Communications Operator

City of Orangeburg•Orangeburg, SC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to answer and process emergency and non-emergency calls and to dispatch first responders. This role involves managing incoming calls, dispatching appropriate units, providing information to officers, and maintaining detailed records of all activities. The Communications Operator also utilizes databases for background checks and information retrieval, performs administrative support, processes documentation, and operates computer systems and general office equipment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Supplemented by one year of work experience that shows an ability to maintain steady employment in any field.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Must possess and maintain a valid National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions.
Must be able to learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Responsibilities

Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency voice calls from the public, determines the nature of the call, provides information, answers questions, takes messages, and/or refers the caller to the appropriate agency.
Enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, contacts and dispatches appropriate units, and provides officers with necessary information for response and safety.
Monitors the status of response and advises supervisors of all priority calls.
Logs incoming calls and dispatch information into computer systems, including details pertinent to calls, dispatched agencies, response time, and actions taken.
Maintains records of calls and dispatching activities, records officer calls, dispatch time, arrival time, and complete time, and files required documentation.
Utilizes the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database to conduct computer background checks, receive and submit inquiries on driver's licenses, vehicle tags, stolen articles and property, guns, wanted and missing persons, and warrants and summons.
Provides information from the computer database as requested by officers.
Performs various administrative support activities such as entering, updating, and retrieving information from databases, including law enforcement information.
Maintains communication logs, queries databases upon request, conducts research, submits information to appropriate staff, and performs system backups and reboots servers as needed.
Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations within designated timeframes and per established procedures, including receiving, reviewing, completing, processing, forwarding, or retaining documentation.
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, and compiles data for further processing or for use in department reports.
Maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software.
Operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
Communicates with supervisor, other employees, the public, and other agencies and individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Performs other related duties as required.