Communications Officer

Pueblo County • Pueblo, CO

2d

About The Position

The Communications Officer receives and relays emergency and non-emergency public safety calls by radio and telephone and dispatches law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services for an emergency communications center. The role handles calls and referrals to outside agencies, enters call records, maintains logs, compiles call-related statistics, and operates computer-aided dispatch systems. It is safety-sensitive and involves confidential information. The work requires independent judgment, critical thinking, decision-making, and thorough knowledge of communications equipment, policies, and procedures.

The Communications Officer prioritizes 911 and non-emergency calls and digital requests for help, gathers and reports critical information during emergencies, and dispatches units according to policy. The officer may provide callers with pre-arrival medical or fire-safety instructions, including guidance for CPR, childbirth, bleeding control, and fire-related safety procedures. The role also coordinates resources and maintains communications with field units and other agencies, provides geographic assistance, and shares life-safety information with first responders.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license at the time of application and a valid Colorado driver's license at the time of hire.
• Must complete selection testing, including a computerized multi-task test, interview, and mandatory observation session.
• Must complete a pre-employment background investigation, polygraph examination, physical examination including a drug screen, and psychological evaluation.
• Must be able to work shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize 911 and non-emergency calls and digital requests for police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency services.
• Gather, analyze, and report critical information during crimes in progress, medical emergencies, and fire or rescue incidents, and dispatch units in accordance with policy.
• Provide pre-arrival medical or fire-safety instructions, including guidance for CPR, childbirth, bleeding control, and fire-call safety.
• Operate public-safety communications equipment, including multi-channel radios, 911 telephone systems, text-to-911 systems, advanced location systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, instant-recall recorders, and paging and intercom systems.
• Transmit, receive, record, and disseminate teletype information from state and national computer networks concerning wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registrations, and stolen vehicles; relay information to field deputies and maintain NCIC/CCIC certification.
• Enter automated activity records, maintain dispatch-operation logs, and communicate via email.
• Coordinate information and assistance requests with other law enforcement and firefighting agencies; coordinate and assign resources in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Maintain communication with units to monitor the status and locations of law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service personnel.
• Interpret maps and use local geographic knowledge to identify locations and assist the public, field personnel, and other agencies.
• Provide assistance, information, and guidance to callers from outside the agency and refer or transfer calls to external agencies as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with the public and internal team members, orally and in writing, and collaborate as a team member.
• Provide first responders with life-safety information during emergencies, including officer-down and MAYDAY calls.

Benefits

• Shift differential pay
• Referral/recruitment incentives
• Trainer pay
• Tuition reimbursement
• Take-home vehicle (Patrol)
• Opportunity to work in many diverse areas
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, for full-time employees
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual
• County retirement program
• Autonomy to grow and find a career path with supportive leadership
• Inclusive and diverse environment
• Fitness center at the Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building
• May be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave benefits for full-time employees

What This Job Offers

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