Communication Technician

City of Apopka • Apopka, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Communication Technician is responsible for receiving and responding to 911, emergency, non-emergency, complaint, and service-related phone calls. This role involves determining the nature and priority of calls, dispatching public safety units via a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, and monitoring their activities. The technician will also operate teletype computer equipment to access and transmit information, interact professionally with the public and other agencies via radio and telephone, and maintain knowledge of departmental and city regulations. Additional duties include performing general clerical work, directing the public to community resources, and training new employees. This position supports a 24/7 operation and may require working any post, assignment, or shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with the ability to adjust schedules as needed.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent certification required.
• Valid Florida driver's license or other acceptable official identification.
• Ability to type at least 30 words per minute.
• Ability to speak clearly in a well-modulated voice, using good diction.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of operating procedures for handling emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Knowledge of FCIC/NCIC procedures and regulations.
• Knowledge of Police Information Management System.
• Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system operations.
• Considerable knowledge of the efficient operation of radios; receiving and transmitting equipment.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, stressful environment, exercise good judgment and responds to various calls simultaneously and take proper action.
• Ability to maintain a constant attention to details while using communication equipment in noisy and confined work area with radio traffic, ringing telephones and conversations occurring simultaneously.
• Thorough knowledge of the geographic boundaries of the City and surrounding district including location of streets, subdivisions, important buildings, and major landmarks.
• Knowledge in 911 operations.
• Perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules with constant problem-solving.
• Basic FCIC/NCIC certification or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire.
• Knowledge of emergency medical dispatch (EMD) and successfully pass the certification test within six months of starting position.

Nice To Haves

• State of Florida DOH Telecommunicator Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives and responds to 911, emergency, non-emergency, complaint, and service-related phone calls.
• Determines the nature and priority of calls by asking questions of callers, and transfers information to appropriate units or persons.
• Operates computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system to dispatch public safety units to calls.
• Monitors activities and location of public safety units to ensure situations are under control; provides immediate backup when needed and notifies appropriate supervisors.
• Operates teletype computer equipment to enter, retrieve, and transmit information regarding outstanding warrants, vehicle registrations, driver licenses, criminal histories, etc.
• Maintains appropriate logs and files in accordance with requirements of the Florida Crime Information Commission (NCIC and FCIC) and departmental procedures.
• Interacts in a professional manner via radio or telephone with the public and fellow employees and other public safety agencies.
• Maintains various files and logs to document information pertaining to public safety and established standards.
• Conducts tours and assists with public education presentations at events when needed.
• Performs general clerical work as required, including typing reports and records, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, and faxing.
• Directs public to appropriate community resources.
• Trains new employees by demonstrating procedures, instructing in the operation of equipment, and teaching the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for successful performance.

Benefits

• The City of Apopka participates in E-Verify.
• The City of Apopka is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recognizes a moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to provide fair and equitable consideration of applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, sexual orientation, of other non-job-related factors.
• When requested, the City of Apopka will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

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