Telecommunicator

Job TitleTelecommunicatorsJob DescriptionTelecommunicators work a rotating 36 hour week followed by a 48 hour week, which could flex down to a 44 hour week determined by staffing. This allows for 4 to 8 hours of overtime per pay period. Telecommunicators with the League City Communication Center answer emergency 9-1-1 calls and non-emergency telephone calls. They provide lifesaving instructions while effectively communicating and relaying critical information between and among first responders and citizens. Telecommunicators play an essential part in the Public Safety System by dispatching emergency personnel and first responders to Police, Fire, and EMS calls for service 24/7. This is a safety sensitive position and requires participation in the City's random drug testing program.Job FunctionsThe intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.Operates a computer aided dispatch system in conjunction with a radio system to dispatch appropriate field units via radio, relays information to mobile units, and receives and processes information for departmental officials while constantly monitoring and maintaining contact with field units.Operates radio systems for Police, Fire, EMS, Fire Marshal, and other City services.Relays and updates necessary information to appropriate City departments and public safety agencies promptly.Answers incoming multi-line Emergency 9-1-1 telephone calls and delivers lifesaving medical instructions.Answers and directs all incoming non-emergency multi-line phones, including calls to the jail, administration, records, CID, animal control, traffic division, and calls for services that are received at the department. Contacts other law enforcement agencies, citizens, wrecker companies, utilities, railroads, City departments and other support functions to properly handle and process calls for service.Processes and retrieves data from the TCIC/NCIC system, monitors incoming teletypes, and other information as required by departmental, state, and federal guidelines.Provides training to new and existing employees and maintains specialized training certificates and licenses.Confirms and processes international, national, state, and City warrants and other documents according to policy and related laws.Works a variety of schedules in a 24 hour, 7 day a week in the Communication Center which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, and is considered essential personnel that work through emergency situations to include hurricanes and other disasters.Performs other related duties as assigned.QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED equivalent is requiredAbility to pass Criticall computerized testingAbility to pass all pre-employment screenings including personal interview, thorough background investigation, and psychological examsPreferred Licenses or CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch CertificationTCOLE Basic Telecommunications Certification and License with the ability to receive access from the National Crime Information CenterAt least one (1) year of related work experience preferred, but not requiredSupplemental InformationKnowledge of:English grammar, spelling, punctuationFunctions E911 equipment and telecommunication devices for the hearing and/or speech impairedCAD commands, nature codes, and functionalityTCIC/TLETS proceduresProQA dispatching systems and card setsPhone systems and directoriesCity and departmental policies and procedures; state and local laws and ordinancesFCC laws concerning using a radio to communicate with field unitsWarrant procedures and processing requirementsTraining and FTO program softwareSurrounding agencies and jurisdictional boundariesModern office procedures, methods, and computer equipmentSkill in:Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationshipsKeyboarding and data entryListening, comprehension, articulation and decision makingProviding customer servicePerforming a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different natureOperating 9-1-1 equipment and other emergency medical dispatching systemsAbility to:Pass extensive pre-employment screening, background investigation, polygraph, and psychological examsObtain TCOLE Basic Telecommunications Certification and other require Licenses within one year of hire dateReceive access from the National Crime Information CenterObtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification within one year of hire dateGather and disseminate information, clearly, accurately, and rapidlyRemain calm and level-headed in high stress situationsUnderstand and carry out oral and written directionsAccurately organize and maintain paper documents along with electronic filesMaintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundariesMeet schedules and deadlines of work assignmentsPhysical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for brief periods of time.BenefitsVacation leave accruals at the rate of 3.33 hours per pay period x 24 pay periods;Paid holidays that are determined on an annual basis;Employee paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance programs paid for by the City (Effective on first day of the month after your hire date – family benefits are available and require premiums paid by the employee).TMRS retirement plan that requires a mandatory employee contribution of 7% of gross earnings. The City matches this contribution at a rate of 2 to 1