Salary: $41,085.00 - $47,561.00 Annually

Location : Athens, GA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2023-1307

Department: Police

Division: Central Communications

Opening Date: 07/17/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Purpose & Job Related Requirements

***$10,000 HIRING INCENTIVE***

Effective, October 1, 2023, newly hired communication officers (including lateral entry ranks Communication Officer II, III, and IV) will receive a $10,000 hiring incentive (if eligible).

Lateral entry rank and starting base salary depend on prior POST certified communications officer experience. Documented satisfactory job performance is required to qualify for the incremental incentive payments of $3,000 after completion of 3 months of service; $3,000 after completion of 6 months of service; and $4,000 after completion of 12 months of service for a total of $10,000. This amount is not added to the base salary. This program is collaboratively funded by the Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction (PSCVR) Grant - also known as the "ACCPD Recruitment Grant" and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Continuation of this Recruitment/Hiring Incentive Program is subject to continued availability of grant funding, ACCPD funding, and approval by the Manager.

R EPORTS TO: Communications Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System, requires satisfactory completion of a twelve month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: 113 - 116; depending on qualifications

SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes, subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.

SEVERAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE!

Click for important application instructions.

Click HERE to go to Police Department Website.

Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to perform specialized work duties involving receiving/processing requests for emergency assistance within the telecommunications section. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to; receiving, classifying and prioritizing incoming emergency calls; dispatching appropriate police and emergency personnel; operating telephones, communications equipment and law enforcement computers; acting as a liaison between callers and police/fire/emergency representatives; and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements
Work Schedule : 12 hour shifts/Rotating Shifts
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Emergency Position
This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or as determined by the Manager.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Phase I Requirements :
Communications Officer I:
High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

Must be a United States Citizen as required by P.O.S.T.

Requires possession of or ability to obtain certification for NCIC and GCIC.

One year of experience in radio and telecommunications or related experience preferred.

Phase II Requirements
After meeting Phase I requirements, applicants will be invited to the CritiCall Communications Officer aptitude testing. Successful candidates will advance to Phase III. You can learn more about the test if you wish.

Phase III Requirements
Successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph exam is required for this position.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Answers the telephone; evaluates and processes calls; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

Receives, monitors, and dispatches radio communications traffic for Police, Fire and Sheriff's Departments and all E-911 calls.

Receives and screens all incoming telephone calls from the public and from other police/public safety agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls; receives calls and takes messages for police personnel.

Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; dispatches backup units, ambulances, fire fighters and wreckers as appropriate.

Provides field officers with necessary information upon request, including license, insurance, tag and warrant checks, background info or persons locations.

Conveys information to general public, public safety agencies, businesses, utilities and other police personnel within the department.

Makes written reports from telephone information; generates incident card for calls necessitating action by field units.

Maintains continuous log of incoming telephone/radio calls and officer availability; monitors position of field officers.

Maintains wrecker list, arrest log, BOLO log, extra patrol log, barred list log, and record of house check calls and cancellations.

Monitors and routes incoming messages from national and state computer networks; enters/removes information as requested into National, state and department computer system, including information on missing persons, stolen articles, wanted persons, etc.

Monitors and routes incoming calls from Civil Defense and National Weather Service.

Monitors alarm board; logs burglar/fire alarm calls.

Tests all Fire Department radio equipment at beginning of day shift

May assist in training new Communications Officers.

Performs basic computer maintenance tasks.

Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, and members of the staff, the public or other individuals.

Prepares and/or generates routine correspondence, letters, memoranda, forms, reports and other documents via computer and/or typewriter.

Uses knowledge of various software programs to operate a computer in an effective and efficient manner.

Responds to a wide range of questions from public including many non-public safety inquiries.

Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Police Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Communications Officer.

Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.

Knowledge of applicable federal/state statutes, local ordinances, departmental policies and procedures, and departmental methods as required in the performance of duties.

Knowledge of regulations and procedures of state and national crime information centers, the geography and road system of Athens-Clarke County, dispatching procedures, and radio codes used by Police, Sheriff and Fire Departments.

Knowledge and ability to operate various equipment including a computer, copier, telephone, recorder, and radio/communications equipment.

Skill in oral/written communications, dealing with the public, making decisions accurately and rapidly, and maintaining records and writing reports.

Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.

Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.

Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.

Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.

Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.

Ability to comprehend and apply the regulations and procedures of the department.

Supplemental Information

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, copier, telephone, recorder, and radio/communications equipment. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, and hearing. Requires sitting for extended periods of time. Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare letters, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including law enforcement, emergency medical, radio codes and police communications terminology.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, copier, telephone, recorder, and radio-communications equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using office and radio/communications equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated office equipment, radio/communications equipment, and office/computer supplies. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio, etc.

ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or

Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.

As an Employer of Choice, we offer:

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Group Accident insurance
Critical Illness insurance
Employer paid basic life insurance
Contributory term life insurance
Whole life insurance
Employer Paid Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
13 paid holidays
Employer Paid Pension Plan (10 years of service)
Deferred Compensation Program with employer match
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer - Federal Student Aid
Robust Wellness Program - earn up to $175 per quarter for participation
Employee Fitness Center - free for employees, spouse, and children 18+
Free onsite health screenings (to include hearing, skin cancer, biometric screening, flu shots)
Safety & Risk training and job related vaccinations
Uniforms provided
Ongoing Training Opportunities and Career Development - Government Wide Learning Management System
Discount Admissions - ACCGov Parks, Georgia Aquarium
Annual employee appreciation events

BENEFITS

WELLNESS

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

01

It is imperative that you be completely honest and truthful in completion of this application and supplemental questions. Any falsification or omission will be grounds for disqualification. All information will be reviewed on a case by case basis. By clicking yes below, you affirm that you will answer honestly and completely and understand that failure to do so may result in disqualification of your application.

02

Which best describes your highest level of education?

Some High School
High School diploma or GED from an institution accredited by SACS
Some education beyond high school
Technical or Vocational Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctorate Degree

03

Are you a citizen of the United States of America? This is a Georgia P.O.S.T. requirement for the Communications Officer position.

04

Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

05

Have you ever served in the military? Check the selection(s) that apply to you.

I am/was actively enlisted in the military.
I have never served in the military.

06

If you served in the military, you will need to provide a DD214, Member 4 Form at the Communications Officer Testing. If you will not have this form to submit at that time, please provide your: (1) Branch of Service (2) Service start and end dates (month/year) (3) Member of Reserve or National Guard Unit (4) Name and address of Reserve or National Guard Unit (5) Name and phone number of Commanding Officer

07

If you served in the military, were you ever the subject of any UCMJ court-martials, Article 15, company punishment or disciplinary action?

Yes
No
Not applicable

08

If you were discharged from the military for any reason other than an Honorable Discharge, please explain. If no, you must write "N/A" .

09

If you were a member of the Reserves, you will need to provide a letter of good standing as to your time of service and your character in service. Will you be able to provide such letter?

Yes
No
Not applicable

10

Check all of the following for which you are available to work.

A variety of shifts
Saturdays
Sundays
Afternoons until 5pm
Afternoons/evenings until 9pm
Mornings
Holidays

11

Have you ever been disciplined for any reason by your present or any past employer? If yes, please explain. If no, you must write "N/A"

12

Are you currently Georgia P.O.S.T. certified for Communications Officer?

13

If you have served as an Intern for any criminal justice agency, please provide dates, duties and contact information for your direct supervisor. Otherwise, type N/A.

14

Have you applied with another law enforcement agency in the past 6 months? If so, list (1) date (2) name of agency If not, you must type "NA" as your response.

15

Were you referred to this agency by a current Athens Clarke County employee? If so please provide that employee's name.

16

You are required to submit 5 personal references in the reference section of you application. Have you completed FIVE personal references and provided all information for each of these references?

17

For Public Safety positions, you are required to complete your work history back to age 18. Have you completed your work history back to age 18?

18

Please indicate your years years of radio and/or telecommunications experience.

No experience in this area
Less than 6 months
6 months or more but less than 1 year
1 year or more but less than 3 years
3 years or more but less than 5 years
5 years or more

19

Have you EVER tried or used marijuana?

20

Regarding drug use:1) How many times have you used marijuana in your lifetime?2) When was the last time you used marijuana? (month & year)3) What were the circumstances? If none, type N/A.

21

Have you EVER participated in ANY of the following related to drug use?(1) tried any illegal drugs other than marijuana?(2) taken any legal drugs not prescribed to you?(3) sold any illegal drugs?(4) sold any legal drugs whether or not prescribed to you?

22

If you have participated in any of the above drug related activities, please provide details to include the following.(1) identify which of the above you engaged in (2) describe the circumstances(3) the date of the activity(4) the type of drug(s)If no, you must type N/A.

23

If you are currently or have been a certified communications officer, and you have ever been the subject of an internal investigation, please provide dates and explanation. If not, you must type N/A as your response.

24

This be position will be required to obtain NCIC and GCIC Certification. Do you already have NCIC and GCIC Certification?

I have NCIC Certification
I have GCIC Certification
I have the ability to obtain these certifications
I have both NCIC and GCIC certifications

Required Question