911 Communications Officer

Madison, County of • Virginia City, MT

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The 911 Communications Officer receives emergency and non-emergency requests for response via radio, telephone, and teletype systems while entering all information into a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, determines the priorities of each call, dispatches law enforcement and/or other first responder units depending on the needs of the call while maintaining close contact with field units and monitoring response and progress, and also assists responders with needed support requirements from the incident or Incident Command (IC). MCCC is a consolidated office serving multiple jurisdictions and disciplines and operates as a 24-hour, 7 day a week environment that provides support for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, disaster and emergency services, as well as various other State and Federal agencies. MCCC is the primary Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) for Madison County, Montana.

Requirements

• Education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate
• Upon hire, requires attaining and maintaining access certifications for criminal justice information databases and associated communications systems
• Requires freedom from illegal use of drugs and freedom from use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace
• The candidate must also pass a thorough criminal background investigation
• Knowledge of public service activities
• Knowledge of the organization, policies and methods of county government
• Knowledge of law enforcement and emergency response terminology and procedures
• Knowledge of geography of Madison County including locations of towns and communities, major and minor roadways, and like information
• Comprehension of the English language, spelling and grammar
• Basic mathematics
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering the operation of radio receivers and transmitters
• Knowledge of the proper use and care of radio and telephone equipment
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally with other parties under stress
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely and relay details accurately
• Ability to handle stressful situations firmly, confidentially, courteously, tactfully and impartially
• Ability to recall numerous specific details and essential information
• Ability to determine proper priority of all situations presented
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and making a clear and complete record
• Skill in operating radio, telephone and teletype with keyboard and other related communications equipment
• Skill in creating and maintaining manual and automated logs and other records of public safety communications activities
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations, jurisdictional boundaries, etc.
• Skill in the use of basic and specialized computer hardware and software

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardized rapid caller interview to obtain relevant and complete information in order to prioritize and dispatch a call for service, and continue instructing callers on managing emergency situations until responders arrive
• Create and maintain complete and accurate records to document public safety communications activities using various computer systems, databases and mapping applications for data entry and retrieval
• Dispatch calls for service to the appropriate agency and unit and update responding unites while in progress
• Maintain status and location of all public safety personnel involved in field activities to ensure their ongoing safety
• Monitor multiple emergency and general support radio frequencies, telephone and teletype messaging devices to ensure public safety and determine dispatch requirements and priorities
• Use federal and state databases and networks to input and retrieve information regarding various criminal justice records
• Employ logic and critical thinking skills in evaluating alternative solutions to determine the most suitable approach to problems
• Maintain a working knowledge of Madison County and surrounding jurisdiction mapping and geography
• Adhere to strict standards of confidentiality
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license
• All other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED