Emergency Communications Specialist
About the role
Emergency Communications Specialists (ECS) are cross-trained in four different disciplines: Call-Taking, Law Enforcement dispatching, Fire/EMS/Search & Rescue dispatching, and our Data Channel (law enforcement intelligence and field support). Each ECS becomes proficient at handling complex computer systems and a variety of responsibilities in a stressful and highly technical environment. Our ECS utilize a Viper phone system and Central Square computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, along with many additional software applications while exercising independent judgment. Work involves extended periods of sitting or standing while working with others in a team atmosphere. The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Employment begins with an ECS Academy, followed by individual, on-console one-on-one training. Initial shift assignments are based on training needs and each person will move to various shifts for job-related experience. Upon completion of training, shifts are allocated based on seniority, and the needs of the Communications Center. You should expect to work any shift, days or nights — which includes weekends, holidays, and on-call. Boulder County ECS have been placed in a step plan, which allows for lateral hires to top out in as little as four (4) years, based on experience.
Salary
Monthly: $6,217 - $8,756 | Annual: $74,604 - $105,072
Examples of Duties
- Proficiently operate numerous software applications, including but not limited to Viper phone software, Central Square (CAD), EMSystems, VHF and digital trunking emergency radio equipment, CCIC/NCIC, alarm monitoring software, severe weather radar, and numerous additional ancillary applications.
- Requires skill in making effective decisions under stressful conditions, performing and triaging multiple tasks simultaneously, and remaining calm during emergency situations. Must be able to exercise good judgment, use common sense and make sound decisions to ensure safety of both first responders and the public.
- Requires the ability to listen, communicate and speak clearly enough in English to be understood while answering incoming radio, 9-1-1, and administrative telephone calls.
- Question/assist callers in emergency situations; accurately ascertain the location and nature of the emergency.
- Ability to receive, comprehend and rapidly relay accurate information.
- Dispatch applicable emergency law, fire/ems/rescue personnel and equipment based on geographical and protocol knowledge with the aid of computer software systems.
- Ability to successfully pass training and maintain proficiency for all four positions within the Center: 1) Call Taker 2) Law 3) Fire/EMS/Rescue 4) Data.
- Monitor, manage, and coordinate traffic on several radio channels.
- Fulfill all requests for supplemental information, personnel, and equipment in a timely manner.
- Record and monitor the status of personnel and equipment to ensure safety of all personnel.
- Complete and maintain CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certifications (training provided). Provide pre-arrival instructions according to Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols.
- Requires the ability to perform repetitive motion at a keyboard/console on an intermittent basis for extended time periods per work shift.
- Maturity and professionalism are essential as you will be interacting with both the public and other agencies.
- Perform other related duties as requested/required, including emergency callback during large public safety emergencies (e.g., floods, wildfires, active harmer events, etc.).
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Type a minimum of 40 wpm with accuracy.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English with enough proficiency to effectively communicate under stressful circumstances.
Preferred Qualifications
- Preferred prior work experience in high-paced, stressful environments.
- Preferred previous Central Square (CAD), IAED or CCIC/NCIC experience.
- Preferred thorough knowledge of Boulder County geography and surrounding areas.
- Experience operating computer systems with multiple displays.
- Ability to read and comprehend mapping systems and understand geographic terminology.
- Preferred Multi-lingual.
Physical Requirements
Primarily sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds and frequently be able to reach above shoulder, at or below waist level at the workstation; occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; frequent hand/eye coordination to operate computer keyboard, mice, and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication, hearing, and ability to maintain mental capacity to communicate with employees and members of the public during stressful situations. From "Dictionary of Occupational Titles", U.S. Department of Labor: Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time. Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time.
Benefits
As well as offering competitive pay and a caring work environment, Boulder County offers employees an array of benefits. For all FTE and Term employees, we provide:
- Outstanding options of comprehensive health plans that include vision and dental coverage.
- Family-forming benefits – infertility treatment, adoption and surrogacy reimbursements
- 12 weeks Paid Caregiver leave
- Breast feeding friendly-work environment
- Sick child care, an infants-at-work policy
- Access to LifeMart discount hub, including discounts on childcare centers, event tickets, travel and more
- Access to a nationally-recognized wellness program
- Employee Assistance Program
- PERA 401k
- Social Security retirement plans
- Additional Life and Disability Insurance
- Critical Illness and Accidental Insurance
- County-paid tuition assistance
- Eligible for PSLF – Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Free EcoPass
- Hospital Indemnity
- ID Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- 8 Hours of Paid Public Service Leave
- Generous paid time off
Paid Holidays
- New Year's Day – January 1
- Martin Luther King's Birthday – January
- Presidents' Day – February
- Memorial Day – May
- Juneteenth – June 19
- Independence Day – July 4
- Labor Day – September
- Indigenous People's Day
- General Election Day – November (first Tuesday after the first Monday, even years)
- Veterans' Day – November 11
- Thanksgiving Day – November
- Friday after Thanksgiving*
- Christmas Eve – ½ day (full day off depends on day of the week)
- Christmas Day – December 25
- New Year's Eve – ½ day (full day off depends on day of the week)
Leave Accruals
- Vacation: 80-hour bank of vacation at the time of hire. Eight hours of vacation per month for the first year of continuous service, then accrue twelve hours of vacation per month after the first year of continuous service.
- Medical: Eight hours of medical leave for each month employed.
Retirement
- PERA – The County and all employees pay into both Social Security and PERA
- Employer contribution to Social Security: 7.65% of salary
- Employer contribution to PERA (Local Government Division – most county employees): 14.76%