Communications Operator - E911 Dispatcher

Job Title

A successful candidate will play an active role in the City of College Park's existing operational success. The purpose of the position is to process 911 emergency calls for Fire-EMS and Law Enforcement and to operate a two-way radio to communicate with appropriate public safety officials in emergencies.

Essential Functions

Independent judgment is required to identify, select and apply the most appropriate of available guidelines and procedures as well as interpret precedents. This position is responsible for operating a two-way radio and other communications equipment to receive and transmit public safety calls. The position also dispatches the appropriate public safety entity.

• Receives, interprets, classifies, prioritizes, and responds to calls of a routine and emergency nature by E-911 system, telephone, or radio for Fire Department, E.M.S., Law Enforcement, and other entities as required, expeditiously and accurately.
• Performs routine clerical work in processing, entering, and retrieving information from police/fire records and reports and GCIC/NCIC.
• Determines by inquiry the exact location of place or point of emergency and dispatches the proper personnel; transmits such messages necessary in conducting operations.
• Tracks status and availability of emergency service units.
• Enters information into GCIC/NCIC to obtain confidential records.
• Keeps necessary records regarding calls and complaints, communications, and/or E-911 operations.
• Compiles data from records kept into various daily, monthly, or other periodic reports.
• Maintains communications records and files.
• Assists the public with transactions and information relating to police and fire activity and city services.
• Inquires about and enters data of a restricted and confidential nature into the computer.
• Dispatches medical emergencies and provides pre-arrival instructions.
• Provides information to units in areas such as warrants, vehicles, driver's licenses, and criminal history.
• Operates multiple computer systems utilizing various programs simultaneously.
• Trains new employees in the dispatch function and evaluate and reports the progress of the trainee to the supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that logically relate to the position.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing transmission by radio.
• Knowledge of the methods of operating and communication systems.
• Knowledge of geography and the road system throughout the city.
• Skill in determining the scope and magnitude of an emergency.
• Skill in the use of modern office equipment including computers, typewriters, fax machines, and Xerox machines.
• Ability to handle multiple situations at one time.
• Ability to reason, analyze situations accurately, and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to remain calm and communicate precisely and clearly in emergencies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Ability to deploy emergency equipment within specific guidelines.
• Ability to follow rules and procedures regarding police records and files.
• Ability to document facts accurately, legibly, and completely, under adverse conditions.
• Ability to assist less experienced personnel with safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships at work.
• Ability to understand and carry out directions.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to deal effectively and courteously with others, to work independently and in team settings.
• Must be able to type or to use a personal computer with word processing and related software and to enter and retrieve information with reasonable speed and accuracy.
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average-weight up to fifty (50) pounds, standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Note: In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job which are identified as essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience.
• GCIC and EMD certified or ability to become certified within one (1) year.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in communicating with diverse communities, and in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, as well as knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
• Extensive hours and weekends will be required at times.
• Pre-Employment screening is required: criminal background check and drug testing.