COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Emergency Call Dispatcher

This position receives and broadcasts routine and emergency calls from the public concerning crimes, fire, and medical emergencies.

Major Duties

• Receives and responds to incoming routine and emergency telephone, including 911 calls; gathers needed information from caller to determine nature and location of emergency; establishes a priority for the call; dispatches police, fire and/or ambulance services.
• Answers routine inquiries; refers calls not requiring dispatch to appropriate departments and agencies.
• Maintains the status and location of police and fire units; calls for additional support as needed.
• Monitors and engages on two multiple radio frequencies for Police, Fire, Public Works, and Mutual Aid. May be engaged on frequencies for TAC and working fires while monitoring frequencies for emergency calls coming into the station. Monitors radio traffic for nearby agencies as well.
• Activates alert tone for police unit emergency response.
• Monitors radio frequencies for severe weather information; provides information to appropriate parties. Informs the public at large about impending weather emergencies by sounding the City's weather emergency siren.
• Monitors security cameras for city hall, parks and water department buildings, and jail cells; monitors the safety of prisoners via cameras. Monitoring may include tours visitors take in those areas as well as employees and prisoners.
• Monitors EMS computer for hospital status.
• Monitors camera for the water treatment plant.
• Answers the TIPS Hotline.
• Monitors the city building alarm panel and city hold up panic alarms.
• Responds to requests for information from other law enforcement or emergency response agencies.
• Researches information through internet, phone books, Cole's directories, Department of Revenue databases, etc.
• Inputs warrants information; maintains original copies; maintains temporary and permanent protection orders.
• Build and maintain tactful, effective/positive working relationship with co-workers, other city employees, and the public.
• Foster and contribute to a work environment that supports and exhibits honesty, diversity, integrity, trust and respect.
• Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of filing and records management principles.
• Knowledge of emergency response principles.
• Skill in the operation of standard office equipment.
• Skill in the operation of security cameras and alarm panels.
• Skill in the operation of computer operated phones and radios.
• Skill in the operation of computers and various software programs.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain MULES/NCIC/REJIS certification.