POLICE: 911 Telecommunicator I (2-hr Pre-skills Test required)

Job Title

911 Telecommunicator I

Job Summary

The dispatch center operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Applicants must be able to work all shifts, type 40 words per minute, pass a background check and polygraph examination, and possess strong multi‑tasking skills. A 2‑hour pre‑test will be administered to qualified candidates. No prior experience is required; all training will be provided. A high school diploma or GED is required.

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

• Answers and responds appropriately to incoming public assistance and 911 emergency calls from the general public, private alarm companies, and others (approximately 10% of the time).
• Determines, calmly and effectively, critical information for processing a call by establishing the nature of the incident and asking appropriate questions while maintaining departmental policy and procedure (approximately 10% of the time).
• Enters and codes information into the computer while simultaneously receiving information from the caller (approximately 10% of the time).
• Determines which agencies need to respond to an incident and operates dispatching equipment to dispatch fire, police vehicles and personnel, transferring caller information as necessary (approximately 10% of the time).
• Interfaces with the ACIC system to input data and obtain information on driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, “wants and warrants,” etc. (approximately 10% of the time).
• Sets priority of calls based on policy and the nature of the incident.
• Maintains the current status of personnel and equipment already out on calls while dispatching.
• Maintains accurate records of tape recording devices and computer operations as required.
• Secures assistance of other agencies as needed (approximately 7% of the time).
• Stays current on specific crime problems, unusual fire and police field operations, etc. (approximately 5% of the time).
• Reads and interprets a variety of resource materials, procedural manuals, etc. (approximately 5% of the time).
• Utilizes appropriate equipment such as computer, two‑way radio, and related dispatch and recording equipment (approximately 10% of the time).
• Conducts minor tests and inspections on equipment weekly (approximately 2% of the time).
• Performs minor office functions such as filing, copying and sorting (approximately 10% of the time).
• Performs any other related duties as required or assigned.

Core Requirements

• Must be able to work all shifts and nights.
• Must type at least 40 words per minute.
• Must pass a background check and polygraph examination.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to four years of high school or GED, with particular emphasis during high school in office skills, shop skills, or other relevant areas. 0 to 6 months of related experience and/or training is acceptable, or an 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, the 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 rates, ratios, and percentages 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

• ACIC Level I and Level II certification within one year of hire.
• CPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch and Telecommunicator certifications.

Software Skills Required

• Intermediate: Alphanumeric data entry, contact management, word processing/typing.
• Basic: Database, spreadsheet.

Physical Requirements

Perform bending and reaching necessary to obtain resource materials; sit for long periods of time; grip objects and wear a communications headset that fits in one ear; hear and understand spoken communications that may overlap from the headset and other sources. Must lift up to 25 pounds. Requires close vision and color vision.

Additional Information

Public safety communications knowledge is preferred but not required. Must effectively deal with people and highly stressful situations, learn to operate a computer terminal, two‑way radio, and related dispatch and recording equipment, prepare and maintain accurate records, follow oral and written instructions, communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing, and work effectively as part of a team. Perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.