Dispatch and Communications Specialist (Multiple Positions)

About the Role

Do you enjoy helping others, multitasking and working under pressure? As a dispatch and communications specialist, you will play an important role in keeping Oregon roadways safe. In this role, you will quickly assess and communicate information about traffic hazards, weather events, incidents and other emergencies. Your decision-making skills will help keep our field crews safe and improve safety and mobility for Oregon travelers.

Responsibilities

• Monitor transportation system conditions, radio communications and weather conditions using software and equipment.
• Monitor and answer a variety of technical equipment including a multiline phone system and a multichannel radio system.
• Implement incident and weather related response plans.
• Coordinate with other agency dispatch centers, transportation operation centers, crews, law enforcement and the Oregon Emergency Response System.
• Receive, input and notify crews about maintenance or repairs.
• Implement detour routes including dispatching staff and equipment.
• Monitor and test device status and the operation of backup systems.
• Review and stay up to date on statewide and regional standard operating guidelines, emergency operations plans and transportation operations center systems.
• Will require being restricted to workstations for long periods sometimes in a close working area.
• Handle multiple conflicting priorities that sometimes involve life threatening situations and communicating with the public often under confusing or crisis conditions.
• Will be required to work day shifts, swing shifts, flexible shifts, alternating shifts, nights, weekends, extended hours and on holidays.
• Must be able to pass an initial and maintain annual CJIS/OSP background checks for LEDS operation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of public contact experience that includes gathering, relaying, and providing information to others AND evaluating activities or incidents, and determining an appropriate course of action.
• One year of this experience must include receiving and dispatching emergency requests using radio equipment, telephone, and/or computer. Note: Successful completion of a Certified Emergency Communications Course may substitute for the one year of specialized experience.

Special Qualifications

• You must be able to complete a "Test Genius" test, which we will administer during the recruitment process, if selected to move forward. This will test skills including typing, map reading, memory recall and data entry.
• The successful candidate must become LEDS certified and maintain current certification within 90 days of hire.

What We'd Like To See

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups, including fire personnel, law enforcement, towing companies and members of the public.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while adapting to changing priorities and demands.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments while maintaining productivity and professionalism in an environment with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to perform repetitive data entry tasks with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail and consistency.
• Demonstrated ability to operate computers and efficiently navigate a variety of computer systems, applications, programs and software.

Benefits

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity.

Pay

Salary range: $4,312 - $5,988 per month (non-PERS). If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.