Public Safety Dispatcher I

About the role

The Department of Public Safety at Iowa State University is seeking candidates for a Public Safety Dispatcher I. Under general supervision, this position provides communications of a public safety nature for university police and other departments as well as surrounding law enforcement agencies and emergency response agencies utilizing multi-frequency radio, computer systems, telephone, TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf), and personal contact. This position is also responsible for monitoring university emergency phones and multiple alarm systems.

During training, this position will rotate through all shifts. At the conclusion of training, the employee will be assigned to a specific shift. Days off will be determined by shift assignment. Dispatchers are expected to work extra hours whenever large events are held on campus, including home football games, political events, Iowa Games, etc. Dispatchers are also expected to report to work during times of major disturbances or disasters on campus.

Responsibilities

• Operates a multi-frequency radio system in accordance with FCC regulations and completes a radio log and other records as required.
• Operates a multi-line telephone system providing emergency and business information. May be responsible for monitoring 911 phone system.
• Monitors radio traffic from surrounding local and state law enforcement agencies and relays information to patrol units.
• Dispatches duty personnel to requests for assistance or complaints.
• Receives and provides information to visitors, faculty, staff, and students.
• Notifies on-call personnel as required by departmental policy.
• Receives and relays emergency weather and road information to public safety officers and to other university departments and the university administration as required.
• Provides information to institutional public information services or outside news services on incidents and accident information as required.
• Monitors, updates, and relays information regarding building alarms.
• Operates a computer for the state crime computer network.
• Maintains voice communication tapes and applicable files and manuals for reference at public safety dispatch office.

Requirements

• Any combination of clerical education or experience and/or college or university level course work which is equivalent to two years of full-time employment.
• Must achieve certification in IOWA/NCIC (National Crime Information Center) System within 6 months of employment.
• Must attend 40-hour training course at Iowa Law Enforcement Academy within one year of employment.
• Must pass departmental background check.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public Safety experience
• Dispatch experience

Skills

• Knowledge of the geography of the university campus.
• Knowledge of FCC regulations and public safety dispatching procedures.
• Skill in using equipment such as multi-frequency radio, teletype, telephone, TDD, and computers.
• Skill in communicating with members of the public and departmental staff both orally and in writing.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer terminal, PC, or other keyboard device with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks at one time and to remain calm in stressful situations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa).
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.

Appointment Type: Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month
Work Period Time Type: Full time