Dispatcher I or II

About the role

The City of Palmer is seeking a Dispatcher I or II to join the Palmer Police Department. The position is full-time and open until filled.

Responsibilities

• Dispatcher I:
• Utilize the telephone, radio and computer systems to receive calls for service in the emergency services dispatch center; dispatch appropriate emergency service providers including police officers, and fire personnel and equipment.
• Perform administrative and clerical duties, including typing, filing, and computer data entry.
• Maintain control of actions performed by less senior dispatchers when training or acting as senior dispatcher on shift.
• Answer and document all incoming telephone calls on business lines, multiple emergency/911 lines, direct agency hot-lines, TDD Telephone for the hearing impaired, Crimestoppers hotline and numerous in-house phone extensions.
• Initiate telephone contact with citizens and other agencies as requested by officers, fire units, and other services or as required by duties.
• Receive and process requests for emergency and non-emergency calls for service and information. Requests include police and fire, including requests for wreckers, social service agencies, and family and youth services. Must be able to quickly determine nature of telephone call, determine responsible agency, and assign priority.
• Utilizing radios, pagers and telephones, dispatch combinations of police and fire services and their apparatus for the City of Palmer.
• Monitor and document all incoming and outgoing radio transmissions on several radio frequencies. Maintain control of frequencies during periods of high-volume radio usage.
• Act as intermediary between units on calls that require multi-agency response and ensure superiors are briefed and updated on events as necessary.
• Utilize multiple computer systems; APSIN, NCIC, NLETS, CAD, ARMS, or others that may evolve, to retrieve, enter, update, forward, and delete all information that is required by the Department.
• Answer public inquiries and refer the caller to the correct person/agency if needed.
• Maintain and keep confidential all information obtained during the course of work.
• Dispatcher II:
• Answer and document all incoming telephone calls on multiple business and emergency/911 lines, direct agency hot-lines, TDD Telephone for the Hearing Impaired, Crime Stoppers hotline and numerous in-house phone extensions.
• Initiate telephone contact with citizens and other agencies as requested by officers, fire units, and other services.
• Receive request for emergency and non-emergency calls for service and information. Requests include police, fire, including request for wreckers, social service agencies, and family and youth services. Must use sound judgment to quickly determine nature of telephone call, determine responsible agency, and assign priority.
• Utilizing radios, pagers, and telephones to dispatch combinations of police and fire services and their apparatus for the City of Palmer.
• Monitor and document all incoming and outgoing radio transmissions on several radio frequencies. Maintain control of frequencies during periods of high-volume radio usage.
• Act as intermediary between units on calls which require multi-agency response and ensure superiors are briefed and updated on events.
• Utilize multiple computer systems; APSIN, NCIC, NLETS, CAD, ARMS, or others that may evolve, to retrieve, enter, update, forward, and delete all information that is required by the Department.
• Answer public inquiries and refer the caller to the correct person/agency.
• Train new personnel in dispatch functions and procedures after successful completion of the Communications Training Officer Course.
• Cultivate and maintain a climate, which is free of harassment, intimidation, and disrespect to provide a safe place for to work and a safe, professional environment for citizens.
• Perform other activities as requested.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with ability to type 45 wpm corrected.
• Mastery of the English language and Reading and Comprehension.
• Successful completion of the fourteen-week communications training program.
• Pass a medical physical prior to employment.
• Submit to and pass an in-depth background investigation.
• Obtain CPR/BLS certification.
• General knowledge of filing and general office procedures.
• Effective communication skills in emergency situations.
• APSIN security clearance.
• Ability to make rapid decisions affecting lives and property.
• Good eyesight, hearing, and speaking quality.
• Ability to handle emergency calls involving injury, attack, or distress.
• Teamwork and multitasking abilities.
• Valid Alaska Driver's License with acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

• Knowledge, Skills, and Experience of both Dispatcher I and Dispatcher II.

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to work as a member of a team of staff working towards a common goal.
• Ability to multi-task to perform and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.

Benefits

No specific benefits are mentioned in the job posting.

Pay

$22.59 - $29.67 Hourly

Schedule

Not specified in the job posting.