Dispatcher

Dispatcher

Summary of Responsibilities: Receives calls on the City's 911 system for both emergencies and non-emergencies. For emergency calls, obtains information from callers and determines the appropriate agency to respond; dispatches appropriate agency, providing them with information needed to respond and to ensure personnel/officer safety; works to keep caller calm; monitors status of response; and contacts other services or utility companies as needed. For non-emergency calls, provides information, answers questions, takes messages, and/or refers caller to appropriate staff; contacts various other departments as needed to resolve problems. Responsibilities include performance of varied clerical activities and the periodic testing of communications equipment. Although the disposition of calls is in accordance with established procedures and regulations, the employee must demonstrate good judgment and knowledge of geographical layout of the area, in dispatching activities. Work is reviewed by the observation and monitoring of the employee's operations and radio communications.

Examples of Duties:

• Receives telephone inquiries and requests for service, dispatches personnel from the appropriate agency and equipment to the scenes of incidents, accidents and other emergencies using radio, telephone, pager and other alarm equipment.
• Monitors alarm board, digital computer and law enforcement information printer for incoming messages.
• Monitors National Weather Service information and dispatches weather information.
• Monitors various local, county and state law enforcement, fire protection and public service information systems.
• Prepares and maintains a log of all communications occurring on an assigned shift in accordance with the rules and regulations of the department.
• Performs minor adjustments and replacements in communication equipment or reports defects.
• Answers telephone calls and requests for information providing routine departmental information or routing inquiries to appropriate personnel
• Periodically tests the operation of the alarm system.

Desirable Minimum Qualifications:

• Some experience in telephone switchboard or high frequency radio operations, radio and alarm communications equipment.
• Knowledge of the geography of the area, the location of streets and important buildings, or areas requiring special police and fire protection services.
• Some knowledge of the practices, procedures and requirements of the agencies and departments involved.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to work in high pressure situations.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. Employee must be able to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting, to stand or sit for prolonged periods of times; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist, to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including the use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Possess 20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20 vision.

Benefits Information: $17.89 - $21.46/hr; DOQ 100% City paid retirement contributions - LAGERS L-6 100% City paid health insurance options available; plus City contribution to HSA Generous paid time off 12 paid holidays Onsite fitness facility Position open until filled.