Dispatcher

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a highly focused and dependable  Dispatcher to serve as a vital member of the Protective Services team at NASA Ames Research Center. In this role, you will coordinate emergency and non-emergency communications, monitor security and life-safety systems, and support first responders during critical incidents. 

As the first point of contact during emergencies, the Dispatcher plays a key role in protecting people, facilities, and mission-critical operations. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can remain calm under pressure, and is committed to delivering exceptional service and support. 

Responsibilities

• Receive, prioritize, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls for service. 
• Coordinate communications between security personnel, law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other response agencies. 
• Operate emergency communication systems, including 911 emergency lines and Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) systems. 
• Monitor and relay critical information to emergency responders in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Maintain situational awareness during incidents and support incident response efforts through effective communication and coordination. 
• Continuously monitor security and life-safety systems, including: 
• Fire and intrusion alarm systems 
• Access control systems 
• Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems 
• Voice recording systems 
• Two-way radio networks 
• Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) terminals 
• California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) 
• Identify and respond appropriately to alarms, system alerts, and unusual activities. 
• Escalate incidents in accordance with established procedures and emergency response protocols. 
• Respond and remain available during declared emergencies and mission-critical events. 
• Participate in training, drills, and emergency preparedness exercises. 
• Assist with special projects and administrative assignments as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned
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Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability High school diploma or GED required. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (not required to start). 
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain the following certifications: 
• POST Basic Dispatch Academy 
• California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) 
• ICS-100 
• ICS-200 
• NIMS/IS-700 
• First Aid/CPR or BLS Certification 
• NFPA 1061 Public Safety Telecommunicator requirements 
• Applicable NFPA 1221 communications systems requirements 
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support operations. 
• Ability to report for duty during emergencies and remain operational during extended incidents. 
• Successfully pass background and drug screening

Preferred Qualifications:

• One (1) or more years of public safety, emergency communications, 911 dispatch, law enforcement, fire service, military, or security dispatch experience. 
• Experience operating multi-line telephone systems, radio communications systems, CCTV platforms, or alarm monitoring systems. 
• Experience working in a command center, emergency communications center, security operations center, or similar environment. 
• Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Communications, Public Safety, or a related field. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in stressful or emergency situations. 
• Strong multitasking and decision-making skills. 
• Excellent verbal communication, active listening, and customer service abilities. 
• Ability to gather, analyze, and relay information quickly and accurately. 
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with emergency responders and security personnel. 
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures, incident command principles, and dispatch protocols. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.