Communications Operator - Dispatcher

City of Brookings•Brookings, SD

7h•$23 - $31

About The Position

The Communications Operator provides dispatching services to emergency services providers and public service entities during assigned tours of duty. The role operates under the direct supervision of the Communications Commander and general supervision of the shift commander. Work is scheduled across rotating shifts and workdays, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. The operator answers emergency and non-emergency calls, determines their nature and priority, dispatches appropriate responders, and maintains communications with field units and other emergency service providers. The role also provides callers with guidance during emergencies using established protocols, maintains official dispatch records, shares public safety and local or regional information, assists walk-in customers when administrative offices are closed, and operates communications and office equipment. Employees must remain calm and communicate effectively during stressful and crisis situations. Candidates must pass the required testing unless certified in South Dakota, and successful candidates may be interviewed. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, and the employee must obtain specified South Dakota 911, Emergency Medical Dispatching and CPR, and NCIC certifications within one year of appointment if not already certified. Pre-employment screening may include references, background and credit checks, drug and alcohol screening, a medical history questionnaire, and a pre-employment physical.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to pass an extensive criminal history background investigation, including having no serious misdemeanor, felony, or domestic violence convictions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and maintain professional relationships with outside agencies, departmental personnel, and the public.
Ability to read and comprehend instructions and correspondence, compose correspondence, summarize activities, and accurately record and relay information received by telephone or radio.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and use units of volume and distance.
Ability to solve practical problems, interpret written and oral instructions, and act quickly and decisively in crises using sound independent judgment.
Ability to operate radio, telephone, computer, and teletype equipment and systems effectively.
Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local codes and ordinances, local geography, maps, and computer mapping systems, or ability to develop the required knowledge.
Ability to communicate emergency medical dispatch procedures to callers during medical emergencies.
Ability to master the requirements and tasks associated with emergency services dispatching and call taking.
Ability to work assigned rotating shifts, including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including regularly lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
Successful completion of written and/or oral interviews and other examinations required by the City.
Current South Dakota 911 Operator Certification, or ability to obtain it within one year of appointment.
Current Emergency Medical Dispatching and CPR certifications, or ability to obtain them within one year of appointment.
Current NCIC Full-use Operator certification, or ability to obtain it within one year of appointment.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of full-time experience in a full-service law enforcement communications center.
Current certification in Emergency Medical Dispatching and CPR.
Current certification as a Full-Use NCIC Operator.
Current South Dakota 911 Operator Certification.
Basic knowledge and experience using local area and state networked computer systems and their components, or similar computer network experience, as well as telephone or enhanced 911 systems, two-way radios, and other dispatch equipment.

Responsibilities

Answer emergency and non-emergency calls, determine their nature and priority, and dispatch appropriate service providers.
Maintain communications with field units, relay updated information, identify additional resources, and direct them to incident scenes.
Provide callers with direction and assistance during emergencies using established protocols, including Emergency Medical Dispatch procedures.
Maintain, file, record, and store timely records related to crime reports, dispatches, calls for service, business information, contacts, and other official documents.
Provide the public with general safety and personal security information during incidents such as crimes in progress, hazardous weather, other hazards, and medical emergencies.
Communicate with local and regional emergency service providers.
Provide emergency services providers with local and regional information, including weather and road conditions, as requested.
Assist walk-in customers when administrative offices are closed.
Operate communications and office equipment, including standard and enhanced 911 telephones, computer systems, two-way radios, copiers, fax machines, computer paging systems, and printers.
Attend required training sessions and departmental meetings.
Perform duties in accordance with safe practices and City of Brookings and Brookings Police Department policies.
Perform other duties as assigned or directed.