911 Telecommunicator Trainee

911 Telecommunicator Trainee

Starting salary during training: $22.31. Minimum salary after completion of training and promotion to a Communication Specialist position: $24.48. Essential functions include participating in a 911 telecommunicator training program and a battery of exams and evaluations to determine suitability for the positions of Communication Specialist I U27 (911 Emergency Call Taker) and Communication Specialist II (911 Emergency Dispatcher).

Under general supervision, attends a training program and receives instruction in call classification, caller management, computer-aided dispatch, call documentation, criminal justice information systems (CJIS), emergency medical dispatch (EMD) protocols, and dispatch techniques. Participates in practical training and on-the-job training to apply course content. Takes examinations to measure knowledge gained and progress made. Performs related work.

Must obtain or possess a high school diploma or GED prior to final offer of employment. Other minimum requirements include being a US citizen, being a minimum of 18 years of age, not having been convicted of a felony, and submitting to fingerprinting for a criminal history check, a pre-employment polygraph test, a pre-employment drug screening, a pre-employment audiogram, and a pre-employment suitability test. Must work a varied schedule, complete a job shadow prior to a conditional offer of employment, and meet all academy requirements by the completion of the state-approved Telecommunications Academy. Physical requirements and working conditions include meeting regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management, including mandatory overtime and performing related work.

Job overview – 911 telecommunicator trainee. This position is a public safety position and involves taking critical 911 calls from the public which includes calls such as cardiac arrests of persons including children and infants, working fires with victims trapped inside, shootings and auto accidents. Non-emergent calls are also received such as persons wanting to know the correct time or asking what day their trash is picked up. If selected, the training academy is in Louisville and is not a live-in academy. The academy lasts approximately 8 weeks and is held primarily during daytime hours (i.e., 8am-4pm). Three weeks of on-shift training are also included in the middle of the academy. The academy requires a minimum passing score of 80% from multiple tests, practical exams, and quizzes. Following successful completion of the academy, trainees must submit an application for Communications Specialist I, Communications Specialist II, or both. Trainees will then be paired with a trainer who will instruct and monitor the trainee's progress; this step takes an average of 8-10 months. Following successful completion of this section, trainees will be rotated through all shifts and disciplines to complete the probationary period of one year. This is a non-union position that will promote into a union position, and all union employees pay fair share to the union whether or not they elect to be a member. Shift selection, vacation bidding, and overtime are all covered under the union contract. As shift selection is based on seniority, new hires typically start on evening or overnight shifts. It can take several years before a daytime shift becomes available. The Communications Center is a 24/7 operation which mandates employees work on holidays if it should fall on their rotation. Overtime is mandatory and can extend shifts up to a total of 16 hours with little or no notice. Up to two eligibility lists can be created for this position, one promotional list for internal candidates and one open/competitive list for external candidates. The promotional list will be used first. Once that list has been exhausted or expires, we will begin hiring off of the open/competitive list. Promotional and open/competitive test weights criticall exam: 75% training & experience: 25%. Minimum salary: $22.31 per hr. Minimum salary after completion of training & promotion to a communication specialist position: $24.48. Salary plan/grade: NU/10. Equal opportunity employer. Please note that training & experience scores are based on the relevant (as determined by the hiring agency and civil service) training and experience from the last 10 years, as listed on your application and resume, as submitted. Any information that is unclear or that is not listed on your application and/or resume will not be considered in the calculation of the training & experience score. This also means that you should list your employment dates including the month and year (i.e. 02/2007 to 08/2010) of employment.