Police Communications Operator II - Lateral

About the role

This is a lateral opportunity requiring previous experience as a 911 public safety dispatcher. You must possess the experience outlined in the "Experience & Education" section to apply.

Responsibilities

• Receive routine and emergency calls and dispatch police, fire and emergency medical units using a virtual telephone, computer equipment and/or a two-way radio console as well as a keyboard and mouse, trackball or foot pedal.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, such as receive, document and disseminate information accurately in both written and oral form, enter information into and retrieve information from computer systems and read information from multiple computer screens.
• Document facts accurately, legibly, and completely during multiple/emergency call situations.
• Cookordination activities within the city departments as well as with other emergency service and other government jurisdictions.
• Monitor other radio frequencies, dispatching appropriate emergency units when necessary.
• Take and evaluate reports, handle complaints, and requests for service over the phone and in person.
• Elicit information, quickly and accurately analyze situations and choose an effective course of action for both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Provide responsive, high quality service to city employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.
• Screens and refer selected problems to appropriate supervisor.
• Aid in the supervision and training of less experienced personnel in a one-on-one, on-the-job-training environment that includes writing daily/weekly evaluations.
• Use computer terminals to inquire, enter and check data in local, state, and national information databases.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of radio/dispatch equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Basic organization and functions of municipal police and fire departments. Basic emergency (911) system functions and operations. Basic geography of the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County. Operational principles and practices of a police and fire radio-telephone emergency communications and dispatching system, including emergency (911) system operations. Geography of the City of Carlsbad and environs. Appropriate agencies for handling of public safety complaints/problems/emergencies.
• Ability to: Elicit from, and explain information effectively and accurately to, a wide variety of callers. Provide excellent customer service both in person and on the phone to every caller, regardless of who they are. Provide information relevant to maintaining the safety of field personnel. Analyze situations accurately, reason clearly, and adopt effective courses of action even during times of stress or life-threatening peril. Learn to operate radio, telephone, and computer terminal equipment, and properly dispatch emergency units under extreme pressure. Learn to handle multiple situations on a simultaneous basis. Learn to understand, interpret and process radio traffic and telephone calls despite considerable background noise, static and interference. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Remain calm and communicate precisely and clearly in emergency situations. Exercise sound judgment in making priority decisions. Read maps, grids and written instructions. Deploy emergency equipment within specific guidelines. Learn and articulate rules and procedures involved in release and maintenance of police records and files. Document facts accurately, legibly and completely under pressure of multiple emergency call situations. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Perform duties effectively with a minimum of supervision. Communicate with the public and quickly identify the emergency dispatch needs. Handle multiple situations on a simultaneous basis. Employ good judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies. Read, interpret and communicate map information accurately. Assist less experienced personnel in the operation and compliance with fire and police rules and regulations. Perform duties effectively with minimum of supervision.

Requirements

• One year of operational experience in public safety performing duties comparable to those of a Communication Operator I.
• Possession of a Police Officer Standards of Training (P.O.S.T) Basic Complaint/Dispatcher Certificate.
• Computer Aided Dispatch (C.A.D.) experience strongly preferred but not required.
• Ability to keyboard/type at a minimum net speed of 40 wpm.
• Dispatch operations run on a 24-hour per day, seven day a week schedule. This position works on a rotating shift basis, holidays and weekends.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Retirement under the CalPERS program, 2% @ 62 formula, Classic Members (those who are enrolled in CalPERS at another local agency) have the 2% @ 60 formula Pension contribution limitations set by PEPRA are currently $151,549 for new members or $280,000 for classic members
• Bilingual Pay
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays
• Paid vacation
• Computer purchase loan
• Tuition reimbursement