Communications Officer

The Department of Public Safety at Pepperdine University maintains a hospitable and secure campus environment while respecting the rights and dignity of each individual, in line with the University's Christian mission.

About the role

Through prompt and courteous communication, monitoring of systems, and use of sound judgment, Communications Officers play a critical role in creating and maintaining a welcoming, respectful, safe, and peaceful campus community.

Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of radio, telephone, and CCTV operational duties in the 24-hour communication center.
• Monitor CCTV system, alarm panels, electronic communications, and visually controlled access entrances.
• Dispatch public safety officers and fire, medical, and parking personnel to calls for service based on priority, location, and resources available.
• Accurately track, monitor, and document officer activities during their shifts; correctly differentiate emergency and non-emergency calls; and effectively prioritize calls for service.
• Complete detailed CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch system) entries for all calls.
• Develop and maintain positive community relations through excellent customer service by phone or in the reception center.
• Collaborate with and support Public Safety personnel and members of the Pepperdine community to foster and maintain a positive, honorable, efficient, and professional work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Public Safety leadership.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent.
• Possess or obtain CPR and basic first aid certificates within the first 90 days of employment.
• Possess a valid Class C California driver's license and good driving record.
• Ability to type approximately 40 words per minute or higher.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations.
• Excellent telephone etiquette with strong customer service skills, including a pleasant disposition and an ability to communicate with diplomacy and tact in sensitive situations.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently.
• Ability to handle multiple, simultaneous responsibilities in potentially stressful situations.
• Ability to work a wide variety of shifts, including potential late night/early morning hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work extended shifts on short notice or shifts outside of regular scheduled hours.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Able to enter data into a variety of computer software programs and communicate daily via email.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six months or more of related work experience.
• Experience working in computer databases.
• Previous dispatch training.
• Knowledge of law enforcement and public safety protocols; crowd control and traffic enforcement techniques; and local, state, and federal laws.
• Knowledge of the University and familiarity with the scope of responsibilities of the Department of Public Safety, L.A. County Sheriff's Department, L.A. County Fire Department, and California Highway Patrol.

Pay

Expected pay rate: $23.25 per hour. The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level.

Benefits

In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Schedule

This is a regular, nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.