Public Safety Telecommunicator

About the role

Grays Harbor Communications, 911, is an Interlocal Agency responsible for the receipt of emergency calls for service, and the dispatch of law enforcement, fire and medical responders. The Center serves 39 public safety agencies countywide. The position is defined as, “A civilian employee who, through the use of various telecommunications equipment, receives 911 emergency and non-emergency calls-for-service and dispatches public safety personnel according to Agency guidelines; performs related work as assigned”.

This position requires the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and work with callers who are experiencing a crisis. The workload intensity varies from minute-to-minute and requires frequent shifts from urgent independent decision making to cooperative teamwork. The work is performed using a computerized dispatch console, a multi-line phone system and radio communications equipment to receive, input and process information. Telecommunicators enter information from the caller and responding units into a computer-aided dispatch software program and continually update the status of personnel responding to the incident. Excellent communications skills are essential.

The 911 Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telecommunicators are required to work any assigned shift. Shifts include day, swing and graveyard, changing every 3 to 4 months. Teamsters’ Union membership is offered within 30 days of hire.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• High School graduate or GED
• US Citizen or Lawful permanent resident
• Valid Washington State drivers’ license
• No prior record of a Felony conviction. No prior record of a Gross Misdemeanor/Misdemeanor conviction for controlled substance or physical harm.
• Able to pass the Applicant Drug Use Disqualification Table
• Able to pass polygraph, medical and psychological evaluations, vision, hearing and controlled substance exams.
• Able to speak English clearly and distinctly at all times, despite stressful working conditions.
• Maintain a telephone at residence.
• Possession of a typing certificate for 40 wpm at the time of application. Must be within the last year.

Special Requirements

• Ability to successfully complete a 12-month probationary period, which includes a demonstrated proficiency in providing medical pre-arrival instructions over the telephone and the processing of emergency requests from the public and the field.
• Employees must work rotating shifts, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays as assigned.
• GHCC is a smoke free job site.

Salary

The salary for this position is $5,093.92 - $7,850.29 per month.

Examination

The examination process includes a computerized practical examination (pass/fail) and an oral interview. The minimum process time is 6 weeks.