21 years of age at the time appointments
• Must possess a obtain a valid Idaho Drivers License by date of appointment

Outside Lateral Applicants

• Served with any police/law enforcement public safety or emergency communications center or in a center that routinely:
• Receives and prioritizes emergency 911 and non-emergency telephone calls from the public
• Processes information using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system
• Dispatches appropriate emergency services agencies such as police, fire and emergency medical units
• Retrieves and enters computer data for emergency response personnel within a service area and monitors public safety units in the field
• Cumulative related service must include a minimum of three (3) years of Public Safety or Emergency Communication dispatching. (POST Basic Certification)
• Must pass the Idaho POST Basic Certification Test within 18 months after hire.
• Validate evidence of successful completion of a related training academy certified by the appropriate state, federal or local regulatory or oversight agency.

Dispatching in non-emergency transportation services such as, trucking, bus, taxi, tow-truck, gas and water services, railroads, airlines or commercial or private couriers with NOT be considered as previous related experience.

Lateral applicants may be eligible for modified training based on experience and departmental assessment.

Lateral Hiring Process: Applicants applying under the Lateral designation who meet the minimum qualifications will participate in the following process:

• Application and resume review to ensure minimum qualifications are met
• Administrative interview
• Background process, including:
• Detailed background investigation
• Polygraph examination
• Psychological examination
• Medical screening

The starting rate of pay for the Lateral position may be higher and will be determined based on the applicant's relevant experience, training, and qualifications.

Important Information for Applicants

• This is a civilian position within the Police Department
• All applicants must meet Idaho POST standards
• Candidates must indicate whether they are applying as a Trainee or a Lateral applicant within the supplemental questionnaire during the application process.

Applicants without prior emergency communications experience should select the Trainee option. Applicants with prior professional 911 or emergency communications experience should select the Lateral option and submit a resume.