Public Works Communications Dispatcher-Limited Duration

Job Summary

The City of Salem's Public Works Dispatch Communications Center seeks a dedicated, collaborative, and skilled problem solver to join our team as a Communications Dispatcher. This is a Limited Duration Opportunity with a duration no longer than 18 months.

About the Role

Our Dispatch Center is part of the Public Works Department, which plans, constructs, and maintains the City’s infrastructure including roadways and lanes; parks and recreation activities; and water, stormwater, and wastewater utility services. The Dispatch Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, handling emergency and non-emergency service requests for public infrastructure-related issues.

Responsibilities

• Interact with the public, internal departments, local jurisdictions, outside agencies, 911 call center, and local fire/police responders.
• Receive and respond to emergency and non-emergency service requests via telephone, radio, in person, email, and fax.
• Initiate responsive actions to alarm notifications and service requests.
• Dispatch appropriate equipment and personnel for response.
• Maintain radio/phone contact with crews in the field.
• Coordinate with emergency and other public/private agencies.
• Manage a variety of records including call logs for service.
• Operate multiple telecommunications and information systems including CAD, call center telephone system, radio consoles, and alarm/camera/security monitoring computers and equipment.
• Monitor a variety of radio frequencies which may result in the transmission of requests to other agencies.

Requirements

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• High School Diploma or GED, and coursework in business technology or a related field that includes two (2) years experience in general clerical, reception, 24-hour call center, dispatch, or other related area involving public contact or customer service, or any combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential functions.
• Some positions may require possession of a valid Oregon Driver license or Class C Driver license and meet the City of Salem’s driving standards.

Qualifications

Establish a stable and impactful career with the City of Salem! Learn about services provided by Public Works and how to prioritize the most urgent customer calls. Grow your customer service skills by ensuring a quality customer experience by accurately gathering information and relaying the details to the right service group.

Skills

Typical duties include obtaining and recording information; initiating responsive actions to alarm notifications and service requests; dispatching appropriate equipment and personnel for response; maintaining radio/phone contact with crews in the field; coordinating with emergency and other public/private agencies; managing a variety of records including call logs for service; operating multiple telecommunications and information systems including computer aided dispatch (CAD), call center telephone system, radio consoles, and alarm/camera/security monitoring computers and equipment; and monitoring a variety of radio frequencies which may result in the transmission of requests to other agencies.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
Competitive pay.
Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
Voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Voluntary long-term care.
Employee wellness program.
Employee assistance program.
Employee health clinic.

Pay

The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.

Schedule

Work schedules include day, swing, and graveyard shifts to meet the operational needs of a 24-hour, 365-day operation. The PW Communications Dispatcher must be willing and able to work a variety of shifts including overtime as needed. Scheduled shifts are bid on by seniority.

About Us

The City of Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across Marion and Polk counties. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with a diverse population and a family-friendly atmosphere. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.

Where Can I Find Out More About the Position?

To learn more about the position, go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for PW Communications Dispatcher.

How Can I Apply?

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please ensure your email settings accept our system-generated email notifications for potential hiring opportunities. For more information about employment at the City of Salem, visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs .