Telecommunications (Police Dispatcher)

Primary Purpose

To respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance and information. Provide dispatch and communication support services for police, fire, emergency, and related services.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification:
• A clear and valid Texas driver's license
• A high school diploma or GED
• To obtain a telecommunications certificate within one year of employment
• Special Knowledge/Skills:
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to understand and follow detailed written or verbal instructions
• Ability to perform basic math
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to correctly prioritize workload
• Ability to work varying shifts, holidays, and overtime

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Answer multi-line telephones including E-911 lines
• Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly, verbally and in writing; includes speaking distinctly, responding promptly, and hearing in the normal range, to protect the safety of officers and the public
• Simultaneously listen and comprehend both telephone and radio traffic and monitor security systems
• Document all activity, location, and status in the computer aided dispatch system for police personnel, quickly disseminating any additional information
• Work in a confined area for minimum of 8 hours or more and remain seated for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems on a constant basis
• Operate multi-channel police radio system
• Assign appropriate police officer personnel for routine and emergency calls for service
• Concentrate on assigned task through many distractions
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health/safety of self or other
• Operate and perform daily maintenance of equipment, e.g., tape logger
• Operate all communications equipment in low-light conditions, discerning distinct colors used with the CAD system
• Assist and record requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services from the public and department personnel, via telephone, radios, and in person
• Attend training schools/seminars and other city-related events that may require travel (occasionally overnight)
• Type 40 WPM
• Independently make and carry out decisions
• Competently perform under stress when confronted with emergency and critical situations
• Perform a variety of tasks, often changing quickly from one task to another without loss of efficiency and composure; work without constant direct supervision

Supervisory Responsibilities

Full-time employees receive:
• Paid medical, dental & life insurance for employee
• A low-cost vision plan
• A retirement plan: Member contribution rate 5% matching ratio (City to Member) 2 : 1, years required for vesting 5, retirement eligibility (Age/Service) 60/5, 0/20
• An employee assistance program
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Vacation (80 hrs of vacation a year for less than 5 yrs of service, 120 hrs of vacation a year for 5 yrs + of service)
• 80 hours of sick leave a year
• 2 personal days a year

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Tools/Equipment Used:
• Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Handheld radio, microphones, keyboards, switchboards
• Posture:
• Frequent sitting, standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion:
• Frequent keyboarding and use of mouse
• Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and overhead reaching
• Lifting:
• Light lifting and carrying (25 pounds and under)
• Environment:
• Work indoors
• Frequent exposure to noise, and vibration
• May work alone
• Occasional prolonged or irregular hours
• Mental Demands:
• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions