Communications Officer - Police Dispatcher

About the role

Serves as a vital communications link with the citizens of the community, officers of this department, and personnel of other departments and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Promotes and follows the Department's mission statement, values, and expectations.
• Regular attendance at work as scheduled by the department.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning information learned while performing the duties of the job.
• Dispatches police officers, fire, and EMS in response to calls and emergencies.
• Relays instructions, orders, and information requiring knowledge of department policies, practices, procedures, and reporting relationships.
• Receives, records, and services all incoming calls from officers, fire, and EMS.
• Secures information from callers, dispatched officers, fire, and EMS.
• Captures information during high volume periods or in cases of reduced staff.
• Monitors and responds to fire and security alarm systems and to emergency calls.
• Uses computer aided dispatching equipment to input and retrieve data and to generate reports quickly, effectively, and accurately.
• Maintains various documents related to police and security activities.
• In the absence of the Communications Supervisor or Lead Dispatcher, may be placed in charge of supervision of a dispatch shift.
• Participates in the development of effective training programs, provides or oversees the training of new dispatch personnel.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other city employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Maintains contact with all units on assignment through computer aided dispatch including the status and location of police, fire, and EMS field units.
• Maintains computer records of traffic stops and other officer-initiated activity.
• Provide high quality dispatch services to the community.
• Identifies problems and recommends solutions to the Communications Supervisor or Lead Communications Officer.
• Serves as a resource to dispatch staff on problems and issues related to computerized equipment and systems, complicated dispatch issue, and emergency situations.
• Handles other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent (GED).
• Maintain Utah POST Certification as a Dispatcher (provided during training).
• Maintain current EMD, CPR, and BCI Certifications (provided during training).

Qualifications

• Ability to perform work in rotating shifts as scheduled by the department.
• Ability to handle stressful situations competently with calmness and appropriate speed.
• Ability to competently handle several situations at once.
• Must have ability to type 40 words per minute on standard computer keyboard.
• Essential knowledge of typing, spelling, vocabulary, office procedures and techniques, analytical abilities, and good knowledge of all office equipment.
• Knowledge of local geography, emergency communications equipment, standard broadcasting procedures, and rules.

Skills

• Expertise Proficient in operating computers and using a variety of software programs to perform tasks efficiently.
• The ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment is essential, as the role requires managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Flexibility and the capacity to adapt to a constantly evolving work environment.
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance Benefits begin on the date of hire. Bountiful City offers Select Health and PEHP networks, with the choice of Traditional or High Deductible plans on either network. Bountiful pays 100% of the premium for employees (single coverage), 95% of the premium for two-party coverage, and 90% of the premium for family coverage.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Dental and Vision coverage is provided by Renaissance. This coverage is optional and is paid for by the employee. It is effective on the first day of the month following the date of hire.
• Life Insurance Group Term Life insurance coverage of two times the annual salary + $10,000 is provided to the employee, $10,000 for a spouse, and $10,000 per eligible dependent. The premium for this coverage is paid by the City.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FLEX$) Eligible employees may elect to enroll in the FLEX$ program offered by PEHP. Employee contributions are made bi-weekly through payroll. Funds can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses (up to $3,400 per year for 2026 and may be spent during a grace period of 75 days) and for dependent childcare expenses (up to $5,000 per year).
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Employees who are enrolled in a High-Deductible plan will receive pre-tax contributions from Bountiful City to fund their HSA. Employer contribution amounts rely on the tier of medical coverage chosen by the employee and are prorated based on date of hire. Annually these amounts are $1000 (single coverage), $2,000 (two-party coverage), and $3,000 (family coverage). Employees have the option to make bi-weekly pre-tax contributions to their HSA account in addition to the contributions made on their behalf by Bountiful City. HSA contribution limits for 2026 are $4,300 for single coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. These limits include contributions made by the employee and the employer.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance coverage is provided by PEHP. This coverage is optional and is paid for by the employee. It is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
• Long Term Disability (LTD) Bountiful City pays the premium for LTD coverage which offers 66.67% salary replacement after a 90 day waiting period.
• Sick and Vacation Leave Employees accrue 3.70 hours of sick leave per pay period and there is no cap on accrual. Employees accrue 3.70 hours of vacation leave per pay period and may carry a maximum of 240 hours. Vacation accrual rates increase with years of service. Employees who meet certain criteria may sell back sick and vacation leave annually.
• Paid Holidays Employees receive twelve paid holidays a year.
• Employee Assistance Program A counseling and consultation service through Blomquist Hale is provided to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues. This plan is paid for by Bountiful City and there is no out of pocket expense for the employee to utilize this benefit.
• COLA and Merit Increases Employees may receive COLA (cost of living adjustment) and/or merit salary increases based on performance evaluations, market adjustments, and/or the availability of funds as allocated by the City Council.
• Retirement - Pension Bountiful City funds a pension plan and/or 401(k) account through Utah Retirement Systems (URS) on the employee's behalf. Specific contributions vary based on hire date and the tier the employee falls under and will be discussed further at the time of hire. For more information, please visit www.urs.org.
• Retirement - Savings Plans Employees have the option to contribute to a variety of additional savings account options including 401(k), 457, and Roth IRA. Contributions can be made on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through bi-weekly payroll deductions.
• Other Benefits Bountiful City offers Bereavement/Funeral Leave, Family Medical Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Military Leave, Cell Phone and Uniform Stipends, Safety Awards, Training Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, Wellness Programs, Employee Luncheons, Years of Service Awards, and other Department specific awards.