Utility Dispatcher I

Utility Dispatcher I

The City of Clearwater is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. City of Clearwater will not sponsor employment visas (e.g., H-1B, or any other work authorization status).

Entry Salary: $40,043.58 Annually. This position has a varying schedule and will be required to work nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays when necessary. Under direct supervision, the Utility Dispatcher I is responsible for various dispatching and clerical work in receiving and transmitting radio and telephone messages and information for utility delivery and service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Understands, operates, and uses the base unit of a two-way radio communications network to deliver messages, perform dispatching services, and communicate information for the department.
• Operates a PBX telephone switchboard, transferring routine calls to appropriate persons; engages professionally and effectively via the telephone, identifies issues or concerns, and determines the appropriate dispatch or transfer.
• Determines the nature of complaint and other vital information, communicates with various callers to identify problems; dispatches the appropriate crews and maintains radio contact with equipment dispatched.
• Transmits and delivers service orders and messages; receives and routes routine check-in calls from servicemen and other personnel; prepares and inputs daily time logs for records in OWAM.
• Maintains, edits, and updates a log of all calls and messages received and transmitted; tracks, monitors, and reviews equipment dispatched; maintains and drafts various records, forms, and reports, and performs routine clerical duties.
• Ensures all radio and telephone messages are received, interpreted, and dispatched to provide uninterrupted service and professional care.
• Performs clerical work for general operations of the department; prints service orders for the next day, organizes work orders for distribution to techs, and records when technicians are dispatched.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment: A valid State driver's license is required. Does this position require a Commercial Driver's License? No. This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides: Fax, copier, phone, radio, computer, and other equipment as assigned.

Education and Experience: High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND one (1) year experience in telephone or radio dispatching; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of –

• Geography of the City including location of streets, buildings, schools, subdivisions and other landmarks
• Emergency dispatch protocols
• Radio and telephone transmission including routing
• Department policies and protocols

Skill in –

• Handling emergency situations promptly and calmly
• Keeping records and maintaining files
• Maintaining compliance with all protocols, policies, and standards
• Understanding and complying with oral and written instructions
• Using tact and independent judgement within established guidelines