COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR - LATERAL

About the role

The City of Burbank is hiring for a Communications Operator - Lateral position. The position requires answering emergency (911) and non-emergency phone lines, maintaining contact with law enforcement personnel and other City units in the field, dispatching appropriate units or equipment in response to emergency and other calls, and performing related work as required.

Responsibilities

• Serves as an Operator in the BPD Communications Center on a shift basis;
• receives calls, dispatches and records appropriate law enforcement and other equipment to respond to reported emergencies in the field;
• maintains contact with units at all times during shift assignment in order to send needed or requested assistance in event of emergency;
• maintains a continuous record of the status of mobile units indicating the disposition of each unit by mechanical or other means;
• operates emergency (911) telephone system;
• sends and receives computer messages and routes same to appropriate destination;
• operates a computer terminal to enter, modify, or retrieve data;
• maintains a current log of all information received and transmitted;
• prepares required reports and summaries of Communications Center activities;
• performs miscellaneous clerical work;
• may compose and type log sheets as required;
• may drive on City business.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work;
• effective customer service techniques;
• spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• Skill in operating modern computers and related software;
• exercising independent judgement and making decisions based on standard policy and procedures.

• Ability to learn the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters, the policies and procedures of the Communications Center, BPD General Orders, and City Administrative Procedures, California Penal and Vehicle Codes, the City’s Municipal Code, and BPD CAD system;
• learn the proper use and care of radio communications equipment;
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• think clearly and act quickly in emergencies;
• maintain accurate records;
• simultaneously receive, dispatch, and record information utilizing a database system;
• work rotating shifts;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.

Education/Training

• High school graduation or equivalent, and one year of recent full-time experience in customer service, clerical work, or emergency services dispatch/radio communications work;
• ability to type 40 net words per minute.

License & Certificates

• Peace Officer Standards and Training-certified (POST-certified) Public Safety Dispatch Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment.

Supplemental Information

• A valid California Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent may be required at time of appointment.