Communication Technician

About the role

This position involves handling emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching public safety units, maintaining logs, and interacting with the public and other agencies. Essential duties include responding to 911 calls, operating CAD systems, and managing various files.

Responsibilities

• Works shifts to support 24/7 operation, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Receives and responds to 911, emergency, non-emergency, complaint, and service-related phone calls.
• Determines call nature and priority, transferring information to appropriate units or personnel.
• Operates CAD system to dispatch public safety units, monitors unit activities, and provides backup when needed.
• Enters, retrieves, and transmits information via teletype computer equipment, maintaining logs and files according to NCIC and FCIC requirements.
• Communicates professionally via radio or telephone with the public and fellow employees and other public safety agencies.
• Maintains knowledge of the Communications Center Standard Operating Guide, departmental rules, and city rules.
• Conducts tours and assists with public education presentations.
• Performs general clerical tasks, including typing, entering data, filing, and faxing.
• Directs public to appropriate community resources.
• Trains new employees on procedures, equipment operation, and essential skills.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent certification.
• Valid Florida driver’s license or acceptable official identification.
• Basic FCIC/NCIC certification or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• State of Florida DOH Telecommunicator Certification preferred.
• Knowledge of emergency medical dispatch (EMD) and passing the certification test within six months of starting position.

Skills & Abilities

• Operating procedures for handling emergency and non-emergency calls.
• FCIC/NCIC procedures and regulations.
• Police Information Management System operations.
• Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system operations.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Physical demands include sitting for extended periods, occasional walking, standing, lifting up to 20 lbs., bending, pushing, pulling, kneeling, and reaching overhead.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Starting salary at the minimum of the pay grade range; exceptional qualifications and/or experience may lead to a higher starting rate upon approval by Administration.

Schedule

Shift work to support 24/7 operation, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Equipment Used

• 911 telecommunication consoles.
• Basic office equipment, including computers, printers, copy machines, telephones, and facsimile machines.
• Ability to operate Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD).

Job Location

Apopka Police Department, all City-owned buildings/property, parks, grounds, and recreation facilities. Off-site locations and facilities may be required for meetings, conferences, and training.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods.
• Occasional walking, standing, lifting up to 20 lbs., bending, pushing, pulling, kneeling, and reaching overhead.

Disclaimer

The City of Apopka reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date and also reserves the right to close the posting prior to the date indicated. Positions will be filled by competitive selection from among categories of qualified and available candidates. Applicants should expect a starting salary at the minimum of the pay grade range; applicants with exceptional qualifications and/or experience may be eligible for a rate of pay which is higher than the range minimum upon approval by Administration.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Apopka is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recognizes a moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to provide fair and equitable consideration of applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, sexual orientation, or other non-job-related factors. The City seeks a wide range of applicants for its positions so that one of its core values, a qualified and diverse workforce, will be affirmed.