Communications Officer

JOB
The Public Safety Dispatcher is responsible for the timely and efficient relay of information that is critical in meeting the communications needs and requests for police, fire, and emergency medical services. This involves taking calls by phone and/or two-way radio, determining the appropriate response level and the appropriate agency/unites) to be dispatched. It demands extraordinary communication skills and coordination, extensive knowledge of a Computer Aided Dispatch System, and the ability to remain calm and decisive under the most stressful circumstances.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Receives emergency calls and skillfully extracts information in the most difficult of circumstances; transmits the information to officers in the field or designated stations applicable.Monitors all public safety radio traffic (on multiple channels) with officers on the scene of an incident.Dispatches wreckers, ambulances, and other agencies as required, as well as any other notifications needed by officers in the field.Dispatches for other City departments, to include necessary notifications requested by the Gas, Electricity, Street, Water, Sanitation, Park & Recreation, and the Animal Control Departments.Maintains radio contact with the University of North Alabama Department of Public Safety.Notifies alarm system company if alarms are not working properly.Makes notification of additions and changes to current premises information.Utilizes the Law Enforcement Data Systems Computer. Effects entries, clearance of weapons, wanted persons, as well as all other data, including administrative messages to other agencies, and maintains permanent confidential record of the same.Extracts all pertinent warnings and information relating to individuals, addresses, or incidents.Handles bomb and explosive devices calls in accordance with Federal, State, and local policies/procedures.Monitors national and local weather service reports; relays severe weather information when necessary.Female dispatchers may be required to search female prisoners/suspects, when necessary.Monitors other departments and other radio frequencies.Utilizes CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) and GPS (Geographic/Mapping Interface) systems to insure efficient and effective use of public safety resources.Handles missing children calls in accordance with established procedures.Handles all information within the communications Division with the use of CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) system; must be skilled in its use.Dispatches priority calls with use of GPS (Geographic/Mapping System).Relays calls to officers by use of MDT (mobile data terminals) system, in accordance with established protocol.Assists with on-the-job training of new dispatchers.Performs other duties as assigned or required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Skilled in the use of computers, especially the operation of a keyboard.Familiarity with Computer Aided Dispatch systems is preferable.Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate information under hectic and stressful conditions.Knowledge of city geography, historical sites, etc.Ability to work with limited supervision.Ability to pass a spelling and typing test. Innate ability to multi-task information from multiple sources simultaneously.Physical Demands: Ability to work with continuous interruptions from telephones, radio traffic, and departmental personnel.Work is very repetitive and requires an individual's undivided attention, which can lead to physical and mental fatigue.Excellent coordination is required in order to use foot controls, keyboards, and phone/radio systems simultaneously.Work environment can become highly stressful due to either nature of calls or workload.Ability to sit for extended periods of time, including unscheduled overtime after regular shifts.Equipment Used: Computer terminal, two-way radio, a multi-line phone system, CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) System, GPS Computer System (mapping/geographic interface), NCIC Computer (National Criminal Information Center), copier, and facsimile machine.Supervision Required: Must be a self-motivated individual capable of taking decisive action with little supervision.For similar job postings, applications may be used for up to ninety (90) days.The City of Florence, Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.