Communications Operator Recruit

Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Communications Operator Recruit/Trainee

Salary: $38,350.00 Annually

Location: 7474 Utilities Road, Punta Gorda, FL

Job Type: Full-Time

Closing Date: Continuous

Job Summary:

A Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Communications Operator Recruit/Trainee will be receiving the training during an 8-week course to be a successful Communications Operator and pass the State Exam. This person receives and transmits emergency and routine voice radio messages; dispatches required equipment and personnel in accordance with established policies and procedures; and performs clerical support related to communication activities. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Safety Training Coordinator. This position is considered essential under the CCSO Emergency Plan. Pay Grade starts at $38,350 prior to passing State Exam, $44,395 after passing State Exam.

Essential Job Functions:

• Monitors radio receiver for all communications concerning the Sheriff's Department, including radio traffic of other related safety agencies or fire department and maintains communication with all units.
• Receives emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service; determines nature and location of emergency, determines priority and dispatches appropriate emergency personnel and units as necessary and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Operates a computer terminal to obtain information as requested on drivers, vehicles, wanted suspects, and other pertinent data and makes law enforcement related entries.
• Reviews various documentation and/or processes and forwards or takes other action as appropriate.
• Copies and distributes maps, correspondence, reports, and related documents.
• Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, etc., for reference and/or review.
• Communicates effectively, concisely, and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications along with all responsibilities of a call-taker.
• All other job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to successfully pass all phases of Communications Operator training. (Academy, Call-taking, Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS radio)
• Ability to learn and maintains proficiency regarding geographic features and streets within the area served.
• Ability to obtain and maintains required certifications in CPR/AED, state of Florida certification for Public Safety Telecommunicator, and FCIC/NCIC as required.
• Ability to pass and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification.
• Ability to learn and work with the Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) System.
• Ability to learn and understand police codes, practices, and methods.
• Ability to learn policies and procedures utilized in dispatching units to emergencies.
• Ability to operate all equipment listed in the "Equipment Used" section.
• Ability to type 40 correct words per minute.
• Ability to report for work within three hours of being called in.
• Ability to operate radio equipment quickly and calmly in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work under pressure; understand, retain, and transmit data while performing several functions at one time. Ability to analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective cooperative working relationships with department staff, various public agencies, the general public, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to operate communications equipment by performing multiple hand and foot functions simultaneously; remain calm in emergencies and makes sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Ability to understand, retain, and transmit data while performing several functions at one time.

Education or Equivalent Experience Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Prefer two (2) year degree from accredited college or field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• Must display competence in the use of computers and can type on a computer keyboard at the rate of 40 correct words per minute.
• All applicants will be required to submit to testing on Call Center (911 Operator), Basic Computer Terminology, Spelling, Grammar, Basic Number Conversion, Windows and Criticall to demonstrate computer competency.
• Must pass the Communications Academy and all phases of the Communications training program.
• License or Certificate: Must be able to pass and obtain the State of Florida Public Safety Tele-communicator certification, basic FCIC/NCIC certification and EMD/CPR certification.
• Must meet a minimum of a two-year commitment from training period prior to being eligible to apply for other internal positions/transfers.

Equipment Used:

Computer and Related Software / Copy Machine / Teletype / Telephone / TDD / FCIC/NCIC Terminal

Physical Effort:

Mostly sitting at a desk with some walking, standing, bending, or stooping or carrying of light objects. Over 80% percent of time spent between listening to audio voice transactions while communicating desired service. Approximately 15% of time spent mentoring operators. Approximately 5% percent of time guiding and directing brief operational periods of a communications shift. Hearing - must be able to distinguish, differentiate and respond to multiple audible stimuli from personnel or equipment, such as telephone, radios, and alarms. Sight - must be able to distinguish, differentiate and respond to multiple visual stimuli such as printed documents, computer displays and indicator lights. Manual Dexterity - must be able to operate radios, computers, and other equipment used in a telecommunications center. Speech - must be able to clearly convey verbal messages utilizing telecommunication devices.

Working Conditions:

Typical office or similar setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Work consists of primarily 12 hour rotating shifts, which may include days, nights, weekends, and overtime in a 24-hour operation.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), religion, Veterans Status, age (40 or older) disability or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

Drug Free / Smoke Free Workplace / Veterans Preference: