Telecommunicator

About the role

Performs the radio dispatching and clerical work necessary to support police officers, firefighters/paramedics and other emergency personnel. Work involves receiving non-emergency and emergency incoming calls, dispatching applicable personnel, and operating a computer terminal connected to the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and a variety of local, regional, and/or state emergency response databases. Work involves preparing and maintaining records and files. Employee works varying shift assignments and is responsible for being on call during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Accurately receives/dispatches calls for police, fire, emergency aid/ambulance, animal control, and on-call city workers;
• Maintains a computer log of complaints and services requested;
• Maintains knowledge of location and activities of various emergency response personnel;
• Receives and provides home, business, fire and medical alarms to law enforcement officials, firefighters and medics as requested;
• Notifies key holders of activation of alarms;
• Maintains logs of vehicle repossession and wrecker rotations;
• Maintains paperwork related to the booking and release of prisoners;
• Maintains computer database;
• Works cooperatively with other agencies;
• Promotes positive public relations;
• Adhere to all City policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook, in particular:
• Attendance Policy
• All Safety Policies and Procedures
• Appropriate business casual attire for office personnel and proper uniform attire for those departments that are so designated (Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED;
• Ability to obtain Basic License as a Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications Operator within 12 months of employment as a Telecommunicator. Certification pay is paid to those who hold an Intermediate, Advance or Master License;
• Ability to obtain Certification as a Notary Public from the Texas Secretary of State’s Office within 12 months of employment.

Additional Job Functions

• Answers telephone and receives inquiries, providing information based on general knowledge of City programs and activities, or refers callers to appropriate personnel, as necessary;
• Routes messages or pages off-duty officers.
• Maintains office equipment & dispatch office, coordinates report of equipment with the Administrative Services Lieutenant.
• Assists with the training of new telecommunicators.

Typical Qualifications

• Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County, including political subdivisions, location of streets, important buildings and other landmarks;
• Familiar with the operation of two-way radio equipment and related Federal Communication Commission regulations;
• Awareness of the operation and location of law enforcement and emergency service units;
• Knowledge of emergency communications equipment and computer systems and databases utilized by the Department;
• Proficiency in the use of common office machines including computerized data entry equipment;
• Ability to elicit information necessary for proper dispatching from persons who may be distressed;
• Competence in the exercise sound judgment in emergencies;
• Ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and politely;
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in all transactions and conversations with external and internal customers;
• Maintain clear, effective records and reports;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Supplemental Information

• Emergency Operation Classification: TIER 1– Essential: Employees with specific responsibilities that remain in the City on the job alternatively, at a designated location during an emergency.
• This Job Position Is Eligible For The Following Benefits:
• Medical and dental insurance at no cost to the employee
• Vision insurance is offered at a very low premium
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability and AD&D (payroll deducted)
• TMRS (Texas Municipal Retirement System)
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Paid Time Off
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Longevity Pay
• 457 Plan and/or Roth IRA
• Health Reimbursement Account and/or Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HSA/FSA)

Part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.