Communications Officer

University of Central Oklahoma•Edmond, OK

1d•$15 - $15•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Officer receives and processes emergency and non-emergency police, fire, ambulance, SafeWalk, and general service calls for the University of Central Oklahoma. The role gathers callers’ locations and information about their needs, determines the appropriate response, dispatches units according to established procedures, and records calls, dispatches, and messages. The officer also manages access to the on-campus sidewalk system, maintains key records and processes key requests, provides directions and general information to visitors, and handles after-hours calls for campus departments. The position monitors and operates campus fire, panic, intrusion, and emergency alert systems; communicates emergency instructions; monitors video surveillance and severe weather; and coordinates information with university police, fire, and other public safety providers. It uses law-enforcement and university information systems to retrieve, enter, and update records, including information about wanted persons, stolen property, vehicles, missing persons, and warrants. The officer also operates and monitors police radio, telephone, telecommunications, and digital recording equipment, and maintains accurate files and records. This is a mission-essential, regular, full-time, hourly, non-exempt, benefit-eligible staff position scheduled for 40 hours per week. Officers work five 8-hour shifts and are assigned to one of three shifts: 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., or 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. During inclement weather or other emergencies, the incumbent is expected to report to work as directed. The position requires working effectively with minimal or no supervision and managing stressful, potentially life-threatening situations.

Requirements

General education or vocational training and at least 3 years of relevant experience in the chosen field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Effectively speak English.
Make sound, independent decisions and exercise judgment in complex situations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and speak calmly under stress.
Maintain highly accurate records and files and minimize errors when handling emergency service requests and alarm monitoring.
Operate public safety communications equipment, including police radio, recording equipment, and telecommunications equipment such as teletype.
Handle highly stressful conditions during emergencies, including life-threatening situations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, individuals, groups, public agencies, and public safety providers.
Follow complex spoken and written instructions.
Comply with complex password requirements and maintain password confidentiality.
Moderate proficiency with Microsoft Word.
Successfully complete the State of Oklahoma Telecommunications Certification course within six months of employment and recertify by computer every two years.
Be fingerprinted within 30 days of employment and every five years thereafter.
Attend weather-monitoring software training within one year of employment.
Report to work as directed during inclement weather or other emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

No conviction for a serious misdemeanor crime.
No conviction for a felony crime.
Valid Oklahoma driver license.
OLETS certification.
Thirty college credits.

Responsibilities

Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone or alarm-system calls concerning police, fire, ambulance, SafeWalk, motorist assistance, unlocks, information, and other campus services.
Question callers to determine their location and the nature of their problem, assess the response needed, and direct calls to the appropriate authority.
Dispatch public safety units according to established procedures and provide accurate information about emergencies and recommended routes.
Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages, and maintain accurate records and files.
Issue and monitor access to the on-campus sidewalk system for vendors, visitors, and university faculty and staff.
Respond to walk-in visitors seeking directions, information, or help with parking citations.
Maintain accurate master records of keys issued to university employees, check in keys when employees leave, assign keys, and process official key requests.
Monitor and report campus fire and panic alarms and intrusion alarms, noting system malfunctions and inappropriate activations or inactivations.
Contact the University Fire Marshal and Risk Management during emergencies.
Use the university fire panel system to send prerecorded messages or voice instructions to campus buildings and use the Central Alert system to send emergency messages to the university community.
Monitor campus video surveillance and assist police staff in locating footage of interest.
Monitor weather with the Director of Emergency Management and other police staff, and communicate relevant information during severe weather.
Operate police radio and maintain contact with mobile public safety units; monitor radio traffic across multiple frequencies and a facilities-management phone/radio.
Coordinate delivery of emergency services and relay relevant information between local response agencies and UCO police officers.
Operate, monitor, and maintain digital recording equipment used for police radio broadcasts and telephone conversations.
Enter, update, and retrieve information using telecommunications networks and computerized law-enforcement and university data systems, including OLETS and the Rave Guardian/Smart 911 module.
Maintain files such as personnel rosters, emergency call-out information, and phone directories.
Perform other related duties as assigned.