EOC 911 Dispatcher

St. James Parish Government • Convent, LA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

St. James Parish Government is hiring for the position of 911 Dispatcher in the Emergency Preparedness Department. The Dispatcher is responsible for answering all emergency calls and dispatching appropriate authorities as needed. This role demands strict confidentiality, timeliness, and efficiency. Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Assistant Director of Emergency Preparedness, the Dispatcher will monitor various public safety telecommunications systems and equipment. Parish Dispatchers work alongside sheriff’s office Dispatchers in the same location. Individuals in this class are expected to complete most of their work with minimal supervision. The position typically involves a rotating 12-hour shift, including an on-call rotation. This is a safety-sensitive role, classified as essential during declared emergencies or natural disasters, and is non-exempt from overtime payment as per the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Requirements

• High school graduation or its equivalent
• Must possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license (Class E)
• Must have an acceptable driving record
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must have working knowledge of a personal computer and all other standard office equipment/machinery
• Ability to read a variety of correspondences, reports, ordinances, proclamations, resolutions, forms, manual, etc.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from outside entities with poise, voice control, and confidence
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measurement using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages and also interpret bar graphs
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer with experience using the Microsoft Office programs, especially Microsoft Word and Excel
• Will be required to work in various software packages
• Ability to perform assignments with minimal supervision and maintain efficiency and timeliness
• Must be willing to work overtime on occasion
• Must be willing to attend occasional meetings and seminars outside of the office that may require an overnight stay when necessary
• Position requires a high degree of confidentiality due to the privileged and confidential nature of the information processed
• Ability to maintain professionalism under a high-pressured situation

Responsibilities

• Handle the reception and transmission of telephone and radio emergency calls, complaints and inquiries from the public
• Evaluate information to determine jurisdiction and other pertinent data and disseminating necessary information to the appropriate agencies in a prompt and efficient manner
• Monitor various public safety telecommunication systems and equipment
• Operate a variety of equipment including, but not limited to, enhanced 911 telephone systems, telephone device for the deaf (T.D.D.), audio recording and playback equipment, radio transmitters and receivers, radio consoles, data communication terminals, and computer aided dispatch systems
• Record the nature and source of all incoming and outgoing radio and telephone messages
• Study and maintain familiarity with highways, roads, streets, parish municipal numbering system, landmarks, major buildings and geography of all St. James Parish and surrounding areas
• Attend trainings, conferences, hearings, and other meetings related to this position as required by the Director, Assistant Director or Communications Supervisor
• Perform any other work-related duties as assigned by the Director, Assistant Director or Communications Supervisor

What This Job Offers

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