Telecommunicator

Job Summary

There are 2 full time positions and 1 part time position available.

Responsible for all department voice, radio and teletype communications. Telecommunicators are responsible for receiving, screening and dispatching emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for Police/Fire/EMS response within Chisago County. Operates a multi-channel radio and computer-aided dispatch system, playback audio recorder system, video surveillance system, TDD/TTY device, security devices, state teletype system, and completes computer entry/query in national, state-wide and local records systems.

Telecommunicators work in the Communication Center and have frequent contact with multiple public safety agencies, city departments and the general public, while performing public safety dispatch activities. Contacts frequently cover material that is confidential, sensitive or urgent in nature. Contacts require extreme tact, courtesy and mature judgment.

If selected from the applicant pool, mandatory written testing by invitation will be scheduled.
Qualifications and Requirements: Type 40 wpm; Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts; including nights, weekends and Holidays. Subject to emergency callout(s). Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to evaluate emergency situations and make timely decisions under stress. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as excellent listening skills. Ability to follow instruction. Ability to maintain data in a highly confidential manner. Must have excellent multi-tasking ability. Must possess good map reading skills. Must be detail oriented.
Starting Wage: $23.24 per hour ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Telecommunicators dispatch emergency and non-emergency personnel in response to calls for service for eleven cities and nine townships in Chisago County. Receives information, questions and requests for service. This function:
a) Handles public inquiries and complaints.
b) Determines nature and prioritization of all emergency and non-emergency police, fire and
medical calls for service via radio and phone systems.
c) Maintains data entry and detailed logs into a computer aided dispatch system.
d) Dispatches all calls for service and appropriate responders in accordance with current
standard operating procedures.
e) Efficiently operates a complex computer based telephone system with multiple emergency
and administrative lines.
f) Effectively operates a multi-channel, multi-agency statewide 800MHz radio system to communicate emergency and non-emergency information to various law enforcement, fire and medical agencies.
g) Monitors closed circuit security cameras.
h) Performs clerical duties.
i) The radio system also involves the paging of eleven fire departments as well as civil defense paging.

2. Process data entry from calls for service and other initial complaint reports into a computer aided dispatch system. Accurate recording of times, dates and other pertinent information at various stages of a call. Reviews and records case information; maintains logs and records including automated record files. Knowledge of National Law Enforcement Telecommunications system, the National Crime Information Center, The Minnesota Criminal Justice Reporting System and the Minnesota Justice Information System. Accuracy of these entries is of paramount importance due to the value for investigations, locating persons and recovering property, as well as liability consideration attached to accurate reporting and relaying this data.

3. Provide information to authorized personnel by accessing hard copy files and electronic data bases. This information is strictly confidential and the dispatcher must have MNJIS certification, within six months of hire date, to request this information. Certification must be renewed every 2 years by testing process.

4. Take calls and messages for the entire Sheriff"s Office, 24 hours a day. Telecommunicators are responsible for receiving and processing all telephone calls that are dialed into the Sheriff"s Office main telephone numbers.

5. Maintain dispatch center work area and equipment in clean and working condition.

6. Monitor internal on-site intrusion and fire alarms for Government Center and Public Safety Center.

7. Record the on-duty and off-duty times of all Sheriff"s Office deputies, city police officers and fire departments.

8. Provide training to new employees as needed and may have limited supervisory duties when necessary.

9. Act as alternate Master Control for the Chisago County Jail, monitoring and allowing access into the secure perimeter.
Desired Minimum Qualifications

A. High school diploma or GED required.
B. Valid driver"s license required.
C. Computer experience required.
D. Strong customer service skills and/or frequent public contact are desirable.
E. Prior Public Safety experience helpful.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities -
A. Ability to type 40 wpm accurately
B. Ability to multi-task
C. Ability to work with alphabetical and numerical filing systems
D. Ability to communicate effectively with others face to face, via telephone and with two-way 800MHz radio system
E. Ability to use acceptable grammar, sentence structure and spelling
F. Ability to pay close attention to details and to remember details
G. Ability to perform complicated functions while under stress
H. Ability to hear voice communication within normal audio ranges
I. Ability to remain calm during emergencies
J. Ability to listen effectively
K. Ability to prioritize functions
L. Ability to make sound decisions under stress
M. Knowledge of computers and electronic equipment
N. Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures
O. Ability to communicate with the public verbally.
P. No felony conviction.
Q. Must be able to follow all policy and procedures
R. Must be able to pass criminal history and full background check including psychological and physical.
S. Must be able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms. This position sits a majority of the time. Employees applying for this position must be able to meet this requirement.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Computer aided dispatch for radios, paging and doors. E-911 computers. Telephones, radios, paging, personal computer, TTY/TDD device, audio playback recorder, video surveillance cameras, copy machine, fax machine, state computer, car/van, and alarm systems.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Involves considerable stress during emergency situations. Requires non-standard or rotating shifts. Requires confidentiality. Disclaimer

GENERAL STATEMENT:
Applicants for appointment to this position will be required to submit a formal application and may be subject to rating of education and experience, oral interview and/or reference check and background investigation. Job related tests may be required of any applicant.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $23.24 - $27.91 per hour