Communications Operator

City of Burbank • Burbank, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Communications Operator answers emergency (911) and non-emergency phone lines, maintains contact with law enforcement personnel and other City units in the field, and dispatches appropriate units or equipment in response to emergency and other calls received through the Burbank Police Department (BPD) Communications Center. The position also performs related work as required.

The operator works in the BPD Communications Center on a shift basis, receiving calls, dispatching and recording appropriate law enforcement and other equipment, and maintaining contact with field units throughout the shift. The role operates the emergency telephone system and computer terminal, sends and routes computer messages, maintains unit-status records and logs, prepares reports and summaries, and performs miscellaneous clerical work. It may include composing and typing log sheets and driving on City business.

Communications Operators in the Police Department may receive POST pay based on certification: 3% for an Intermediate POST Certificate, 4% for an Advanced POST Certificate, or 5% for a Supervisory POST Certificate, up to 5% total; the percentages do not add together as employees obtain additional certificates. This pay provision is effective beginning the pay period immediately following Council adoption.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• One year of recent full-time experience in customer service, clerical work, or emergency services dispatch/radio communications work.
• Ability to type 40 net words per minute.
• Obtain a POST-certified Public Safety Dispatch Basic Course Certificate within one year of appointment and maintain all required licenses and certificates throughout employment.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures involved in public safety communications work; effective customer service techniques; and spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Skill in operating modern computers and related software, exercising independent judgment, and making decisions based on standard policies and procedures.
• Ability to learn Federal Communications Commission rules for operating radio receivers and transmitters; Communications Center policies and procedures; BPD General Orders; City Administrative Procedures; California Penal and Vehicle Codes; the City Municipal Code; and the BPD CAD system.
• Ability to learn proper use and care of radio communications equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, think clearly and act quickly in emergencies, maintain accurate records, and simultaneously receive, dispatch, and record information using a database system.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.
• A valid California Class C driver's license or equivalent may be required at appointment.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency (911) and non-emergency telephone calls.
• Dispatch and record appropriate law enforcement units or other equipment in response to reported emergencies and other calls.
• Maintain contact with field units throughout the shift and send needed or requested assistance during emergencies.
• Maintain a continuous record of mobile-unit status and disposition.
• Operate the emergency telephone system.
• Send and receive computer messages and route them to the appropriate destination.
• Use a computer terminal to enter, modify, or retrieve data.
• Maintain a current log of information received and transmitted.
• Prepare required reports and summaries of Communications Center activities.
• Perform miscellaneous clerical work and, as needed, compose and type log sheets.
• May drive on City business.

Benefits

• POST pay: 3% for an Intermediate POST Certificate, 4% for an Advanced POST Certificate, or 5% for a Supervisory POST Certificate, up to 5% total; percentages do not add together.

What This Job Offers

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