911 Emergency Communications Operator

City of Atlantic Beach•Atlantic Beach, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position performs specialized emergency communications work for the City of Atlantic Beach. The operator receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls, answers telephone and 911 lines, dispatches officers, operates two-way and multi-channel radio equipment to obtain and relay information, maintains logs and files, and performs related clerical and administrative tasks. The work is performed under general supervision and requires initiative and independent judgment to respond appropriately under stressful conditions. The position involves deskbound work and rotational shift assignments. Work is reviewed through direct observation, tape audits, log reviews, and supervisory meetings. The City describes a supportive public-service work environment and offers competitive compensation, benefits, professional development and training opportunities, and opportunities for career advancement. Hiring is subject to a temporary hiring freeze through November 15, 2026; applications, screening, and interviews may continue, but an offer depends on the City Commission lifting the freeze or authorizing an exception.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Meet requirements and qualify for NCIC/FCIC certification after six months of training, with recertification every two years.
Complete 360 hours of Field Training and pass associated knowledge tests and performance standards.
Complete the state-mandated 232-hour Emergency Communications Operator curriculum and pass the State of Florida 911 PST certification exam; recertify every two years by completing at least 20 CEU hours.
Obtain FEMA ICS certifications at levels 100, 200, 700, and 800, and FEMA IS 5.A certification.
Complete training and pass certification on the Florida DAVID system annually.
Knowledge of public safety agency rules, regulations, and methods of operation.
Knowledge of police and public utility dispatch procedures and Atlantic Beach street systems.
Knowledge of telephone and radio operating requirements and techniques, NCIC/FCIC regulations, and CJIS regulations.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to make quick, accurate decisions and coordinate multiple tasks in stressful situations.
Ability to read maps, use a computer keyboard, and update and maintain accurate records.
Ability to deal courteously and respectfully with the public.

Nice To Haves

Qualifications and experience exceeding the minimum requirements may be preferred.

Responsibilities

Answer 911, emergency, and non-emergency calls; receive walk-in complaints; gather vital information; refer callers to appropriate agencies; and remain on the telephone with callers when needed.
Solicit information from citizens about service requests and help calm or de-escalate callers during critical incidents.
Make emergency notifications to administrative staff.
Maintain, update, and file logs, information cards, tapes, records, and other documents.
Transmit orders and receive messages from law enforcement, fire, emergency response units, agencies, service providers, and others; determine the appropriate action, priority, and number of units to dispatch.
Obtain accurate information and maintain awareness of available units, pursuit procedures, and emergency alert and disaster procedures.
Coordinate joint emergency responses and investigations with other entities.
Enter and search data in multiple computer systems; prepare chronological data for officers' reports and research data for administrative reports.
Operate NCIC/FCIC computer terminals and receive and disseminate information concerning stolen vehicles and articles, wanted persons, and missing persons.
Maintain knowledge of thoroughfares, access routes, and roads closed for construction or repair.
Provide information about public assistance entities and community services.
Check equipment, report malfunctions or breakage, and perform minor repairs as instructed by vendors.
Monitor life-safety and emergency-power systems in the Public Safety building and evacuate or notify appropriate people when necessary.
Enter traffic citations and other reports, complete daily equipment checklists, and report deficiencies for repair.
Monitor surveillance cameras and dispatch officers to suspicious activity; monitor the automated vehicle location system for officer safety and call assignment.
Comply with accreditation standards and review, understand, and acknowledge applicable communications, police operations, and City policies and training.
Be prepared to evacuate the Emergency Communications Division to an alternate location at any time for an unknown duration during severe weather or another catastrophic event.
Perform other related duties as required.