COS-2026-1H Communications Operator (Hourly) (REPOST)

Open to the general public. Work week: 3-5 days per week (up to 900 hours maximum per fiscal year). Hourly rate: $20.00 per hour.

About the role

Under the close supervision of a Communications Operator 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in a centralized communications center, monitors, receives, and transmits environmental emergency alarms including, but not limited to, incidents associated with fires, radiation accidents, toxic releases, chemical spills, and atmospheric pollution. Receives requests for DEP emergency assistance and transmits same to first responders and/or law enforcement personnel, and other pertinent federal, state, county, and/or local authorities. Operates a variety of communications equipment.

The hourly communication operator will work, as needed, in the Department's Communication Center which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The incumbent will be responsible for answering the 877 WARN DEP Environmental Action Hotline, utilizing a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to coordinate the response of NJDEP Law Enforcement Personnel and DEP First Responders while using the Department's P25 radio system. The incumbent will work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment while providing excellent customer service during life-critical events.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, receive, and transmit environmental emergency alarms (fires, radiation accidents, toxic releases, chemical spills, atmospheric pollution).
• Receive requests for DEP emergency assistance and relay to first responders, law enforcement, and other authorities.
• Operate communications equipment, including a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and P25 radio system.
• Answer the 877 WARN DEP Environmental Action Hotline.
• Coordinate response of NJDEP Law Enforcement Personnel and DEP First Responders.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• One (1) year of experience in work involving the monitoring, receiving, sending, transmitting, and relaying of electronic messages and/or electronic radio messages.
• Experience receiving, relaying, and recording environmental complaints and requests for assistance, including use of computer-aided dispatch, data processing, or computer equipment for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and/or other first responders.
• Possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties.
• Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
• All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, must establish and maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey within one year of employment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience using a two-way radio system to dispatch law enforcement personnel.
• Ability to type while talking on a phone and/or speaking on a radio while wearing a headset.
• Previous experience utilizing a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Familiarity with the operation of the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) & National Crime Information Center (NCIC) inquiries, eAgent.
• Certifications as an Emergency Telecommunicator.

Benefits

• Earned Sick Time (pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines).

Pay

Hourly rate: $20.00 per hour.

Schedule

3-5 days per week (up to 900 hours maximum per fiscal year). The Communication Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.