Dispatcher

Position Purpose/Summary

Responsible for responding to emergency and non-emergency calls received thru the enhanced 911 system, in accordance with established procedures. Performs a full range of radio and telephone operational duties in a 24-hour facility. Keeps official records and assists in the administration of the standard operating policies and procedures in the dispatch center. Work is performed under the supervision of the Director. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

Essential Functions

Complies with all state and federal dispatch standards for telecommunications.

Monitors telephones, radio, and other dispatch equipment.

Answers incoming calls and ascertains nature of calls, gathering all necessary information to transmit or relay.

Handles simultaneous radio communications as well as simultaneous telephone calls, asking a series of pre-determined questions and simultaneously entering response information into the CAD system for a unit to respond.

Dispatches for emergency responses, broadcasts nature, location and time of call. Contacts all required personnel in the event of an emergency situation and relays information as required.

Maintains log on radio and telephone communications, location of personnel, in the event of an emergency situation maintains on-going contact with the responding personnel and keeps them informed of all incoming pertinent information.

Maintains Dispatch Center work area and equipment according to department standards and reports any deficiencies to their immediate supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of City streets and locations.

Must be able to evaluate emergency situations and make decisions under pressure.

Must be able to print legibly so report entries can be easily interpreted.

Considerable knowledge of procedures in operating communication equipment.

Ability to follow chain of command in Communications Center in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Willingness and or ability to work holidays/weekends and work irregular duty assignments.

Interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Ability to interpret Police/Fire Department rules and regulations and ability to explain such rules to the general public.

Ability to maintain confidential information.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent, with two years of responsible full-time working experience.

Minimum of one year of experience in operating communications equipment including, but not limited to, multi-line phones, computers, or two-way radios.