Telecommunicator

About the role

The City of Yakima needs Telecommunicators to answer 9-1-1 calls, dispatch law enforcement and fire resources, and provide emergency medical instructions over the phone. If you like to work in a fast-paced work environment and want to make a difference in your community, answer the call!

Responsibilities

Under general supervision, receives emergency and non-emergency requests for fire, emergency medical, and law enforcement assistance via multiple communications systems. Evaluates the information provided to determine the appropriate jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel to be dispatched. Operates a variety of electronic equipment to successfully dispatch the appropriate emergency response.

• Receives, transmits, and records requests for emergency and non-emergency responses via Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) telephone, text messages, and TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf), non-emergency telephone, radio, alarm, and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Uses maps, addresses, and other pertinent information to dispatch the appropriate jurisdiction, equipment, and personnel.
• Provides information and/or emergency medical dispatch (EMD) instruction under stressful conditions, calmly, clearly, and distinctly, until the situation is resolved and/or emergency assistance has arrived.
• Accurately and comprehensively enters and retrieves information into computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system or other data storage and record-keeping system.
• Monitors and transmits on a variety of radio channels.
• Assists in testing radio frequencies, periodically makes routine announcements, and relays information via radio and/or paging systems.
• Monitors and maintains the position and status of the units in the field.
• Directs the movement of units to other response areas, fire stations, and/or jurisdictions so that adequate coverage is provided to all areas during day-to-day and major emergency operations.

Requirements

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities, and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position.

• Currently employed as a Telecommunicator I with Yakima Public Safety Communications Center (SunComm) OR meets the following minimum class requirements:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Six (6) months’ work experience providing direct customer service (e.g., bank teller, waiter) or a public safety communications environment.
• Must have computer and telephone experience.
• Able to accurately type at a sustained minimum of 30 words per minute.
• Associate or Bachelor of Arts degree may substitute for 6 months customer service experience requirement.
• Experience in a public safety communications or dispatch facility is preferred.

Qualifications

All candidates must successfully pass pre-suitability testing, comprehensive background check (assessing applicant's aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record, and criminal history), drug screening, hearing exam, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.

Skills

• Knowledge of emergency services operations and emergency service providers in Yakima County.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Have a working knowledge of the type and uses of the emergency equipment dispatched by the Center.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Strong knowledge of related City, department, and division functions, terminology, and current activities; time management, planning, and organizational practices, municipal records retention procedures, processes, and techniques.
• Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgment with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
• Knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of personal and professional ethics.
• Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, emergency personnel, government officials, and members of the public.
• Strong working knowledge of computer operations, databases, and industry applications including but not limited to CAD system; Microsoft Office Suite, and office equipment.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
• Ability to use a variety of computer software systems/applications proficiently.
• Must have the ability to interpret maps and to learn the roads, streets, and major geographic features of the Communications Center's operational area.
• Ability to: receive, comprehend, and rapidly relay accurate information; control telephone conversations to obtain accurate information; listen attentively and question for necessary information, provide correct, understandable instructions; perform duties during periods of extreme stress and time limitations; and, learn and apply information, laws, codes, guidelines, directives, policies, and procedures related to the job.

Benefits

Salary $4,855.07 - $6,501.73 Monthly

Pay and Schedule

This position requires individuals to work 12 HOUR SHIFTS with a rotating schedule of 2 months on days and 2 months on nights. Weekends and holidays are required as scheduled.