Communications Officer

George Mason University • Fairfax, VA

59d • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Officer provides first responder services and performs a variety of communications and operational tasks in support of public safety, security and law enforcement operations, linking those in need of assistance to those who render assistance. The job is considered Essential/Designated personnel and will be required to work a variety of schedules in a 24-hour, 7 day a week configuration which includes nights, weekends, holidays, and during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience in the operation of computers to include Windows and varied software applications;
• Experience working with the public;
• Knowledge and skills in managing and prioritizing emergency communication incidents;
• Knowledge of basic public safety communication concepts and fundamentals;
• Possess good working knowledge of all available resource information located in the Communications Center or at the university;
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and verbal/written communication skills;
• Excellent public relations/customer service skills;
• Ability to pass rigid background check;
• Ability to pass a psychological examination;
• Ability to perform well under stress in a calm, efficient manner;
• Ability to successfully complete dispatcher's certification course at an accredited academy;
• Ability to analyze all emergency situations to determine course of action and solve problems;
• Ability to communicate verbally with adequate radio voice with no speech limitations;
• Ability to provide professional/caring community-oriented service;
• Ability to communicate respectfully to internal and external customers, appreciate diversity and respect differences, maintaining confidentiality;
• Ability to work with teams or independently with minimal supervision at times;
• Possess a dependable work ethic, and have a high level of integrity, honesty, and accountability;
• Ability to be compliant with Virginia State Police/FBI/Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) policies;
• Must be able to obtain/maintain NCIC/VCIN full access certification within 30 days of hire;
• Required to obtain/maintain NCIC/VCIN operator certification in compliance with Virginia State Police and FBI regulations;
• Required to maintain dispatcher certification regulated by Virginia DCJS; and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator's license that meets all of GMU's requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason's Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver's licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree in related field;
• Previous experience working in a public safety field, emergency management, or emergency communications center is preferred;
• Knowledge of law enforcement/public safety emergency communications;
• Public speaking skills and abilities; and
• Strong ability working with varied computer software applications.

Responsibilities

• Provides First Responder Care to the Public and other First Responders
• Monitors and Operates Emergency Communications Equipment
• Accesses, Operates, and Monitors Criminal Justice and other Confidential Information Databases
• Provides Public Services and Assistance to Community Members
• Practices Personal Accountability and Follows Code of Conduct, Laws, Policies, and Procedures and in Compliance with Training and Certification Required of Position
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees