The dispatch center operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Applicant must be able to work all shifts, type 40 wpm, pass a complete background check, and polygraph examination. Must have strong multi-tasking skills; we use multiple computers, multiple computer based programs, and multiple display monitors to perform a variety of job functions. A 2-hour Pre-Test will be administered to all qualified candidates. No experience necessary; all training provided. High School Diploma/GED.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
To receive incident reports, including emergency calls through 911, and simultaneously
enter information into the computer. Operates public safety dispatching equipment as
assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Answers and responds appropriately to incoming public assistance and 911
emergency calls from the general public, private alarm companies, etc. This duty is
performed daily, about 10% of the time.
2. Determines, calmly and effectively, critical information for processing a call,
including establishing the nature of the incident; this may require an employee to use
originality in asking appropriate questions while maintaining departmental policy and
procedure. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.
3. Enters and codes information into the computer while simultaneously receiving
information from the caller. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.
4. Determines what agencies need to respond to an incident, and operates
dispatching equipment to dispatch fire or police vehicles and personnel; transfers caller
information to appropriate agency as necessary. This duty is performed daily, about
10% of the time.
5. Interfaces with the ACIC system in order to input data and obtain information on
driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, “wants and warrants,” etc., as required. This
duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.
6. Sets priority of calls based on policy and nature of incident- Delete, set by policy.
7. Maintains the current status of personnel and equipment already out on calls
while dispatching. This duty is performed daily, about 10% of the time.
8. Maintains accurate records of tape recording devices and computer operations as
required- Delete.
9. Secures the assistance of other agencies as needed. This duty is performed as
needed, about 7% of the time.
10. Stays current on specific crime problems, unusual fire and police field operations,
etc., that must be considered when dispatching. This duty is performed daily, about 5%
of the time.
11. Reads and interprets a variety of resource material, procedural manuals, etc. This duty is performed daily, about 5% of the time.
12. Utilizes appropriate equipment necessary to perform job duties such as computer,
two-way radio, as well as related dispatch and recording equipment. This duty is
performed daily, about 10% of the time.
13. Conducts minor tests and inspections on equipment. This duty is performed
weekly, about 2% of the time.
14. Performs minor office functions such as filing, copying and sorting. This duty is
performed daily, about 10% of the time.
15. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential
duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Mental alertness and adaptability to office and field area work routines. Equivalent to
four years high school or GED, with particular emphasis during high school in office
skills, shop skills, or others, plus 0 to 6 months related experience and/or training. Or
equivalent combination of education and experience.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions in person-to-person
and small group situations with customers, clients, general public and other
employees of the organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole
numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent
and to prepare and interpret bar graphs.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of known variables in
situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram formats.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must be able to acquire and maintain ACIC Level I and Level II Certification within one
year of date of hire. Must acquire and maintain CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch
and Telecommunicator certifications.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Not indicated.
SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED
Intermediate: Alphanumeric Data Entry, Contact Management, Word
Processing/Typing
Basic: Database, Spreadsheet
INITIATIVE AND INGENUITY
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Under general supervision where standard practice enables the employee to proceed
alone on routine work, referring all questionable cases to supervisor.
PLANNING
Limited responsibility with regard to general assignments in planning time, method, manner, and/or sequence of performance of own work operations.
DECISION MAKING
ACCURACY
Probable errors would not likely be detected until they reached another department,
office or patron, and would then require considerable time and effort to correct the
situation. Frequently, possibility of error that would affect the organization's prestige
and relationship with the public to a limited extent, but where succeeding operations or
supervision would normally preclude the possibility of a serious situation arising as a
result of the error or decision.
Performs work operations which permit frequent opportunity for decision-making of
minor importance and also frequent opportunity for decision-making of major
importance; the latter of which would affect the work operations of other employees
and/or clientele to a moderate degree.
MENTAL DEMAND
Close mental demand. Operations requiring close and continuous attention for control
of operations. Operations requiring intermittent direct thinking to determine or select
the most applicable way of handling situations regarding the organization's
administration and operations; also to determine or select material and equipment
where highly variable sequences are involved.
ANALYTICAL ABILITY / PROBLEM SOLVING
Moderately repetitive. Activities with slight variation using a definite set of processes or
directions with some degree of supervision. Choice of learned things in situations
which conform to clearly established patterns and modes.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies
and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include but not limited to interviewing, hiring
and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising
performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and
resolving problems.
No supervision.
Supervises the following departments:
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDS, PROPERTY and EQUIPMENT
Regularly responsible for property where carelessness or error would result in only
minor damage or minor monetary loss. Almost continuous care and attention is
required when handling this property in order to prevent loss.
ACCURACY
Probable errors would not likely be detected until they reached another department,
office or patron, and would then require considerable time and effort to correct the
situation. Frequently, possibility of error that would affect the organization's prestige
and relationship with the public to a limited extent, but where succeeding operations or
supervision would normally preclude the possibility of a serious situation arising as a result of the error or decision.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Regularly responsible for property where carelessness or error would result in only
minor damage or minor monetary loss. Almost continuous care and attention is
required when handling this property in order to prevent loss.
FREEDOM TO ACT
Generally controlled. General processes covered by established policies and standards with supervisory oversight.
ANNUAL MONETARY IMPACT
The amount of annual dollars generated based on the job’s essential duties /
responsibilities. Examples would include direct dollar generation, departmental budget,
proper handling of organization funds, expense control, savings from new techniques
or reduction in manpower.
None. Job does not create any dollar monetary impact for the organization.
IMPACT ON END RESULTS
Modest impact. Job has some impact on the organizations end results, but still from an
indirect level. Provides assistance and support services that facilitates decision making by others.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Regular contacts with patrons where the contacts are initiated by the employee.
Involves both furnishing and obtaining information and, also, attempting to influence
the decisions of those persons contacted. Contacts of considerable importance and of
such nature, that failure to exercise proper judgment may result in important tangible or
intangible losses to the organization.
EMPLOYEE CONTACT
Contacts with other departments or offices and also frequently with individuals in
middle level positions; consulting on problems which necessitate judgment and tact in
presentation to obtain cooperation or approval of action to be taken. Also, important
contacts with associates as required in advanced supervisory jobs.
USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS
Occasional use of highly complex machines and equipment; specialized or advanced
software programs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Somewhat disagreeable working conditions. Continuously exposed to one or two
elements such as noise, intermittent standing, walking; and occasional pushing,
carrying, or lifting.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of
those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must
be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions and expectations.
Semi-repetitive, low physical. Semi-repetitive type work which requires periods of
concentration for varied time cycles as prescribed by the tasks.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use
hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk or hear; occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally
lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include
close vision; and color vision.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Knowledge
Public safety communications knowledge is preferred, but not required.
Abilities
Effectively deal with people and highly stressful situations, which may be for an
extended period of time; assess situations quickly and accurately; use appropriate
judgment when responding to incident reports including emergency situations; learn
and follow established procedures; learn to operate a computer terminal, two-way
radio, as well as related dispatch and recording equipment; prepare and maintain
accurate records; follow oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and
effectively both verbally and in writing; deal effectively and courteously with associates
and the general public; perform effectively as a member of a team in carrying out the
City’s stated mission and philosophy; perform the essential functions of the job without
posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
Physical Requirements
Performs bending and reaching necessary to obtain resource materials; subject to
sitting for long periods of time. Must be able to grip objects and wear communications
headset that will cover or fit within the canal of one ear. Must be able to hear and
understand spoken communications originating simultaneously from both the headset and other sources in the communications room.
Working Environment
Primarily indoors, with heating and cooling regulated; exposure to constant noise in a
work environment with minimal natural lighting.
Miscellaneous Requirements
Must be able to work any assigned hours/shifts with varying days off. Subject to
emergency call-in. Must successfully complete a background investigation; must not
possess any felony convictions; and must pass pre-employment drug testing.
The dispatch center operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Applicant must be able to work all shifts, type 40 wpm, pass a complete background check, and polygraph examination. Must have strong multi-tasking skills; we use multiple computers, multiple computer based programs, and multiple display monitors to perform a variety of job functions. A 2-hour Pre-Test will be administered to all qualified candidates. No experience necessary; all training provided. High School Diploma/GED.
