Public Safety Telecommunicator I

Salary $24.67 - $35.00/hour; $4,276.13 - $6,066.67/month; $51,313.60 - $72,800.00/year

This is beginning level communications work. Bargaining unit position.

Nature Of Work

This is the entry level class in the Public SafetyTelecommunicator series, which is typically used as a training classificationand requires proficiency in performing tasks of higher than average difficulty.Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount ofprogram knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to Public SafetyTelecommunications II and initially exercise less independent discretion andjudgement in matters related to work procedures and methods. While in training,work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structureor pattern. After the training period is complete, employees may remain in thisclassification in a part-time capacity or may advance to the level of PublicSafety Telecommunications II based on demonstrated proficiency in performingthe full range of assigned duties.

Public Safety Telecommunicators are responsible for the efficientresponse to emergency and non-emergency calls to include but not limited to,receiving, processing, effectively prioritizing and documenting all calls forservice for police, fire, and/or medical assistance from the public,relaying information to the appropriatesource for assistance, and performing related administrative duties.

Under general supervision, employees must exercise some initiativeand independent judgment in determining how to respond to requests for service.An important aspect of work in this class is the ability to respond toemergencies in a controlled, expeditious manner. Employees must be capable ofmaintaining awareness of what is going on in an assigned area of the city toinclude knowing the locations of all in-service vehicles. Work is reviewedthrough observation of services rendered, records maintained, and periodicevaluation of work performance.

Public Safety Telecommunicators function in a stressful, fast pacedenvironment and work shifts are specified by agency need and managementdirection. The shifts may includenights, weekends, holidays, as well as mandatory overtime as required. Work isperformed in a secured public safety communications center in a controlled,closely supervised, and highly structured work environment. Work requiresvisual and muscular dexterity to operate communications equipment(computer-aided dispatch equipment, telephones, and radios).

Upon successful completion of the probationary phase, a full-time PublicSafety Telecommunicator may be approved for promotion to a Public SafetyTelecommunications II, pay grade 26.

Examples of Duties

Answer emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency telephone linesobtaining information, prioritizing and confirming the location of calls aswell as making independent determination of appropriate action for processingall incoming calls for service, to include relaying pertinent information tothe appropriate public safety response unit (police, fire, and/or emergencymedical services/EMS) or providing callers with the appropriate advice orreferral.

Operate and monitor two-way radio channels, computer aided display(CAD) monitors and other related sophisticated communications equipment systems,while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information.

Process complaints and make appropriate referrals on a broadvariety of public safety matters, that often require referring to or memorizingdetailed reference materials and standard operating procedures, includingdatabases, maps, telephone listings, and other resources.

Summarize critical information for public safety first respondersin the computer aided dispatch system using correct grammar, spelling, andpunctuation, and refer and classify calls for police/fire/EMS assistanceaccording to the level of response required.

Receive requests by phone or electronic format from lawenforcement, fire/medical personnel, and other public safety agencies toaccess, enter, retrieve, and disseminate data utilizing local, state andnational database systems; prioritize and effectively relay information inproper format to requesting agency. Contact outside public service divisions asrequested and relay information as required.

Maintain service status of all mobile units for assigned area;dispatches units by radio using signal codes; dispatches wreckers to accidentsand impounds following rotation schedule.

Determine the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred torecommend referral; determines if a police unit should be dispatched to a scenefor an investigation to facilitate prompt referral of a case.

Record emergency calls or complaints, including type of servicerequired, location, and identification of persons, time of dispatch, time “outof service”, and subsequent “return to service” of vehicles; maintains recordsas required.

Continue training in the receipt and evaluation of calls forservice from citizens; advises citizens on calls that are not of an emergencynature.

Operates personal computers, two-way radios, and other pertinentequipment.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Working knowledge of: the methods, practices,and regulations pertaining to radio transmitting equipment operations; the city,and its geography.

Some knowledge of: zone boundaries; effectivecommunications techniques; records keeping and reporting; the operation ofpersonal computers.

Ability to: react quickly, calmly, and rationally inemergencies; speak clearly and communicate effectively with police officers,firefighters, and the general public; fluently speak a second language might berequired; maintain accurate records; establish and maintain effective workingrelationships with employees and the general public; operate radio dispatchingequipment.

Skill in: the use and care of radio dispatchingequipment; basic typing/keyboard.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school; oran equivalent combination of training and experience. Possession of some typingor keyboard skills. Preference may be given to individuals with previousexperience or who are bilingual (English/Spanish).

Preference may be given to applicants who are already statecertified as 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators or to individuals withprevious dispatching experience.

Licenses or Certifications

Successfully complete and maintain the State of Florida 911 PublicSafety Telecommunications certification.

Examination

A pre-employment test is required for all applicants consideredeligible per the posted minimum qualifications. Following submission ofyour application, you will receive email notification of your eligibilitystatus within three (3) business days. Applicants who meet minimumeligibility requirements will be provided test registrationinformation. If you do not receive an eligibility status updatewithin three (3) business days, contact Employment Services at View phone number on click.appcast.io forfurther assistance.

Candidates must pass a thorough background investigation and drugtesting during pre-employment process.

Conclusion

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.

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