911 Emergency Dispatcher (Communications Officer)

To learn more about the job, call the non-emergency line at the PD (541-997-3515) and ask for a time to come down and talk with a dispatcher and see what they do!

Benefits:

• Starting Salary: $22.85/hr (with potential increases based on education)
• Additional benefits:
  • 100% paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for eligible employees and dependents
  • $2,500 or $4,000 per year paid into the employee's Health Savings Account
  • Generous paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave
  • Eligibility for Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) in Oregon
  • Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• To review the current CBA and union pay scale for this represented position, see: https://www.ci.florence.or.us/hr/florence-police-employees-association

Recruitment Timeline:

• First Review Deadline: week of March 26 (we will strive to review every two weeks)
• Review Applications: Approximately one week
• Testing, Interview, and Selection Process: Estimated to take 1-2 months
  • we plan to conduct interviews prior to testing. Written testing will be done on-site at a later date in the process.
  • for testing, applicants must achieve at least 75% in reading comprehension, must not fail any section, and must carry an overall average of 75%
  • This must be completed by the top applicants before moving onto the background phase
  • Lateral candidates do not need to undergo written testing
• The top applicant must complete the police background (criminal history check and background questionnaire) prior to receiving a conditional offer. Approximately 1 month
  • Post conditional offer, the candidate will need to have a medical physical, drug and alcohol screen, and psychological exam. Included in the above 1 month timeline.

Join Our Story as a Communications Officer:

Imagine yourself as a vital character in the dynamic narrative of public safety. As a Communications Officer with the City of Florence Police Department, your role transcends the mundane. It's a journey of 8-hour shifts, where you'll deliver timely and accurate information with critical communication.

Your Responsibilities:

Call Taking

When the phone rings, you'll be there to answer. Whether it's a frantic 911 call or a general inquiry, you'll be the reassuring voice on the other end. With compassion and clarity, you'll extract vital details and dispatch them to the officers in the field.

Multitasking

Multitasking is your superpower. Imagine monitoring multiple officers and agencies, maintaining records, and ensuring every piece of the puzzle fits together perfectly. Your ability to switch gears mid-task will keep things flowing seamlessly.

Handling Stressful Situations

Stressful situations are just another part of the job. Picture yourself talking individuals through emergencies, calmly obtaining and delivering crucial information.

Maintaining Detailed Records

In the world of public safety, accurate records are your manuscript. You'll record and recall every detail with precision, ensuring that every chapter of our story is documented clearly and concisely.

Prioritizing

You are the gatekeeper of calls for service. You'll prioritize each one, ensuring that the right people respond at the right time. Your decisions will make the difference in our community's safety.

Data Analysis

Responding to requests from officers in the field, you'll query databases for information. Your skills at analysis will unveil crucial details, aiding our officers in the field.

Monitoring and Conducting Jail Checks

Monitor prisoners through video feeds, perform necessary searches when officers are unavailable, and ensure the safety of all within our walls.

Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to professional ethics standards is your code of honor. Your integrity is your most important attribute.

Customer Service Excellence

Every encounter is an opportunity to shine. You'll provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers, representing our values and mission to the community.

Requirements:

• 1 years of verifiable experience in a fast-paced public contact environment, including clerical computer entry and multi-line phone experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Eligibility to obtain Criminal Justice Information System clearance and pass a background/criminal history check, including psychological exam.
• Knowledge of customer service techniques and strong communication, time management, and technology skills.
• Ability to attend DPSST Communications Officer Academy and complete necessary training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bi-lingual ability in Spanish and English.
• Any higher-level educational degree.
• Knowledge of/experience with modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of/experience with multi-line telephone systems, radio dispatching, and multi-tasking-divided attention skills.

• Top candidate shall undergo a comprehensive police background (questionnaire, criminal history review, FBI fingerprint review, etc.) prior to receiving conditional offer
• After conditional offer is signed, candidate shall undergo medical review (drug and alcohol screen, physical examination, and psychological examination)
• Completing all parts of the background successfully is required

If you're ready to become a central character in the gripping narrative of public safety, one who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is dedicated to making our community the Premier Community on the Coast, we encourage you to apply. Join us in crafting the story of Florence's safety and excellence.

For a detailed job description, click here.