Dispatcher/Telecommunicator

About the role

This position processes incoming calls from the public on emergency and non-emergency telephone lines, pages emergency response units, and makes response decisions regarding law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. It also handles walk-in requests for services, operates computer terminals, enters and maintains records through computer aided dispatch programming, and monitors the jail camera system.

Responsibilities

• Answers incoming non-emergency and emergency telephone calls
• Provides emergency medical dispatch assistance during medical emergencies
• Monitors and answers radio traffic for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and city workers
• Dispatches appropriate units to calls for service
• Initiates computer aided dispatch reports for record keeping
• Accesses NCIC, SDLETS, and NLETS databases for criminal justice information

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• Must complete and maintain South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission Certification for 911 Telecommunicators

Minimum Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Special Requirements

• Applicants must meet minimum standards for employment as stated on the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards & Training Commission for Basic 9-1-1 Telecommunicators application
• Must successfully complete a 12-week in-house training program with a Certified Training Officer and complete a 12-month probation period
• Must also complete South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission Certification Course for 911 Telecommunicators
• Must be willing and able to work a variety of shifts and hours including days, nights, weekdays, weekends, and holidays
• Adequate mental and physical capacity to perform assigned duties in an efficient and safe manner
• Ability to understand and operate a variety of radio and telephone equipment
• Must possess good hearing and a clear speaking voice
• Basic knowledge of computers and have proficient typing skills
• The ability to comprehend and follow complex oral and written instructions during emergency situations
• Able to complete numerous tasks simultaneously and accurately during emergency situations
• Maintain a professional working relationship with a variety of public and private agencies as well as the public in general

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear simultaneously. The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.