Communication Technician

City of Apopka•Apopka, FL

2d•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 equipment to transmit and retrieve information, interact professionally with the public and other agencies via radio or telephone, and maintain knowledge of departmental and city regulations. Additional duties include conducting tours, assisting with public education, performing clerical work, directing the public to community resources, and training new employees.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent certification required.
Valid Florida driver's license or other acceptable official identification.
Basic FCIC/NCIC certification or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire.
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 respond to various calls simultaneously and take proper action.
Ability to maintain constant attention to details while using communication equipment in noisy and confined work areas 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.
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 in 911 operations.
Perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules with constant problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

State of Florida DOH Telecommunicator Certification preferred.
Knowledge of emergency medical dispatch (EMD) and successfully pass the certification test within six months of starting position.

Responsibilities

Receive and respond to 911, emergency, non-emergency, complaint, and service-related phone calls.
Determine the nature and priority of calls and transfer information to appropriate units or persons.
Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system to dispatch public safety units and monitor their activities.
Operate teletype computer equipment to enter, retrieve, and transmit information regarding warrants, vehicle registrations, driver licenses, criminal histories, etc.
Maintain appropriate logs and files in accordance with FCIC and NCIC requirements.
Interact in a professional manner via radio or telephone with the public, fellow employees, and other public safety agencies.
Maintain knowledge of the Communications Center Standard Operating Guide, departmental rules/regulations, and city rules/regulations.
Maintain various files and logs to document information pertaining to public safety and established standards.
Conduct tours and assist with public education presentations at events.
Perform general clerical work, including typing reports and records, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, and faxing.
Direct the public to appropriate community resources.
Train new employees by demonstrating procedures, instructing in equipment operation, and teaching necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.