Communications Officer

Job Summary This position performs skilled work in receiving incoming calls to the Police Department's Communication Center, including requests for police and fire services or information, and dispatches necessary units and equipment for emergency service through the use of telephone, radio, and other communications equipment. Required Documents Attach a completed Dispatcher Pre‑employment Acknowledgement form to your application. Link: If you are certified, attach your 911 Safety Telecommunicator certification and your FCIC/NCIC certificate. Essential Job Functions Operate multi‑line telephones, two‑way radios, and computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) systems to receive, prioritize, and dispatch calls for police services; utilize additional communications equipment to support field officers and ensure public and officer safety. Receive and process emergency and non‑emergency calls for service, dispatching appropriate personnel and equipment to the scenes of police incidents, traffic accidents, rescue operations, and other public safety emergencies. Answer incoming telephone calls, screening for the nature and urgency of each call, and route callers to the appropriate personnel, department, or external agency as needed. Greets citizens and visitors in the lobby, providing courteous and professional customer service and assistance. Enter communications logs and crime report information into computer systems; perform various clerical tasks including recordkeeping, filing, indexing, and maintaining departmental records. Scan and maintain records of trespass warnings, residential security checks, and private property enforcement affidavits, ensuring accurate documentation and timely updates as required. Answer 911 emergency calls, determine the nature of the incident, and route fire and rescue calls to the appropriate agency; dispatch police units as necessary. Answer non‑emergency calls regarding utility service outages and dispatch utility personnel outside of regular business hours; provide status updates to on‑call personnel as required. Operate a wide range of communications and data systems, including FCIC/NCIC teletype, in‑house CAD and records management systems, 911 and non‑emergency phone systems, Motorola emergency radio system, Rapid Emergency Interface, Law Enforcement Information Exchange (LInX), FLOCK system, MiniCAD, and TDD. Also operate standard office and support equipment such as copy/fax/scanner machines, paging systems, Driver and Vehicle Information Database (DAVID), and 911/non‑emergency recording systems, as well as other related communications technology. May serve as the agency’s FAC (Florida Administrative Coordinator) and liaison between the Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE); assist with preparation for FDLE audits and meet with auditors as needed. Review compliance checklists regularly to ensure department adherence to state standards. Validate FCIC/NCIC files for FDLE in accordance with regulatory requirements. May fulfill designated CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) roles related to the security and operation of the communications function. Assigned roles may include: CJIS Agency Coordinator (CAC), Local Agency Security Officer (LASO), FCIC Agency Coordinator (FAC), Alternate FAC (Alt‑FAC), Validations Administrator, NLETS (NLETS/NxTest) Administrator, CJIS Online Administrator, FALCON Application Access Administrator (AAA), and Public Access System (PAS) Contact. Create and maintain user accounts within the CJIS Online Security System; coordinate and issue required CJIS security training for ride‑along applicants. Work hours outside the regular schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special assignments as required. Perform other job‑related duties as assigned, consistent with the responsibilities of the position. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience or completion of a recognized police communication training course. Any combination of training, education, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered. Possession of a valid Class "E" Florida Driver’s License and compliance with vehicle use policy requirements, Section 8.15(c) in the City’s Personnel Manual. Possession of a State of Florida Certification as a 911 Safety Telecommunicator. Possession of a certification for FCIC/NCIC within the time frame outlined by FDLE. Special Requirements: Successful completion of the required communications training program within the designated time period. This position is designated as a safety‑sensitive position. Work hours other than the regular schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of radio, teletype, and recording equipment or aptitude to learn necessary skills. Knowledge of police dispatching techniques or ability to learn within a designated training period. Remain calm and obtain specific information from individuals in stress‑producing situations. Learn the geography of the city and the locations of streets and important structures. Learn quickly the operation of the telephone, teletype, radio, computer and other communications equipment. Speak clearly and precisely with good diction and a well‑modulated voice. Speak persuasively in positive and negative situations. Work under pressure, exercise good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergency situations. Prepare and maintain reports and records. Accurately record a variety of information and instructions. Remember and relay complex instructions and information. Operate a computer and necessary equipment. Communicate effectively with upset and irate citizens. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement officers, co‑workers, other employees, the public and external agencies. Hear well. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Read normal printed instructions printed in the English language. Handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Physical Demands The work is sedentary and requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly. Also requires feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking. Work Environment Work is performed inside, alone, and with a variety of tasks to be handled simultaneously and in stressful situations. EEO Statement The City of Green Cove Springs, FL commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The City’s policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr