Public Safety Dispatcher

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides first responder assistance in medical emergencies in accordance with the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch guidelines.
• Receives, classifies, and prioritizes all incoming calls to the dispatch center, including 9-1-1 calls, emergency and non-emergency calls received from citizens.
• Operates a variety of public safety communications equipment including, 9-1-1 emergency telephone equipment, computer-aided dispatch systems, and multi-channel radio system.
• Evaluates response necessary as dictated by a given request for service; determines nature, location, and priority of calls.
• Assigns and dispatches personnel in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Transfers calls to other appropriate agencies in accordance with established procedures.
• Obtains and dispatches other support services as necessary.
• Maintains accurate deployment tracking of department personnel and equipment to maintain continuous situational awareness.
• Enters, modifies, and retrieves data using computer terminals.
• Uses multiple computer programs and quickly navigates between computer and communications programs and applications.
• Maintains City-wide and airport alarm systems.
• Prepares and maintains numerous reports, logs, alpha and numerical files, report forms, statistical data, and general correspondence.
• Provides a variety of general clerical assistance.
• Greets the public in person.
• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner.
• Provides information within the area of assignment.
• Resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Corrects citations as necessary.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all calls, conversations, and written materials.
• Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents such as driving records, criminal histories, citations, domestic violence paperwork, no-code death advisements, and warrants.
• Communicates and coordinates with others in a stressful environment.
• Maintains composure in difficult situations.
• Endures occasional verbal and mental abuse from persons who may be under stress as a result of emergencies or interaction with law enforcement personnel.
• Works effectively with co-workers, the public, and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner.
• Attends Department and other training programs.
• Assists with training new dispatchers as required.
• Performs assigned duties with speed and accuracy.
• Performs job duties with minimal or no supervision.
• Maintains the physical ability to perform essential job functions.
• Maintains regular, reliable and predictable attendance at work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

  Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • The applicant (or employee after hire) must pass a drug screening test and criminal background check, as well as other background investigations.
  • The successful applicant should not have any criminal history that would bar the applicant from obtaining access to Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) under state and federal laws and regulations.
  • The workweek is comprised of varied shifts depending upon the needs of the Department.
  • Work schedules provide coverage twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, including City holidays and shift extensions.
  • Must possess any combination of training and experience that provide the applicant with the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential job functions.