Emergency Communications Specialist

Emergency Communications Specialist

Emergency Communications Specialists (ECS) are cross-trained in four different disciplines: Call-Taking, Law Enforcement dispatching, Fire/EMS/Search & Rescue dispatching, and our Data Channel (law enforcement intelligence and field support). Each ECS becomes proficient at handling complex computer systems and a variety of responsibilities in a stressful and highly technical environment. Our ECS utilize a Viper phone system and Central Square computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, along with many additional software applications while exercising independent judgment. Work involves extended periods of sitting or standing while working with others in a team atmosphere. The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Employment begins with an ECS Academy, followed by individual, on-console one-on-one training. Initial shift assignments are based on training needs and each person will move to various shifts for job-related experience. Upon completion of training, shifts are allocated based on seniority, and the needs of the Communications Center. You should expect to work any shift, days or nights -- which includes weekends, holidays, and on-call.

Boulder County ECS have been placed in a step plan, which allows for lateral hires to top out in as little as four (4) years, based on experience.

Boulder County is a family-friendly workplace dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work.

Please note: When submitting your application be sure to include all relevant education and experience, as applications are screened based on the qualifications listed in this position announcement. Applications that do not appear to meet minimum qualifications, as outlined below, will not be considered. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completed applications. Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team.

Examples of Duties

• Proficiently operate numerous software applications, including but not limited to Viper phone software, Central Square (CAD), EMSystems, VHF and digital trunking emergency radio equipment, CCIC/NCIC, alarm monitoring software, severe weather radar, and numerous additional ancillary applications.
• Requires skill in making effective decisions under stressful conditions, performing and triaging multiple tasks simultaneously, and remaining calm during emergency situations. Must be able to exercise good judgment, use common sense and make sound decisions to ensure safety of both first responders and the public.
• Requires the ability to listen, communicate and speak clearly enough in English to be understood while answering incoming radio, 9-1-1, and administrative telephone calls.
• Question/assist callers in emergency situations; accurately ascertain the location and nature of the emergency.
• Ability to receive, comprehend and rapidly relay accurate information.
• Dispatch applicable emergency law, fire/ems/rescue personnel and equipment based on geographical and protocol knowledge with the aid of computer software systems.
• Ability to successfully pass training and maintain proficiency for all four positions within the Center: 1) Call Taker 2) Law 3) Fire/EMS/Rescue 4) Data.
• Monitor, manage, and coordinate traffic on several radio channels.
• Fulfill all requests for supplemental information, personnel, and equipment in a timely manner.
• Record and monitor the status of personnel and equipment to ensure safety of all personnel.
• Complete and maintain CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certifications (training provided). Provide pre-arrival instructions according to Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols.
• Requires the ability to perform repetitive motion at a keyboard/console on an intermittent basis for extended time periods per work shift.
• Maturity and professionalism are essential as you will be interacting with both the public and other agencies.
• Perform other related duties as requested/required, including emergency callback during large public safety emergencies (e.g., floods, wildfires, active harmer events, etc.).

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience:

•High school diploma or equivalent.

•Type a minimum of 40 wpm with accuracy.

•Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English with enough proficiency to effectively communicate under stressful circumstances.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•Preferred prior work experience in high-paced, stressful environments.

•Preferred previous Central Square (CAD), IAED or CCIC/NCIC experience.

•Preferred thorough knowledge of Boulder County geography and surrounding areas.

•Experience operating computer systems with multiple displays.

•Ability to read and comprehend mapping systems and understand geographic terminology.

•Preferred Multi-lingual.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements:

Primarily sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds and frequently be able to reach above shoulder, at or below waist level at the workstation; occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; frequent hand/eye coordination to operate computer keyboard, mice, and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication, hearing, and ability to maintain mental capacity to communicate with employees and members of the public during stressful situations.

From "Dictionary of Occupational Titles", U.S. Department of Labor:

Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time.

Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time.